Hamamatsu announces acquisition of BAE Systems’ Imaging Solutions

07 Nov 2024

Rebranded as Fairchild Imaging, purchase is intended to strengthen opto-semiconductor segment, and boost growth.

Photonics Management, based in Bridgewater, New Jersey, a subsidiary of Hamamatsu Photonics, has announced the acquisition of BAE Systems Imaging Solutions, a subsidiary of BAE Systems. In recognition of the company’s deep roots starting in 1920 as the Fairchild Aerial Camera Corporation, the company will return to the name first used in 2001, Fairchild Imaging. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Fairchild Imaging is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in high-performance CMOS image sensors in the visible to near-infrared and X-ray regions, including low-noise CMOS image sensor design technology.

Fairchild’s core products are two-dimensional CMOS image sensors that take pictures in dark conditions where low noise is essential. These products are said to complement Hamamatsu’s one-dimensional CMOS image sensors, which are used for analytical instruments and factory automation applications such as displacement meters and encoders.

Through the acquisition of shares, Hamamatsu stated that it is expecting the following:

Promote sales activities of Fairchild’s products by utilizing the global sales network currently established by Hamamatsu Photonics Group.
While Hamamatsu’s dental business serves the European and the Asian regions including Japan, Fairchild Imaging serves North America. This is expecetd to lead to the expansion and strengthening of the company’s global dental market share.
Fairchild Imaging will become Hamamatsu’s North American design center for 2D, low-noise image sensors. This will strengthen CMOS image sensor design resources and utilize the company’s North American and Japanese locations to provide worldwide marketing and technical support.
Create new opportunities and products by combining Fairchild’s CMOS image sensor design technology with Hamamatsu’s MEMS technology to support a wider range of custom CMOS image sensors and provide higher value-added products.

BAE Systems is retaining the aerospace and defense segment of the BAE Systems Imaging Solution’s portfolio, which was transferred to the BAE Systems Electronic Systems sector, prior to the closing of this stock purchase transaction. Fairchild Imaging will continue their operating structure and focus on developing and providing superior products and solutions to their customers.

MoxiePlex: “a multiplex fluorescent tissue imaging platform”.

Hamamatsu develops a multiplex spatial imaging system

Hamamatsu Photonics has also announced the launch of MoxiePlex, which it describes as “a multiplex fluorescent tissue imaging platform”. Developed as a result of decades of experience in fluorescent imaging for research, whole slide scanning for pathology, and robust, high performing detectors for medical imaging, MoxiePlex is said to be “a bold new entry into world of spatial proteomics.”

Hamamatsu’s vision is to bring the power of multiplex spatial imaging closer to clinical decision makers through a design “that emphasizes low-plex fluorescence for maximum utility, speed, precision, and scalability. With this approach, and a user-friendly interface that automates image acquisition, MoxiePlex aims to bridge the gap between research and clinical applications,” states the company’s announcement.

At the cellular level, the value of spatial biology resides in illuminating multi-dimensional ‘omic relationships. At the market level, the success of spatial biology is also dependent on creating a collaborative, multi-dimensional ecosystem. Hamamatsu says it is “committed to the multiplex at all levels, and are working closely with reagent partners, image analysis providers and clinical institutions to create a comprehensive solution that truly meets the market’s needs, multiplying insights and opportunity.”