Space optical communications developer TESAT partnered with EAGLE-1 consortium lead SES, a provider of ground and satellite operations, to develop and integrate the Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) payload for the EAGLE-1 satellite. Supported by the European Space Agency and the European Commission, EAGLE-1 is a quantum key system integrating both space and ground segments that will deliver secure transmission of encryption keys across geographically dispersed areas and connect the European Union’s national quantum communications infrastructures. The partnership aims to achieve the next key milestone in building and implementing Europe’s pioneering quantum secure communications initiative EAGLE-1. WALTHAM, Mass. — Revvity, Inc. — a science-based solutions company that formerly functioned as the life sciences business of PerkinElmer — launched following PerkinElmer's split. Revvity retains certain franchises that once operated under the PerkinElmer umbrella, including BioLegend, and the company will trade under the the symbol "RVTY." GRENOBLE, France — Lynred, a provider of infrared detection technology, broke ground on its €85 million ($92.7 million) industrial site called Campus. The facility will double Lynred’s current cleanroom footprint, primarily to meet two strategic objectives: to obtain optimal cleanroom cleanliness classification for new high-performance hybrid detector products, and to increase the production capacity for more compact industrial products, such as bolometers, which are used in multiple fields such as the automotive industry. The company said that the investment will consolidate positioning as the European market leader in infrared detection and enable it to play a key role in the European defense and technological base. The facility will include 8200 sq m of interconnected cleanrooms, 3400 sq m of laboratories, a 2300-sq-m logistics area, and a tertiary and technical area measuring 10,800 sq m. Building construction is expected to be complete by 2025. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Montrose Environmental Group acquired GreenPath Energy, an optical gas imaging and fugitive emissions management services firm based in Calgary, Alberta. GreenPath’s leadership will join Montrose and be integrated into the company’s measurement and analysis segment. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. GARCHING, Germany — Planqc has been selected by the German Aerospace Center to develop a digital neutral atom-based quantum computing hardware and software platform that is scalable and can demonstrate quantum algorithms for real-world problems. The award is valued at €29 million. Planqc is teaming with Menlo Systems and Parity QC, which will provide critical components for the laser systems, software, and architecture. BILLERICA, Mass. — Bruker acquired Zontal Inc., a laboratory software technology company. The acquisition strengthens Bruker BioSpin’s Integrated Data Solutions software division, which includes Mestrelab Research, Arxspan, and Optimal. The Zontal acquisition will enable integrated digital laboratory and process data management, combining vendor-agnostic data storage and analysis, as well as workflow tools to help scientists realize the full potential of their analytical laboratory and process digital assets. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. UTRECHT, Netherlands — The Verder Group, a provider of industrial and scientific solutions, acquired Formulaction SA of France. As part of the group’s Scientific Division, Formulaction will be integrated into Microtrac MRB, a manufacturer of particle characterization systems. Formulaction develops laboratory equipment for analyzing dispersion stability and shelf life, curing and drying process, and rheology. The merger adds Formulaction’s TURBISCAN, CURINSCAN, FLUIDICAM, and RHEOLASER product lines to Microtrac’s established portfolio of brands including SYNC Laser Diffraction, NANOTRAC Dynamic Light Scattering, CAMSIZER Dynamic Image Analysis, and BELSORP Gas Adsorption Analysis. Robert V. Chimenti, Rowan University photonics program coordinator, and Jamison Engelhardt, a doctoral student in materials science and engineering, work in the photonics lab at Rowan University’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Institute. Courtesy of Rowan University. PRINCETON, N.J. — A collaboration led by Princeton University and Rowan University has been awarded a developmental grant from the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines, or NSF Engines, program. The grant will lay the groundwork for a multistate collaboration called Advancing Photonics Technologies that aims to advance research, transition discoveries into the economy, and build the region’s technological workforce. The Advancing Photonics Technologies collaboration is one of 44 teams across the country selected to receive NSF Engines Development Awards. The collaboration includes universities and community colleges, leading photonics companies, statewide economic and workforce development programs, and technology accelerators and incubators that help transition research into startup companies. MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — OmniLit Acquisition Corp., a specialty purpose acquisition company (SPAC) formed for the purpose of entering into a business combination such as a merger or reorganization with one or more businesses, entered a business combination agreement with Syntec Optics and Optics Merger Sub Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of OmniLit. Upon closing of the transactions, Merger Sub will merge into Syntec Optics; the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease; and Syntec Optics will be a wholly owned subsidiary of OmniLit. In addition, OmniLit will be renamed Syntec Optics Holdings Inc. (New Syntec Optics). Syntec Optics’ chairman, Al Kapoor, serves as chairman and CEO of OmniLit Acquisition Corp. FREMONT, Calif. — Enablence Technologies, a provider of optical chip components and subsystems, expanded into advanced vision applications including OCT and lidar components and solutions. The company plans to release its automotive lidar solutions in the first fiscal quarter of 2024. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Simonyi Survey Telescope is ready for optical components. Courtesy of the National Science Foundation. COQUIMBO, Chile — The Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Simonyi Survey Telescope passed a major construction milestone, indicating that the telescope structure is ready to be outfitted with a full-size replica of its 8.4-m mirror and stand-ins for its 3200-MP LSST Camera and other critical optical components. HUDSON, Mass. — Precision Coating acquired Providence Texture, a laser services provider with core competencies in laser nanotexturing, marking, and micro-machining. The acquisition provides Precision Coating with new surface technologies, including ion implantation, anodic coatings, and fluoropolymer coatings.
