Merger Creates Single Source for Photonics Products

Originally Published MPMN March 2003

INDUSTRY NEWS

Merger Creates Single Source for Photonics Products

Norbert Sparrow

Described as the single largest merger in the history of the photonics industry, lasers supplier Spectra-Physics announced a brand integration with six Thermo Electron businesses in January. Spectra-Physics (Mountain View, CA; www.spectra-physics.com) absorbed Laser Science, Oriel and its photon tools catalog featuring more than 4000 products, specialty components suppliers Corion, Hilger Crystals, and Richardson Gratings, and Cidtec's imaging-camera business. Bringing all of these companies under one umbrella is designed to "position the firm to provide extended OEM services, including design, prototyping, and manufacturing of systems and subassemblies," according to president Guy Broadbent.

Combining Spectra-Physics' laser expertise with these photonics-related product lines places the company in a unique position to serve both established and emerging applications, says Broadbent. "By using Spectra-Physics as an extension of their own resources, customers can achieve shorter design-in time, fewer prototype iterations, and lower project risk. These benefits will be of particular value to those who are early in their adoption of photonics technology, as well as those who wish to focus more on their core competencies," explains Broadbent.

Founded in 1961 as a commercial laser business, Spectra-Physics is a global leader in the design, development, manufacture, and distribution of high-power semiconductor and solid-state lasers for the industrial, scientific, electronics, and biomedical markets.

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