Photonics news round-up

17 Jun 2002

This week's highlights include acquisitions, appointments and a sunny start for Europe.

· Vishay Intertechnology, US, has bought the infrared components business of Germany's Infineon Technologies for USD 120 million. Vishay is set to take over Infineon's development and distribution activities in San Jose, US, as well as its Malaysian production facility.

Solar canopy

· The future looks bright for Europe now that the UK petroleum giant BP has bought US-based Agere System's semiconductor plant in Spain. Planning to convert the base into one of the world's largest solar plants, BP aims to start production by the end of 2002 to meet the European demand for solar power. A company spokesperson claims that BP will invest more than USD 100 million in the project and create 600 jobs.

· A US manufacturer of optical-networking subsystems, Zolo Technologies, has bought the US-based optical-gratings producer Hyperfine for an undisclosed sum, after receiving USD 32.5 million in its second round of funding. "We're delighted to join forces with Hyperfine," said Zolo's chief executive Ed Barbara. "We are now looking forward to becoming the world's leading manufacturer of integrated optical subsystems."

· Moving away from acquisitions, US optics-component manufacturers Haleos and Newport have teamed up to develop next-generation photonics and fiber-optic manufacturing automation equipment. Haleos will research and test Newport's automation solutions, and then both companies will collaborate to develop new solutions.

· Uniroyal Optoelectronics, the optics division of US-based Uniroyal Technology, has appointed a new president, David Miller. Miller is expected to drive the company, which is a manufacturer of high-brightness LEDs, toward future growth and product development.

· A last note on research; the University of Cardiff, UK, has received USD 1.5 million to study the eye's cornea. Scientists at the university believe that the work could ultimately improve today's laser eye surgery.