Business briefs
17 Jun 2002
Including news from New Focus, Cymer, Trumpf, Lumenis and Omega Optical.
New Focus, the US developer of photonics equipment, has sold its tunable laser business to Intel for USD 50 million in cash. Under the terms of the deal, the computer chip giant will receive approximately 40 New Focus employees as well as associated intellectual property and physical assets. New Focus will retain the rights to use the laser technology in its test and measurement equipment.
Cymer, a leading US supplier of excimer lasers for semiconductor manufacturing, and LTB Lasertechnik Berlin have agreed to jointly develop a spectrometer for measuring the spectral quality of deep-ultraviolet (DUV) light sources. Under the terms of the agreement, LTB will design and manufacture an enhanced version of its emission-line analyzing spectrometer. Cymer will have exclusive rights to sell the new product to the semiconductor lithography market.
Trumpf, the German maker of industrial lasers and metal processing equipment, is strengthening its presence in China through a joint venture with SiberHegner, a marketing and services group which has offices throughout the country. As from 1 July, the new firm, Trumpf-SiberHegner, will manage distribution and after-sales service for all of Trumpf's products in China through a series of branch offices equipped with engineers.
Lumenis, the Israeli developer of laser systems for medical applications, has announced that it has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its BClear system which treats eczema and dermatitis. BClear delivers precisely targeted doses of ultraviolet light to the skin via a fiber-optic cable.
Omega Optical, a US-based producer of optical interference filters, has opened a subsidiary in Asia. Through offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai, China, Omega Optical Asia Pacific Limited will offer engineering services and sales support to filter customers throughout East Asia.
