SCHOTT And Research Electro-Optics, Inc. Partner To Deliver Precision Optical Components

Agreement provide customers a single source for components and assemblies

SCHOTT Advanced Optics has entered a strategic partnership with Research Electro-Optics, Inc. (REO) that will provide customers a single source for products ranging from lenses, prisms, windows, and a variety of other coated precision optical components to custom integrated optical assemblies. By combining SCHOTT’s optical glasses and materials with REO’s fabrication and coating expertise, the two companies will be able to deliver a broader array of optical products for a variety of current and new applications and markets.

Customers demanding innovation, quality, and value have driven this key partnership to create new products for defense, industrial and commercial applications.  SCHOTT, in utilizing REO’s fabrication and thin-film coating technologies, will be able to introduce exciting new infrared and laser components, filters, and other novel products. Meanwhile, REO will expand its optical processing and design capabilities to introduce new products that leverage the unique advantages of SCHOTT’s visible, infrared, and laser glass materials.

“We’ve been seeking a collaborator that would strengthen our capabilities in finishing optical components,” said Peter Kruell, Director of Sales and Marketing for Europe and Americas at SCHOTT Advanced Optics. “In REO,” continues Kruell, “we have a partner with the advanced fabrication and coating techniques to optimize our materials for use in lasers, night-vision systems, and other demanding applications. By teaming with REO, we’ll be able to bring high precision optical components and assemblies to customers through a single source, simplifying the supply chain while providing the highest quality products.”

SCHOTT Advanced Optics has proven optical material expertise and measurement capabilities in areas such as high homogeneous glasses, filter glass and specialty materials.

“Our heritage of high-performance component manufacturing complements SCHOTT’s deep expertise in optical materials,” said Ed Yousse, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at REO. “By combining our strengths, we’ll be able to bring to market ready-to-use optical components and assemblies that fit customers’ specifications and needs.”

In addition to North America, SCHOTT Advanced Optics and REO will also work together in Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Belgium & Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

REO’s strengths in advanced process technologies like superpolishing, ion-beam sputtering, diamond turning, infrared coating, and activated covalent bonding make it a key partner for SCHOTT in developing component solutions for defense, life sciences, and industrial customers, among others. In addition, precision alignment and bonding along with a complete metrology capability enable REO to deliver some of the world’s best optical assemblies. Together, SCHOTT’s advanced optical materials and REO’s design expertise and process technologies ensure industry-leading performance for a broad range of demanding applications.

About SCHOTT
SCHOTT is an international technology group with more than 125 years of experience in the areas of specialty glasses and materials and advanced technologies. SCHOTT ranks number one in the world with many of its products. Its core markets are the household appliance, pharmaceuticals, electronics, optics, solar power, transportation and architecture industries. The company is strongly committed to contributing to its customers’ success and making SCHOTT an important part of people’s lives with high-quality products and intelligent solutions. SCHOTT is committed to managing its business in a sustainable manner and supporting its employees, society and the environment. The SCHOTT Group maintains close proximity to its customers with manufacturing and sales units in all major markets. Its workforce of around 17,000 employees generated worldwide sales of $4B (approximately 2.9 billion euros) for the 2010/2011 fiscal year.

SCHOTT Advanced Optics, with its deep technological expertise, is a valuable partner for its customers in developing products and customized solutions for applications in optics, lithography, astronomy, opto-electronics, life sciences, and research. With a product portfolio of more than 100 optical glasses, special materials and components, we master the value chain: from customized glass development to high-precision optical product finishing and metrology.

SCHOTT: Your Partner for Excellence in Optics

About REO
REO produces high precision thin film coatings, optics and opto-mechanical assemblies for the ultraviolet, visible and infrared. Located in Boulder, CO, the company primarily services medium to high volume OEMs including manufacturers of defense and aerospace systems, laser systems, semiconductor tools, medical systems, life sciences instrumentation and telecom equipment. REO is a privately held company.