Hamamatsu Opens New Facility
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. announced the completion of its new facility for the development of portable products, which combine optical systems with photonic devices. Dubbed the Business Promotion Project Building, the new facility is located on the grounds of the company’s Central Research Laboratory in Japan. The completion ceremony was held on October 16, 2009 and operations will begin this month. The Business Promotion Project Building will serve as a technology center for the various manufacturing divisions of Hamamatsu Photonics and will house equipment that is used in the development of integral optics-based products. It will also be the new offices for R&D groups which have been working on companywide integral optics projects during the past several years. Furthermore, the new facility will enable Hamamatsu Photonics to consolidate its expertise on various technologies related to integral optics, which until now have been distributed among the various divisions of the company. These technologies include those for optical systems design, optical thin film manufacturing and MOEMS/opto-nanotechnology device fabrication. (11/17/2009)
JDSU Brands Holography Platform
JDSU, an optical products company based in Milpitas, Calif., has announced a new name for its holographic technology platform. Now called IconiGram, the technology includes new features that enhance the visual impact and improve the application and distribution of holograms developed for products such as bank cards and identity documents. Products that leverage the IconiGram technology platform include a hot stamp foil product (IconiGram HS), security laminates (IconiGram LM), and pressure-sensitive labels and seals (IconiGram PS).
Holograms are easily recognizable images that are difficult for counterfeiters to simulate. They are considered one of the most popular “overt” security technologies that are used on products as a first line of defense against fraud.
According to the company, new features include enhanced and brighter imagery for authenticating holographic images, environmentally friendly packaging, dual registration marks for easier application and greater registration accuracy, and a new delivery format optimized for modern holographic manufacturing processes.
(11/17/2009)
Leadership Changes at Lockheed
Lockheed Martin Corp., based in Bethesda, Md., has announced several leadership appointments and a realignment within its Electronic Systems business area. The actions are effective in early 2010. Marillyn A. Hewson, 55, will become executive vice president of the Electronic Systems business area. Currently president of Systems Integration-Owego, she succeeds Christopher E. Kubasik, who has been appointed to the position of president and chief operating officer. John T. Lucas, 49, will become senior vice president of human resources, succeeding Kenneth J. Disken, who is retiring following a 40-year career. William L. Graham, 59, will become deputy to Linda Gooden, Information Systems & Global Services’ executive vice president. Orlando P. Carvalho, 51, will become president of the Maritime Systems and Sensors (MS2) business, succeeding Fred P. Moosally, who previously announced his retirement after a long career with the US Navy and the defense industry. Carvalho is currently vice president and general manager of MS2’s operations in Moorestown, N.J. Regarding the business area, effective Jan. 1, 2010, the ground vehicle line of business, which includes the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program, will be realigned from Systems Integration-Owego to Missiles and Fire Control, and the balance of Owego’s business will realign with MS2. (11/16/2009)
Gulf Fiberoptics Adds New Div.
Gulf Fiberoptics, an Oldsmar, Fla.-based manufacturer of fiber optic products for the medical, industrial and visual illumination markets, has announced that it is adding a new photonics division. The division’s business development will be headed up by Cicely Rathmell, who has more than 10 years in the optics and spectroscopy markets. Christopher Bailey, who has a background in fiber optics technology and manufacturing, will lead the engineering department. Rathmell and Bailey have worked together in the past and are in the process of developing a staff. The new branch of Gulf Fiberoptics already has a full line of patch cables in inventory and is building its stock of bifurcated and reflection probe assemblies, with additional product offerings planned over the next six months. (11/16/2009)
Opnext Ships LDs to Microvision
Optical modules and components maker Opnext Inc. of Fremont, Calif., has begun shipping red laser diodes to Redmond, Wash.-based Microvision for its PicoP
® laser projection technology, the company announced this week. Potential applications for the technology include ultraminiature displays for embedded or accessory applications for mobile phones, personal media players, laptops and future wearable display devices. Laser-based microprojectors have a unique combination of features that are optimal for mobile device users, including infinite focus, rich color, and high contrast and resolution. Opnext said its red laser diode line plays an important role in this rapidly emerging mobile display market. (11/13/2009)