Ocean Optics - a Halma PR news blog

Catch a webcast featuring Scott Parazynski and Keith Cowing at
Mount Everest, using the Ocean Optics Jaz for UV Light analysis.

http://tinyurl.com/npaa3j

Ocean Optics Spectrometer launched on NASA LCROSS Mission
Dunedin, FL (June 19, 2009) – A custom-engineered spectrometer from Ocean Optics, part of the scientific payload on NASA’s Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) mission, was successfully launched into space Thursday from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.  “ALICE,” as the spectrometer is affectionately known, was drafted for the mission to help analyze the makeup of the lunar craters, with the goal of locating water below the moon’s surface.

The Centaur rocket carrying LCROSS is expected to reach the moon next week and the two will remained coupled for the next four months-until the next exciting phase in the mission, scheduled for October 9, 2009. The units will then separate, sending the rocket crashing into the moon at more than twice the speed of a bullet. After the rocket impact, expected to generate a 2.2 million-pound plume of matter, another spacecraft carrying ALICE will fly through, looking for signs of water and other compounds. 

In partnership with Aurora Design & Technology (www.AuroraDesignTech.com), whose work included development of the reflectance viewing optics for the mission, Ocean Optics adapted its highly-sensitive QE65000 Spectrometer to survive the harsh conditions of this mission – extreme temperature ranges and radiation, as well as significant shock and vibration. 

ALICE will measure the reflectivity of the ejecta cloud as it rises into the sunlight, enabling scientists to distinguish between water vapor, water ice, and hydrated minerals (such as salts or clays) with molecularly bound water.  With a wavelength range of 270-650 nm and an optical resolution of less than 1.0 nm, ALICE will be able to identify, with a high degree of accuracy, ionized water (visible at 619 nm), OH radicals (visible at 308 nm) and other organic molecules containing carbon.  Though the measurements are to be taken from the dark region of the moon where light is scarce, the unit’s back-thinned detector makes the most of the light available.

Water hidden deep in the moon’s craters could mean drinking water or even the ability to break down the hydrogen and oxygen molecules into rocket fuel, laying the foundation for the moon as a staging point for further space exploration.  The progress of ALICE and LCROSS can be tracked on the mission’s website, http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LCROSS/main/index.html.

This is the second NASA collaboration for Ocean Optics.  A unit designed around the company’s HR-Series spectrometers will be part of the 2009 ChemCam Mars mission to study rock and soil composition on the red planet.

Sensing suite used in UV measurement experiments on Earth’s highest mountain
Dunedin, FL (June 9, 2009) – Ocean Optics (www.oceanoptics.com), the industry leader in miniature spectroscopy, recently provided a Jaz Modular Sensing Suite to the trek crew of Return to Everest 2009 – a crew including Keith Cowing, Miles O’Brien, NASA astronaut Scott Parazynski, and others – to measure solar irradiance at extreme altitude.

Jaz was utilized to determine UV intensity levels in the Everest region where levels are typically extremely high.  The handheld Jaz unit that accompanied the Back to Everest 2009 group included solar irradiance scripting language, an SD card for storage of spectra and Jaz’s lithium-ion battery.

The participants used Jaz to measure solar irradiance with a focus on UV levels at an extreme altitude. It is suggested that UV levels on Everest should be among the highest on Earth and Jaz was used to perform analysis of the nature of the sunlight during the experiment phase of the summit.  The amazing expedition was completed successfully on Monday, May 25.

Jaz performs in a number of challenging applications-its compact, handheld design makes it ideal for fieldwork, even in challenging environments like the world’s highest mountain.  Its portability was especially important for the Everest expedition as equipment had to be packed in by the climbers during the arduous ascent. The unit is also flexible enough to be configured with multiple spectrometer channels for process management, quality control and life sciences applications as well.

Jaz’s family of stackable, modular and autonomous components share common electronics and communications. Included in the Jaz stack is a CCD-array spectrometer that can be optimized for a variety of radiometric measurements and a microprocessor with onboard display. Unlike traditional light meters, Jaz allows users to capture, process and store full spectra without the need for a PC.  Spectral data can be transferred to a laptop or desktop PC for additional post-acquisition processing, such as calculating color temperature, spectral intensity and color space values.

To learn more about Jaz visit www.oceanoptics.com/products/jaz.asp or contact Ocean Optics at +1 727-733-2447 for additional information.

Spin-off becomes part of the Health Optics & Photonics Division of Halma p.l.c.
Dunedin, FL (March 30, 2009) –Ocean Optics, the industry leader in miniature photonics, announces that its Thin Films Division has now become a separate company. Ocean Thin Films (www.oceanthinfilms.com), as the new entity will be known, designs and manufactures patented dichroic filters and precision optics for scientific, biomedical and defense applications, metrology and entertainment technology. 

Established in 1999 as a division within Ocean Optics, Ocean Thin Films designs and produces high-volume dichroic optical filters, which are used to selectively transmit light according to its wavelength. These precision filters and other optical components can be integrated into applications such as color-changing light for architectural and entertainment installations, CCD camera and spectral imaging for scientific instrumentation, and targeting for defense applications. In November 2008, Ocean Thin Films acquired the Golden, Colo., operation of Oerlikon Optics USA, which bolstered the company’s offering in optical components and subassemblies for instrumentation used in the life sciences, medical applications and additional scientific applications.

“We are excited by the challenges and opportunities of operating as our own company,” said Phil Buchsbaum, President of Ocean Thin Films. “With the additional expertise and capacity the Oerlikon acquisition affords us, plus recent expansion of our Florida facility, we are ready to hit the ground running with a new generation of quality, innovative optical and thin film products for a diverse range of industries.”

Ocean Thin Films has 110 employees, with locations in Golden, Colo., and a recently expanded 30,000-square-foot facility in Largo, Fla. The group utilizes advanced lithography equipment and vacuum deposition systems to provide optimal patterned solutions for both production and prototype optical systems.

Ocean Thin Films is part of Halma p.l.c.’s group of photonics companies, joining Ocean Optics, Labsphere, Inc., Fiberguide Industries and Palintest Ltd.  For more information, contact 727.545.0741 or Info@oceanthinfilms.com or visit www.oceanthinfilms.com.

Cash prize and grant awarded during SPIE BiOS/Photonics West 2009 conference
Dunedin, FL (February 6, 2009) – Ocean Optics, the industry leader in miniature photonics, is pleased to announce that Kelly L. Boeneman, Ph.D., is the winner of the SPIE 2009 Young Investigator Award sponsored by the company.

The Young Investigator Award is presented to the researcher who is no more than five years out of school and is author of the best juried paper submitted as part of the “Colloidal Quantum Dots for Biomedical Applications IV” session of the BiOS section of Photonics West.  The honor includes a $1,000 investigator reward and $1,000 grant to the investigator’s advisor.

Boeneman, a post-doctoral researcher at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in Washington, D.C., was honored for her work as lead author of “Peptide linkers for the assembly of semiconductor quantum dot bioconjugates” (paper 7189-14), which she presented on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the conference. Her NRL advisor is Dr. Igor Medintz, a molecular biologist who has done extensive work in nanoparticles and biosensors.

“Supporting and encouraging young scientists is something near and very dear to our hearts,” said Rob Randelman, President of Ocean Optics. “We have a long history of support for researchers ranging from undergraduate students to post-doctoral fellows to novice professionals and budding entrepreneurs. Young investigators represent the promise of our industry.”

Agreement is reached on the thin film supplier’s North American operation in Golden, Colorado
Dunedin, FL (December 1, 2008) – Optical sensing pioneer Ocean Optics, Inc. has acquired the Oerlikon Optics business unit in Golden, Colo. Under terms of the agreement, Oerlikon will be fully integrated into Ocean Optics’ Thin Films Division.

Oerlikon Optics USA is a supplier of custom optical components and subassemblies. Its Golden, Colo., operation, including plant assets and customer and supplier relationships, will be transferred to Ocean Optics and become part of the latter’s Thin Films Division.

“Oerlikon has a rich tradition of excellence in both design and manufacturing arts in the optics and thin films industry,“ said Phil Buchsbaum, Vice President of the Thin Films Division of Ocean Optics. “The additional expertise and manufacturing capacity the acquisition provides are the perfect complement to Ocean Optics’ unique optical thin films processes. Our combined resources will result in a new generation of quality, innovative optical and thin film products benefiting an array of industries.”

Ocean Optics is creator of the world’s first miniature fiber optic spectrometer and a leading supplier of solutions for optical sensing – fundamental methods of measuring and interpreting the interaction of light with matter. With locations in North America, Europe and Asia, the company has sold more than 120,000 spectrometers worldwide since 1992. Ocean Optics’ extensive line of complementary technologies includes chemical sensors, analytical instrumentation, optical fibers, thin films and optics. The company is a subsidiary of Halma p.l.c., an international market leader in safety, health and sensor technology.
The Ocean Optics Thin Films Division designs and manufactures patented dichroic filters for entertainment, architectural and display products, as well as precision optics and coatings for scientific applications, defense and metrology. The division has nearly 70 employees, including 10 scientists and engineers. Located in a recently expanded 30,000-square-foot facility in Largo, Florida, the group utilizes advanced lithography equipment and vacuum deposition systems to provide optimal patterned solutions for both established and prototype optical systems. The management team is expert in lithography and optical coating, with extensive experience in avionics, fire control, and spectral sensing projects.

More information is available at the company’s website, by calling the Thin Films Division of Ocean Optics at +1 727.545.0741 or by e-mailing OTFinfo@oceanoptics.com.

Tom Stanziano to develop presence in worship markets for dichroic color changers
Dunedin, FL (October 7, 2008) – Ocean Optics, a global leader in optical sensing solutions, has appointed Tom Stanziano to the position of Sales Specialist for its Thin Films Divisions’ SeaChanger products.

A veteran lighting designer and consultant, Stanziano will guide customers in choosing SeaChanger lighting products suited to their production needs.  The CYMG color changer attaches to the reflector housing of any Source Four Ellipsoidal to create dramatic lighting effects.  The robust dichroic filter enhances standard lighting everywhere-from theater and church productions to Broadway musicals, clubs and corporate events.  Profile, wash and studio versions are available.  Stanziano will provide sales and service support for the entire line of SeaChanger products, and be responsible for expanding the company’s presence in the worship market.

Prior to joining Ocean Optics, Stanziano owned Lumen-Essence, LLC-Lighting Design and Consultation, designing lighting systems for churches across the country.  He has also served as Lighting Director for Joel Osteen Ministries at the Lakewood Church in Houston, TX., managing lighting for broadcast, ministry touring, and the main 16,000 seat venue.  Before that, he gained experience in lighting for the entertainment market during two years with Opryland USA, and four years with Celebrity Cruises and Disney Cruise Line.

“Tom’s experience as both a lighting director and consultant will be invaluable in working with our SeaChanger customers,” said Phil Buchsbaum, Vice President of the Thin Films division of Ocean Optics. “Not only does he understand the product from a technical standpoint, he’s experienced in working with architects, contractors and end users to meet specification, installation and budgeting needs.”

Worldwide production supplies and services supplier to distribute SeaChanger Color Engine products in Pacific Rim
Dunedin, FL (October 3, 2008) – Ocean Optics has reached an agreement with TMB for distribution of the Ocean Optics’ line of SeaChanger Color Engine products in the Pacific Rim. Under terms of the arrangement, TMB will have exclusive distribution rights in relation to SeaChanger Dichroic Color Changers in Australia, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The ESTA Award-winning SeaChanger is a CYMG color changer that attaches to the reflector housing of any Source Four Ellipsoidal and uses robust dichroic filter technology to create a virtually endless palette of stable, reproducible colors.  Profile, wash and studio versions of SeaChanger are available. Installations have included the Royal Opera House in London, Disney’s Broadway production of TARZAN® and the restoration of the Salt Lake Tabernacle of the LDS Church.

“We are excited by this new partnership with TMB in the Pacific Rim, where growth in China and other countries is robust and SeaChanger has such great potential,” said Phil Buchsbaum, Vice President of the Thin Films division of Ocean Optics. “We have collaborated with TMB in North America, and are impressed by their experience, knowledge of the market and commitment to innovative entertainment technologies such as SeaChanger.”

Founded in 1983, TMB provides a range of products and services for the entertainment production and architectural lighting industries. The company has offices in Los Angeles, London, New York, Toronto and Beijing.  Contacts for TMB are Tommy Stephenson (ts@tmb.com) for: China; Hong Kong; Korea; and Japan, Lucky Ludlow (ll@tmb.com) for: Singapore; Malaysia; Vietnam; Thailand; Cambodia; and Indonesia, and Chris Curran (ck@tmb.com) for Australia and New Zealand working out of the UK office.

To learn more, call 727.545.0741, send an e-mail to SeaChanger@OceanOptics.com, or visit the SeaChanger website at www.SeaChangerOnline.com.  Find out more about TMB at www.tmb.com.

Ambitious school project yields color-match data for more than 1,500 gels
Dunedin, Florida (June 10, 2008) – Thanks to a group of enterprising young students from a Lakeland, Fla. high school, lighting designers and other users of the SeaChanger Color Engine (www.seachangeronline.com) by Ocean Optics can now more easily match the dichroic color changer’s extensive palette to gel colors from a variety of leading gel filter manufacturers.

Thirteen students from Santa Fe Catholic High School (www.santafecatholic.org) spent time before and after school hours analyzing more than 1,500 filter gels, which are commonly used in theatrical lighting to create colors. According to student Susan Ritchie, her classmates first collected optical transmission data for each gel using spectrometers and accessories from Ocean Optics, and then matched colors by setting up a stage light with gels and visually comparing the color for each gel with colors produced by the SeaChanger. The SeaChanger product uses dichroic optical filters, which split light into different wavelengths, to create lighting color.

“The students involved in the project came to learn the many different applications of light in addition to theatrical uses,” said Ritchie. “We not only gained experience working in research, but also the knowledge that the matched colors will light future Broadway productions.”

At a May 15, 2008 ice cream social sponsored by Ocean Optics at the high school, company president Rob Randelman presented the students and their project supervisor, fine arts teacher Scott Morris, with certificates of appreciation and a framed poster thanking the students for their work.

“It’s very gratifying to see these students so engaged in a science project that produced tangible, very useful data,” said Randelman. “We are very appreciative of their effort, which occurred on their own time and without the need for significant supervision. It’s nice to be able to continue our long tradition of supporting education with a group of students having such enthusiasm and curiosity about art and science.”

In addition to Ritchie, the students who participated in the project were A.J. Allemang, Eric Bodolay, Kiet Nguyen, Morgan Boatwright, Kathleen Whitfield, Nick Presiozi, Paul McNally, Emma Voithofer, Lindsey Held, Joseph Kedzuf, Desiree Hernandez and Amanda Marconi.

The SeaChanger by Ocean Optics is a CMYG color changer for ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals. Through unique, patented processes, the ESTA Award-winning SeaChanger yields the most robust and highest transmission dichroics available. Users control the color, intensity and saturation of theatrical and studio lighting with unprecedented levels of precision and ease. SeaChanger is available in Profile, Wash and “Studio Dichroics” (extra-saturation) versions.

To learn more, call +1 727.545.0741, send an e-mail to SeaChanger@OceanOptics.com, or visit the SeaChanger website at www.SeaChangerOnline.com.

Spectroscopy Leader Opens its Doors to Teachers June 17, 2008
Dunedin, Florida (May 8, 2008) – Ocean Optics is hosting an open house for high school educators at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida, on June 17, 2008 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. (GMT-5).

Founded by former University of South Florida and University of Central Florida researchers nearly 20 years ago, Ocean Optics continues to be a strong advocate of education and scientific discovery in the community.

The free event will allow local science teachers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience using spectrometers in chemistry, physics and biology instruction. Experiments will be conducted to demonstrate the fundamental principles of absorbance, Beer’s Law and kinetics, using Ocean Optics spectrometers and software.

Lunch will be provided and attendees will receive a free optical fiber as well as a copy of the company’s Applications in Spectroscopy curriculum – a $200 value.

“Our goal is to help educators bring excitement back into the classroom,” says event host, Monde Qhobosheane (Dr. Q). “This is an opportunity for us to advocate for teachers and pupils alike by giving them the tools they need to inspire the next generation of scientists and researchers.”

Those interested in attending this free event can obtain information at www.spectroscopy101.com, by calling Ocean Optics at 727-733-2447 or by emailing education@oceanoptics.com.