Schwartz Electro-Optics Launches Into Telecom with Photera, Buys Laser Power Research
Joining the stream of photonics companies diving into the fiber optic components space, Schwartz Electro-Optics (Orlando, FL) has launched Photera Technologies Inc. (San Diego), majority-owned subsidiary targeting the dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) and high-end display market. The subsidiary's first action after its official formation last Friday was to buy the assets of the contract research operation of Laser Power Corp. (LPC; San Diego) in a cash deal; further financial details were not disclosed. The research segment developed projection display and 1550 nm microlaser technologies.
According to Photera president and CEO Graham Flint, formerly chief technology officer for LPC research, the company will focus on wavelength-agile DWDM transmitters. "In the telecom food chain, we'll be betwixt the component and the subsystem," said Flint; he declined to estimate when the company expects to release its first product.
In addition to telecom, Photera is pursuing the display market. The LPC research division had an established foothold in high-bandwidth displays for military applications, including production displays and backlighting for head-mounted units. With the acquisition, the capabilities carry over to Photera. The company will be taking over the former LPC facility, vacated when that firm consolidated operations elsewhere in the San Diego area.
Despite the strength of the telecom industry, the company is smart to diversify its offerings as it enters a market already heavily populated with established players, and getting more crowded all the time.
In related news, Laser Power announced the receipt of the remaining initial cash payment for the sale of its microlaser unit to <%=company%> (see Laser Power Sells Microlaser Business to Melles Griot. "With the sale of the contract research operation, the restructuring which we announced last quarter is complete," said company CEO Dick Sharman. "We are now a profitable optics company with a strong balance sheet."