Agilent Technologies Inc. and Asylum Research, a maker of atomic force microscopes (AFMs), have signed an agreement to collaborate on developing nanotechnology measurement technologies and applications. Agilent is also making an equity investment in the Santa Barbara-based company. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Agilent's Nanotechnology Measurements Division (NMD), part of the company's test and measurement business, is focused on developing tools for the nanotechnology market. . . . Palomar Technologies Inc., of Vista, Calif., and Avo Photonics, of Horsham, Pa., are collaborating on packaging Luxcore Optronics' 27-dB gain optical chip. They have completed a prototype design and assembly. Luxcore, which said it will outsource manufacturing, makes all-optical internetworking subsystems. Palomar is a supplier of manufacturing assembly systems, and Avo Photonics develops microelectronic packaging, assembly and test systems for the communications, military, aerospace and medical markets.