Oclaro Inc., an optical communications and laser products manufacturer, announced recently the opening of its new design center in Oro Valley, Ariz., near Tucson. Located in “Optics Valley,” the new center will provide global customers with specialized diode laser packaging designs. This will leverage the significant local optical expertise in the Tucson area, as well as the workforce that joined the company as a result if its acquisition of the Newport Spectra-Physics laser diode business in July 2009. As a result of the acquisition, Oclaro says it now delivers the industry’s most expansive line of high-powered laser diodes. It also has expanded the company’s customer base, which now includes top-tier customers in the medical and industrial markets, as well as additional markets that are rapidly turning to lasers for new, innovative applications. The new Tucson Design Center will initially employ approximately 30 people, and is part of the company’s Advanced Photonics Solutions (APS) Division as a Technology Center of Innovation for its high-powered laser diode products. Acting as a growth engine for the company, the APS division serves the market for laser diodes, including lasers for medical procedures, materials processing, consumer electronics and printing. For more information, visit: www.oclaro.com