Acquisition to be merged with Halma photonics company Labsphere
North Sutton, New Hampshire (January 27, 2010) – Halma p.l.c., a leading safety, health and sensor technology group based in the United Kingdom, has acquired SphereOptics, a maker of custom light measurement technologies.  SphereOptics will join Halma’s global group of photonics businesses as it is merged with light metrology industry leader, Labsphere.

SphereOptics (www.sphereoptics.com), based in New Hampshire, USA, manufactures and distributes precision products for use in light metrology applications.  The company’s standard and custom radiometric and photometric products address the specific needs of the aerospace, automotive, electronic imaging, laser diode, LED, lighting, medical imaging and optics industries.

Also based in New Hampshire, Labsphere (www.labsphere.com) has a strong worldwide presence in light testing and measurement and optical coatings.  The company’s products include LED, laser and traditional light source light measurement systems; uniform light sources for imaging device calibration; spectroscopy accessories; and high diffuse reflectance materials and coatings for applications in backlit panel displays, computed radiography, and system calibration. 

“The reunion of two industry leaders, Labsphere and SphereOptics, will provide our customers with innovative, high quality products, world class technical expertise and unequalled customer service,” commented Labsphere President Kevin Chittim.

Halma (www.halma.com) is a holding company of almost 50 worldwide subsidiaries that develop and manufacture products to improve quality of life for people worldwide. The company’s business groups focus on industrial safety, health and analysis and infrastructure sensors.  SphereOptics joins Labsphere, Ocean Optics (www.oceanoptics.com), Ocean Thin Films (www.oceanthinfilms.com), Fiberguide (www.fiberguide.com), and Mikropack GmbH (www.mikropack.de) in the photonics sector of the health and analysis business group.

Halma’s photonics companies are established brands with market-leading technologies and products which generate light, condition light and analyze the interaction of light on substances. Their products range from spectrometers to complementary technologies such as chemical sensors, analytical instrumentation, optical fibers, thin films and optics. The scope of applications is vast, from cancer detection to specialized architectural and theater lighting filters.  The acquisition of SphereOptics and its complementary technologies will create opportunities for technical and marketing collaborations as Halma continues to grow this sector.

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See QD Vision and Nexxus Lighting’s LED Application being tested at Labsphere Booth #1437
North Sutton, New Hampshire  (January 15, 2010) –  During Photonics West 2010, Labsphere, Inc., a worldwide leader in LED testing and measurement, will display its many LED Test and Measurement Systems, including the 40 –inch HalfMoon LED Measurement System (HMS-4011).  Live demos using the HMS-4011 to measure QD Vision’s Quantum Light™ Optics paired with the Nexxus Array™ Par30 LED lamp will run throughout the show at booth 1437.  QD Vision CTO Seth Coe-Sullivan will also give an invited technical talk about quantum dots and QD Vision’s product offerings in session 7618 (Emissive Displays) on Monday, January 25 at 1:30 p.m. PST.

QD Vision produces Quantum Light™ optical products, utilizing nanocrystal quantum dots to produce light at specific wavelengths for use in solid-state lighting and display applications. This unique product platform enables specific and tunable color performance with more brightness and significantly less power.

“QD Vision chose the HMS-4011 for its test lab because the HalfMoon facilitates quick and easy device changes for testing, while maintaining superb measurement accuracy,” said Seth Coe-Sullivan, QD Vision’s CTO and co-founder.

The orientation of the device can also be changed easily, making it possible to examine the effect of installation on the spectral flux due to the different thermal effects. The HalfMoon’s smaller footprint saves space in the lab compared to a conventional sphere, without compromising the ability to test a wide range of device sizes.

QD Vision used the HMS-4011 in developing a pairing of the Nexxus Array Par30 LED lamps with its Quantum Light Optics. The combination of the HalfMoon with Labsphere’s CDS-1100 spectrometer delivers high accuracy, stability, and resolution for analyzing its narrow-band devices. Labsphere’s proprietary LightMtrX-SPEC software ties these components together to provide instant feedback for color rendering, spectral content, and spectral flux.  All spectral data can be exported for future analysis.

About QD Vision, Inc.
QD Vision (http://www.qdvision.com) is a quantum-dot product company that delivers highly differentiated lighting solutions to major industries where color, power and design matter. QD Vision’s Quantum Light™ platform enables stepchange advances over other display and lighting solutions such as liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), plasma displays, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and even organic LEDs (OLEDs). QD Vision is actively designing in products with industry-leading companies in target markets including cleantech applications, such as solid state lighting; consumer electronics, flat panel displays, electronic signage, and defense. Leveraging a first-tier patent position in nanotechnology originating at MIT, QD Vision is a privately held company based in Watertown, Mass.  “Quantum Light™” is a trademark of QD Vision, Inc.

About Nexxus Lighting, Inc.
Nexxus Lighting (www.nexxuslighting.com) is a leader in advanced lighting technology, including solid-state LED and fiber optic lighting systems and controls used in commercial, architectural, signage, swimming pool, entertainment and retail lighting. Nexxus Lighting sells its products through its Commercial Lighting, Lumificient and Nexxus Lighting Pool and Spa units under the Array™ Lighting, Savi(r), eLum™, LiveLED™, Super Vision(r) and Lumificient™ brand names.

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High accuracy measurements for both solid and liquid samples
North Sutton, New Hampshire  (January 8, 2010) –  Luminescent materials are extremely important components in many applications including solid state lighting and medical imaging and diagnostic systems.  To measure the quantum efficiency of these critical materials, Labsphere, in partnership with Photal Otsuka Electronics has developed the QE-1000.  By employing the companies’ patented HalfMoon integrating hemisphere, the QE-1000 measures both liquid and solid samples with very high accuracy and reproducibility.  The system allows excitation across a broad spectrum of 250-700nm and detection from 240-800nm.  The QE-1000 will debut during Photonics West 2010 at Labsphere’s booth, 1437.

According to Takashi Maruyama, president of Otsuka Electronics, “The key to the QE-1000 is the HalfMoon sample chamber, this allows both solid and liquid samples to be mounted in the chamber with reduced errors due to the absorption of the sample holder.  We are very pleased that Labsphere manufactures the hemisphere with Spectralon® which has the highest possible diffuse reflectance, further reducing errors.”

According to Peter Weitzman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Labsphere, “Collaborating with Photal as the sales agent and technology partner for the QE-1000 in the US and European markets allows Labsphere to bring customers a new level of convenience in sample handling, as well as very high accuracy and reproducibility.”

About Labsphere
Labsphere (www.labsphere.com), a Halma company, is a world leader in light testing and measurement, and optical coatings.  The company’s products include LED, laser and traditional light source light measurement systems; uniform light sources for imaging device calibration; spectroscopy accessories; and high diffuse reflectance materials and coatings for applications in backlit panel displays, computed radiography, and system calibration.

About Otsuka Electronics
Photal Otsuka Electronics (www.photal.co.jp/global) is a measurement equipment manufacturer providing new applications and products by pursuing leading edge optical/spectral technologies. Otsuka Electronics provides standard measurement equipment to the display R&D and production fields.  With its expertise in optical measurement technologies, the company plays a behind-the-scenes supportive role in developing high quality displays and constituent materials. As a subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company, Otsuka Electronics also provides scientific measurement equipment to support advances in leading edge science and technology and unique medical equipment that contribute to people’s health. Otsuka Electronics has its headquarters in Hirakata, Osaka, Japan with subsidiary companies in Korea, Taiwan and China.

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US BioSolutions to represent Labsphere effective August 2009
North Sutton, New Hampshire (August 31, 2009)— Labsphere, Inc (www.labsphere.com) a world leader in light metrology, spectroscopy and reflective materials, has announced the appointment of US BioSolutions as their Dealer Representatives for Brazil.  Carlos Souza Gomes will be the Field Sales Engineer for Labsphere products in the Sao Paulo office.

US BioSolutions Brasil Ltda was founded in the beginning of 2002 with the special purpose of importing sales operational training and servicing of technical scientific equipment in the Brazilian territory.  By focusing on specific industries including research for universities and institutes in the physics, chemistry, and biochemistry, health, education, agriculture, industry, and government, US BioSolutions is able to supply scientific equipment and services in each state of the Brazilian nation.

To contact the US BioSolutions office in Sao Paulo, please contact Carlos Souza Gomes at +55 (11) 5512 8436 or email usbio@usbio.com.br.

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BFi OPTiLAS to serve France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland
North Sutton, New Hampshire  (August 5, 2009) – Labsphere, a world leader in light metrology, spectroscopy and reflective materials, has appointed new European Dealer Representatives BFi OPTiLAS SAS to serve France, and BFi OPTiLAS GmbH to serve Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

BFi OPTiLAS is a pan-European technical distributor of specialist products and services, including design-engineering support, to the electronics and photonics markets.  BFi OPTiLAS focuses on niche technology products such as magnetic, lasers, sensors, connectors, electro-optics, imaging, fiber optics, RF & microwave and other specialty components, systems, assemblies and metals.  Over 300 sales engineers and other staff are employed at 12 offices throughout Europe. 

In France, contact Stephane Duvall, Field Sales Engineer for Labsphere products, at +33 (0)1 60 79 9 38, or visit www.bfioptilas.fr.

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, contact Franz Brandi, Sales Manager, +49 – 8142-6520 121, or visit www.bfioptilas.de.

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Substrates for SPF analysis recommended in UVA COLIPA 2007 measurement method
North Sutton, New Hampshire  (July 16, 2009) – Labsphere, maker of the UV-2000S transmittance analyzer, has signed an agreement to become the exclusive distributor of HelioScreen’s range of HD Helioplates™ for the Americas.  HD Helioplates are the recommended substrate for quality assurance and UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF) analysis in the formulation, development and testing of sunscreen products.

The HD Helioplates are used with Labsphere’s UV-2000S benchtop R&D system and have been specifically designed for the determination of SPF or any other solar protection factors.  Precise manufacturing processes ensure reproducibility and continuity from one plate to another for accurate results.  To assure quality, all Helioplates are certified for identification and traceability.

Helioscreen’s HD Helioplate line includes substrates optimized for a variety of testing methods.  The HD2 plates, specifically, are used in the UVA COLIPA 2007 measurement method for in-vitro sunscreen testing and are the recommended substrate for this testing method.  The HD6 plates have been designed especially for SPF and photo stability measurement. 

For more information, visit the company’s website, contact your local Labsphere representative, send an e-mail to news@labsphere.com, or phone +1 (603) 927-4266.  To purchase Helioscreen HD plates, please log on to Labsphere’s online store at, www.labspherestore.com, and select Sunscreen testing Accessories.

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Partnership brings new product development, production and sales opportunities
North Sutton, New Hampshire and Kirkland, Washington (June 4, 2009) – Light measurement companies Labsphere and Orb Optronix have announced a far-reaching collaboration to encompass product development, manufacturing and distribution.

Under the new agreement, select Orb Optronix LED test instrumentation will be manufactured at Labsphere’s New Hampshire facility.  The two companies will cooperate on the development of a broad range of new LED, display and light metrology products.  Orb Optronix also plans to expand its thriving LED measurement services laboratory with the addition of several Labsphere systems.

In addition, the companies will now share sales channels. Orb Optronix’s LED characterization systems and software will be sold through Labsphere’s worldwide sales organization while Labsphere products will be available through Orb Optronix’s United States distribution network.

Orb Optronix President Dave Jenkins commented, “We’ve developed strong product design relationships with a number of high profile companies through our Engineering Services Group and LED Measurement Laboratory.  Now that we are ready to release hardware and software targeted at the LED test and measurement markets, we’ve partnered with the premier light metrology organization and look forward to a long and fulfilling distribution and product development relationship with Labsphere.”

“Dave Jenkins and his partners and associates at Orb Optronix have built a world-class product development organization in an incredibly short time,” adds Labsphere President Kevin Chittim. “We believe the partnership between Orb and Labsphere will offer our customers incredible benefits in terms of innovation, customer service and value.  In addition, Orb’s Washington location will allow us to provide expanded measurement services capability in the Western United States.”

About Labsphere
Part of the global Halma group of technology companies, Labsphere (www.labsphere.com) is a world leader in light testing and measurement and diffuse optical coatings.  The company’s products include LED, laser and traditional light source light measurement systems; uniform light sources for imaging device calibration; spectroscopy accessories; and high diffuse reflectance materials and coatings for applications in backlit panel displays, computed radiography, and system calibration.  The company’s expertise has resulted in multiple patents in areas such as methods for testing LEDs on a wafer and UV transmittance.

About Orb Optronix
Orb Optronix (www.orboptronix.com), founded in 2006, provides world-class engineering services and products for the illumination, optical and opto-electronic industries through its LED Technology Center, Engineering Services Group and Product Development Group.

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Ball Aerospace chooses Space-Grade Spectralon flight diffusers for mission’s Operation Land Imager
North Sutton, New Hampshire (March 23, 2009) – Labsphere has been selected to custom-engineer a set of in-flight diffuser panels for an upcoming NASA Earth observation mission.  Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. is supplying the Operation Land Imager (OLI) to the LANDSAT Data Continuity Mission using Labsphere’s Space-Grade Spectralon® plates to calibrate the instrument’s in-flight cameras.  The Labsphere targets deliver the highest level of uniform light integration with the stability required for the five-year global imaging mission.

For the OLI’s sensor, Ball Aerospace required an optically, thermally and environmentally stable calibration standard that delivers extremely stable, reproducible spectral reflectance.  Labsphere’s Space-Grade Spectralon was selected for its greater than 99 percent reflectance value and proven track record of success in over 25 space-flight applications.

Labsphere’s Space-Grade Spectralon is the only recognized Lambertian material that has been used in launch environments and is fully characterized.  The company will develop and build six in-flight diffusers for delivery in spring of 2009. 

LANDSAT satellites have been collecting data of the Earth’s continental surfaces for the last 30 years, creating the longest continuous record of Earth’s surface as seen from space.  The data and imagery collected in these missions is used agricultural monitoring, natural resource management and land-use planning.  The OLI is to be part of the eighth mission in the series, slated to launch in 2012.  Its 15 meter panachromatic and 30 meter multi-spectral imaging spatial resolutions create a wide enough swath to image the entire planet in just 16 days.

Part of the global Halma group of technology companies, Labsphere is a world leader in light testing and measurement and diffuse optical coatings.  The company’s products include LED, laser and traditional light source light measurement systems; uniform light sources for imaging device calibration; spectroscopy accessories; and high diffuse reflectance materials and coatings for applications in backlit panel displays, computed radiography, and system calibration.  The company’s expertise has resulted in multiple patents in areas such as methods for testing LEDs on a wafer and UV transmittance.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supports critical missions of important national agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA and other U.S. government and commercial entities. The company develops and manufactures spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors, components, data exploitation systems and RF solutions for strategic, tactical and scientific applications.

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Celebration to be held at Photonics West
North Sutton, New Hampshire (January 22, 2009) – In 1979 Phillip Lape founded Labsphere, the first commercial manufacturer of integrating spheres, paving the way for the company to become a world leader in light testing and measurement, and optical coatings.  Three decades later, Labsphere has designed, tested, and calibrated thousands of light metrology and spectroscopy systems, and finished or machined millions of components with its near-Lambertian reflectance coatings and materials.  This year, the company celebrates 30 years, with a reception at Photonics West.

In addition to the new products and technologies developed over the years, Labsphere has also firmly established a reputation for its applications expertise and customer service.  The company’s engineering staff often collaborates with customers, creating custom system and component designs to meet emerging industry needs. 

Labsphere will mark three decades of cutting edge light measurement and reflectance technologies at Photonics West with a reception at the company’s booth, 541, at 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 27.  The celebration will include food and drink, as well as the opportunity to socialize and view Labsphere’s latest products.  The event is open to all Photonics West attendees.

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Ensure measurement quality and reduce downtime with on-site integrating sphere coating
North Sutton, New Hampshire (November 21, 2008) – Labsphere, a world leader in light testing and measurement and optical coatings, now offers on-site service for recoating of integrating spheres.  The company’s Spectraflect® and Duraflect® highly diffuse reflectance materials can be applied at customer facilities for routine integrating sphere maintenance. 

In production environments, the dust in the air can settle into integrating spheres used for light testing and measurement, resulting in a lack of spatial uniformity that leads to measurement errors.  Labsphere recommends annual recoating of spheres operating in warehouses to maintain measurement consistency.  Sending away large area spheres (some as large as 76 inches in diameter) can be a packing and shipping hassle that creates increased production downtime. 

With its new service Labsphere recoats customer spheres on-site, vastly reducing production downtime.  Labsphere’s coating representatives are able to apply the company’s proven, proprietary Spectraflect and Duraflect coatings to spheres in the field with the same care and attention given to those coated at Labsphere’s facility. 

Labsphere is currently offering a 20 percent price reduction for on-site recoating services booked before December 31, 2008.  For more information and to schedule an on-site recoating appointment, phone +1 (603) 927-4266, or send an e-mail to labsphere@labsphere.com.

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