Ocean Spins Off Films Div.

Optical sensing systems supplier Ocean Optics announced Monday that it has spun off its thin films division into a separate company called Ocean Thin Films.

Ocean Optics established the division in 1999; it produces high-volume dichroic optical filters used to selectively transmit light according to its wavelength. These precision filters and other optical components can be integrated into applications such as color-changing light for architectural and entertainment installations, CCD camera and spectral imaging for scientific instrumentation, and targeting for defense applications.

In November 2008, Ocean Thin Films acquired the Golden, Colo., operation of Oerlikon Optics USA, which bolstered its offering in optical components and subassemblies for instrumentation used in the life sciences, medical applications, and additional scientific applications (See Ocean Optics Acquires Unit).

“We are excited by the challenges and opportunities of operating as our own company,” said Phil Buchsbaum, president of Ocean Thin Films. “With the additional expertise and capacity the Oerlikon acquisition affords us, plus recent expansion of our Florida facility, we are ready to hit the ground running with a new generation of quality, innovative optical and thin film products for a diverse range of industries.”

Ocean Thin Films has 110 employees, with locations in Golden, Colo., and a recently expanded 30,000-sq-ft facility in Largo, Fla. The group uses advanced lithography equipment and vacuum deposition systems to provide optimal patterned solutions for both production and prototype optical systems.

Ocean Thin Films is now part of the Photonics Div. of Halma plc, joining Ocean Optics, Labsphere Inc., Fiberguide Industries and Palintest Ltd.

For more information, visit: www.oceanthinfilms.com