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.

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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.”

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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.

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CMYG color changers illuminate stunning “Tree of Prosperity” show
Dunedin, Florida (August 22, 2008) – Nearly 100 SeaChanger Color Engines from Ocean Optics were chosen to create the dramatic lighting effects of the spectacular “Tree of Prosperity” installation at the Wynn Macau Resort and Casino (www.wynnmacau.com), a lavish 600-room casino hotel on the thriving Macau island off of China’s southeastern coast.

SeaChanger xG (Extreme Green) Profile version color engines were added as part of a major expansion completed in December 2007, ringing the lobby rotunda of the resort to form an integral part of the Tree of Prosperity show.  In the show – an explosion of light, video, music and art — the ceiling opens up to reveal a spectacular, descending chandelier.  As a 24-carat gold-covered tree emerges from the floor, it is illuminated by the SeaChangers in a dazzling array of colors that convey the passing of the seasons.  The show runs twice an hour for about five minutes, and can be viewed at YouTube.com (search “Wynn Macau Tree of Prosperity”).

The four-filter CYMG SeaChanger 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.  Color transitions from clear to 100% saturation are possible in less than one second.  The filters have a higher transmission efficiency than gels and other filter materials, and their resistance to temperature and humidity eliminates the need for noisy fans that may interfere with production audio.

The SeaChangers were specified by lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe (www.patrickwoodroffe.com) and installed by Ocean Optics distributor Peter Chong of Prosperity Lamps & Components Limited (www.prosperitylamps.com).  Woodroffe’s work spans the worlds of music, theater, events and architectural installations ranging from The Millennium Dome in London, England, to Prague Castle for the president of the Czech Republic.

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

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Spectroscopy Leader Rolls Out Online Video Instruction for Use with Ocean Optics Spectrometers and Software
Dunedin, Florida (July 24, 2008) – Ocean Optics, the industry leader in miniature photonics, has just introduced a new line of video tutorials as a learning companion to its extensive range of spectrometers and spectroscopy software.

Nicknamed “Spectroscopy TV”, the tutorials are designed to help new Ocean Optics customers set up, calibrate and use their spectrometers in a variety of applications. Episodes are also dedicated to demonstrating SpectraSuite, the company’s spectroscopy software.

“We are excited to introduce this new learning tool to our customers,” said Director of Marketing and Customer Relations, Rob Morris. “We are confident that these videos will complement our documentation and website by giving customers another tool for getting to know their spectrometer and software.”

The videos are published to the company’s website at www.oceanoptics.com/tv.asp and viewers are encouraged to submit suggestions for content to marketing@oceanoptics.com .

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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.

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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.

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Two-Day Learning Conference for Science Teachers June 18-19, 2008
Dunedin, Florida (May 1, 2008) – Ocean Optics, the industry leader in miniature spectroscopy, has announced a two-day learning conference for science educators to be held June 18-19, 2008 at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

The conference is part of the company’s Spectroscopy 101 (www.spectroscopy101.com) learning program, a structured guide that leads educators through the use of Ocean Optics spectrometers by conducting lab experiments in chemistry, physics and biology.  The Education Division of Ocean Optics is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists with curricula that brings excitement and creativity back into the science classroom experience.

Learning conference attendees will be introduced to the basics of spectrometers, spectroscopy software, optical-sensing technologies, and principles such as Beer’s Law, pH measurement and kinetic measurements.

Additionally, attendees will receive a full conference manual with experiments, a SpectraSuite software site license and a 10% discount off any Ocean Optics spectrometer.

The event is co-sponsored by Vernier Software & Technology, publishers of Logger Pro data collection software and is presented by Monde Qhobosheane, Ph.D., known industry-wide as Dr. Q.  Registration for the full conference is only $99.  Additional information and registration details can be obtained at www.spectroscopy101.com, by calling 727-733-2447 or by emailing education@oceanoptics.com.

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New, long-term warranty the first of its kind in the photonics industry
Dunedin, Florida (April 4, 2008) – Ocean Optics, the industry leader in miniature spectroscopy has instituted an exclusive 3-Year Warranty for the company’s entire line of spectrometers.

Beginning April 1, 2008, spectrometers purchased from Ocean Optics and its authorized distributors are now covered for a full three years against manufacturing defects – regardless of application.  The warranty covers parts and labor needed to repair manufacturing defects that occur during the coverage period and also covers the costs of shipping warranty-related repairs from U.S. customers to Ocean Optics and from Ocean Optics back to the customers.

“To my knowledge, no other manufacturer makes such a bold guarantee,” said Ocean Optics President, Rob Randelman.  “Our spectrometers have gone from the lab to inside active volcanoes and have stood up to rigorous use for years.  That experience, combined with our continuing improvements in quality and manufacturing, ensure the reliability and durability our customers have come to expect.”

More details about Ocean Optics new 3-Year Warranty are available online at www.oceanoptics.com/warranty.asp.

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Cash prize and grant to be awarded at BiOS Conference in San Jose, California

January 17, 2008 – Dunedin, FL – Ocean Optics (www.oceanoptics.com), the industry leader in miniature spectrometers, has announced the winner of their Young Investigator Award and will be presenting a cash prize and grant January 20, 2008 at the 4:50 pm session at this year’s BiOS Conference in Convention Center Room A5.

The award is presented to the author of the best juried paper during the Colloidal Quantum Dots for Biomedical Applications session, who is no more than 5 years out of school.

This year’s cash prize of $1,000 will be awarded to Graduate Student, Allison M. Dennis of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and author of Quantom dot-fluorescent protein FRET probes for protease activity. Additionally, Ocean Optics will award a $1,000 grant to Dennis’ advisor, Professor Gang Bao, Ph.D., the university’s Robert A. Milton Chair in Biomedical Engineering.

“Supporting and encouraging young scientists is something near and very dear to our hearts,” says Rob Randelman, President of Ocean Optics. “Young investigators represent the promise of our industry.”

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