Alliances and new facilities are both part of this week's industry highlights.
Japan-based electronics company NEC is breaking up its compound-semiconductor device division. Aiming to enhance the competitiveness of its optical and microwave devices business, NEC will divide and transfer the sector to a new company, NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices, on 1 October 2001.
Another Japanese firm also in the news is the synthetic fiber manufacturer Toray. The company has developed a high luminance organic red emitter for full color electroluminescent displays. Describing the emitter as a major breakthrough, Toray claims the device has an unparalleled luminance efficiency and color purity.
Germany-based Leica Camera and Matsushita of Japan have joined forces to develop digital still cameras that will be launched in the fall. Hanns-Peter Cohn believes that the collaboration combines the best of optical and digital technologies.
Also forging an alliance are US-based medical-device developer Boston Scientific and Israeli laser maker ESC Medical Systems. Boston Scientific will now sell ESC's holmium lasers, which treat urological disorders, across the US. "This alliance will enable us to penetrate this market and provide care for millions of Americans," said Boston Scientific's president Yacha Sutton.
And finally, US-based technology developer Telegen has finished building its high-gain emissive-display prototype manufacturing facility. Located in California, US, the 5,200 sq.ft facility will produce 7 and 10.5 inch displays. Large-scale production is scheduled for 2002.
