Performs basic spectroscopy functions including absorbance, transmission and emission
Dunedin, FL (August 22, 2011) – Ocean Optics has expanded its software offerings with the launch of Overture, a free spectrometer operating platform for simple data and spectral collection. This more basic software is geared to users new to spectroscopy or those who do not require the more advanced features of Ocean Optics’ sophisticated SpectraSuite software.

Overture is free, easy to use operating software for most Ocean Optics spectrometers. It provides basic spectroscopy functions and is ideal for novice users and customers who do not require more sophisticated spectral processing.

For use with most all Ocean Optics spectrometers, Overture’s standard functions include absorbance, transmission and intensity modes. Integration time and other spectrometer operating parameters are controlled via an intuitive user interface with icons and setup wizards. The 32-/64-bit Windows compatible system allows users to manipulate how data is displayed using tools such as smoothing, snapshot and zoom, and permits simultaneous viewing of two graphs for comparison. A concentration wizard guides users through the process of measuring solutions absorbance at different concentrations, plotting a calibration curve and applying Beer-Lambert law to determine unknown concentrations.

Overture now comes standard with most Ocean Optics spectrometer purchases. Current spectrometer owners may download a free copy of Overture at http://www.oceanoptics.com/Products/overture.asp.

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Over $10,000 in prizes for winning images
Dunedin, FL (June 28, 2011) – Ocean Optics, the industry’s leading supplier of miniature fiber optic spectrometers, has opened the submissions period for its second annual Photo and Video Challenge (www.oceanphotochallenge.com) for users of the company’s equipment and systems.

Cash prizes will be awarded for best overall photograph ($2,000) and best overall video ($3,500). Second place prizes of $1,000 in both categories will be given, as well as three $500 runner up prizes in each category.

The challenge is open to all owners of Ocean Optics spectrometers and systems–customers, distributors and business partners are all eligible. The submission period runs through November 15, 2011. Winning entries, chosen for their innovation, entertainment and educational value, will be announced December 1, 2011.

Photo Credit: Michael Mazanec

The company hopes to encourage entrants to show off how they use Ocean Optics spectrometers and systems to make the world a better place through optical sensing.  Visit www.oceanphotochallenge.com to see last year’s winning entries and apply for the 2011 Challenge.

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Over a quarter of a million dollars to fund research and development in optical sensing
Dunedin, Florida (June 10, 2011) – With the goal of advancing technology in optical sensing, Ocean Optics has rolled out a new open innovation funding program with $300,000 available for two grant phases. Modeled after the streamlined Gates Foundation application process, the Blue Ocean Grants and Challenges program (www.blueoceangrants.com) seeks novel technologies with the potential for market commercialization.  The deadline for applications is quickly approaching with a closing date of June, 30 2011 for the first round of funding.

The spectra of a hot air balloon burner is measured using an Ocean Optics' Spectrometer.

As a company that itself grew from the innovation of an independent research team, Ocean Optics recognizes the value of looking outside its organization to develop ideas for new products and even new companies. In addition to the cash awards, the Blue Ocean program affords applicants the opportunity to work with Ocean Optics’ team to transform the grant idea into a reality. The company is offering access to its engineering and marketing teams, for anything from customization of its spectroscopy products to recommendations of partners and suppliers. 

“Because optical sensing technologies have such a broad potential application base–Ocean Optics’ equipment is used for everything from cancer detection and biophotonic sensing, to ozone depletion measurement, to biofuel characterization–we expect a diverse applicant pool for Blue Ocean Grants,” explains Ocean Optics’ Chief Technology Officer, Jason M. Eichenholz. “Students, inventors or budding entrepreneurs from life sciences, chemistry, quality assurance, environment, research, industry and other disciplines are all encouraged to apply. We’re hoping to uncover new technologies that help us fulfill our mission to change the world for the better via optical sensing.”

The grants are divided into two phases. Phase I grants are issued to fund further evaluation and development of technologies; up to 10 grants of up $10,000 will be awarded. Phase II grants are issued to mature a proposed technology through proof of concept in a way that enables the potential of market commercialization; up to two of these awards will be granted for up to $100,000 each.

The application process has been kept simple; the entire application for the grant is less than three pages. Applicants are asked to answer two fundamental questions: What is their idea and how will it be implemented or tested? Recipients will be chosen based on scientific prowess, creativity, technical merit and commercial viability.

To learn more about the grant program and application process, watch a short video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PVHxkvEnVE, visit the program website at http://blueoceangrants.com/, or phone Ocean Optics at +1 727-733-2447.

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“Known Universe” episode to focus on cosmic blasts
Dunedin, FL (May 31, 2011) – Miniature spectroscopy pioneer Ocean Optics will be making an appearance on an upcoming episode of “Known Universe” Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 9 p.m. ET, on the National Geographic channel.  The episode, “Biggest Cosmic Blasts,” will explore volcanic explosions across the solar system.

Ocean Optics’ Application Sales Scientist Dr. Jorge Macho was interviewed for the program to discuss how the company’s spectroscopy equipment can be used to measure various atmospheric elements and matter from geologic events such as volcanic eruptions.

The company is no stranger to measurement in extreme environments. In geological and environmental studies, spectroscopy is used to examine mineral and soil composition on-site, measure solar irradiance and UV absorbance, evaluate water quality, monitor pollution, and study volcanic gases. Ocean Optics spectrometers have been used to analyze UV radiation at the summit of Mount Everest and detect the presence of water vapor on the moon.

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Nelson Chandler takes £20K top prize from multi-national technology company
Dunedin, Florida (May 12, 2011) – Ocean Optics is pleased to announce that Nelson Chandler has been awarded the Gold Award for Innovation from its parent company, Halma p.l.c.  The award recognizes technology advancements made by individuals at Halma subsidiaries that have a significant impact on the company’s success.

Nelson Chandler accepts the Gold Award for Innovation from Halma Chairman Geoff Unwin.

Halma believes that encouraging innovation and unique ideas is a key factor in its success.  The awards committee looks for creative new ways of doing things to improve a company’s products or operations and rewards the individuals with the determination to bring them to fruition.

Chandler received the £20K (USD $32K) Gold Award for Innovation, beating out 38 other entries from 22 companies in 6 countries. A software engineer at Ocean Optics, Chandler revamped the testing and calibration process for the company’s spectroscopy products, making it quicker and more reliable.  By developing original software and modifying hardware equipment, he was able to make processing eight times faster, while improving consistency and quality. 

Typically Innovation Award submissions involve a team of individuals working together. Chandler’s achievement is particularly impressive as he is the sole person responsible for the improvements made. He received his B.S. in Software Engineering Technology from The University of Southern Mississippi and has been with Ocean Optics since 2007.

Headquartered in Dunedin, Fla., Ocean Optics makes products for optical sensing – fundamental methods of measuring and interpreting the interaction of light with matter.  With locations in Asia and Europe, the company has sold more than 150,000 spectrometers worldwide since 1992. Ocean Optics’ extensive line of complementary technologies includes chemical sensors, analytical instrumentation, optical fibers, metrology products and optics.

Based in the United Kingdom, Halma 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.

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Optical oxygen and pH sensor patches proven for use in range of bio-sensitive applications
Dunedin, Florida (April 20, 2011) – Expanding the potential applications for its oxygen and pH sensing patches, Ocean Optics has obtained United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Class VI certification for these products. The company’s HIOXY coating for RedEye Oxygen patches and Sol-gel coating for pH applications have successfully met the stringent testing criteria required for this certification.

Ocean Optics' RedEye patches and Sol-gel coating have received USP Class VI approval.

Ocean Optics’ optical O2 and pH sensors designed for accurate, real-time, in situ measurements in packaging and other enclosed containers. The proprietary sensor coating materials do not consume the sample and can be applied to substrates such as probes, self-adhesive acrylic patches (the format tested for USP Class VI) and microtiter wells. Coating options are available for general lab use, high-sensitivity applications and hydrocarbon-rich environments. Depending on the application, oxygen presence or pH can be visually determined by color change with a handheld LED, or a fluorometer can be used to make exact measurements.

The USP is a non-governmental standards setting organization. Class VI is its most stringent testing protocol for classification of plastics used in medicines and other health care technologies. With USP Class VI certification, the biocompatibility, toxicity and extractables of Ocean Optics’ sensor coatings are assured to be compatible with biological and pharmaceutical processes and implantable devices. Testing and certification were provided by NAMSA (Northwood, Ohio).

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Funding for research and development in optical sensing
Dunedin, Florida (April 4, 2011) – Designed to provide funding for new technologies in optical sensing, Ocean Optics’ Blue Grants and Challenges program (www.blueoceangrants.com) seeks innovative and novel optical sensing technologies that solve problems and improve quality of life. Applicants from all disciplines are encouraged to apply before the deadline June, 30, 2011.

Blue Ocean Grants and Challenges Program

The program is intended to fund projects in life sciences, chemistry, quality assurance, environment, research and industry. The grants are divided into two phases. Phase I grants are issued to fund further evaluation and development of technologies; up to 10 grants of up $10,000 will be awarded. Phase II grants are issued to mature a proposed technology through proof of concept in a way that enables the potential of market commercialization; up to two of these awards will be granted for up to $100,000 each.

Grant recipients will be chosen based on ability of the solution to change the world for the better, scientific prowess, creativity, technical merit commercial viability. The international program welcomes applications from around the world.

To learn more about the grant program and application process, visit http://blueoceangrants.com/, or phone Ocean Optics at +1 727-733-2447.

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Cash prize and grant awarded during SPIE BiOS/Photonics West 2011 conference
Dunedin, FL (February 17, 2011) – Ocean Optics has named David Wegner as the winner of the SPIE 2011 Young Investigator Award sponsored by the company.

From Left: Kenji Yamamoto (Conference Chair), Niko Hildebrandt (Author), David Wegner (Author), Wolfgang Parak (Conference Chair), Marek Osinski (Conference Chair), and Richard Pollard (Ocean Optics COO)

[From Left: Kenji Yamamoto (Conference Chair), Niko Hildebrandt (Author), David Wegner (Author), Wolfgang Parak (Conference Chair), Marek Osinski (Conference Chair), and Richard Pollard (Ocean Optics COO)]

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 VI” session of the 2011 BiOS/Photonics West conference. The award was presented during the session Monday January, 24. The honor includes a $1,000 investigator reward and a company grant to the investigator’s advisor.

Wegner, part of a research team at the University of Potsdam (Germany) that included Daniel Geissler and Hans-Gerd Löhmannsröben, was honored for his work as lead author of “Time-resolved and steady-state FRET spectroscopy on commercial biocompatible quantum dots.” Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a mechanism describing energy transfer between chromophores. Wegner’s advisor is Professor Niko Hildebrandt of Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Polymerforschung.

Ocean Optics has a long history of supporting young scientists from around the world. “We are always encouraged and inspired by the commitment of young researchers,” said Rob Morris, Director of Marketing at Ocean Optics. “Twenty years ago, our company prospered because someone believed and invested in a team of young researchers with a vision. The energy and enthusiasm that this year’s SPIE participants demonstrated is a great reminder that young investigators represent the promise of both scientific discovery and industry growth.”

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Entries poured in from around the globe
Dunedin, FL (December 10, 2010) – After collecting entries from optical sensing enthusiasts around the world, Ocean Optics has chosen the winners of its annual video and photo contest (www.oceanphotochallenge.com).  Winner of the $2,500 Grand Prize in the video category, San Diego State University Student Cory Stinson, was chosen for his entry Into the Ocean of Optics and Lasers.  In the photo category, Jeff Van Camp was awarded the $1,000 Grand Prize for his photo series A Quick Look Over the Shoulder.

 

Image from Jeff Van Camp’s Grand Prize winning photo series A Quick Look Over the Shoulder.

Stinson’s winning video highlights the capabilities of an Ocean Optics spectrometer with real time experimental footage and 3D computer animation. The experimental setup measures the spectrum of a laser output in real time while the majority of the laser beam that passes directly through a beam splitter is incident on a CCD sensor to look at spatial modulation.

Four runner-up video entries were also awarded $500 prizes each: Dr. Moji Navvab and The University of Michigan, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning & 3D – Virtual Reality Laboratory for Architecture Research in the Virtual Reality Cave; Axel Emmermann of Belgium and his Fluorescent Minerals Workgroup for The USB4000 – The Tool of Our Choice; San Diego State University Student Melissa Phillips for Romantic Science; and Ocean Optics OEM Water Insight for The Water Insight Spectrometer – WISP.

Van Camp’s winning photo series documents his research team measuring yellow patch reflectance of Southern Rockhopper Penguins in the ‘settlement colony’ on New Island, Falkland Islands. The colony’s inhabitants, which include around 5,000 pairs of breeding Southern Rockhopper Penguins, feature prominently in the breathtaking photos. 

Five runner-up photo entries were also awarded $500 prizes each: Dr. Moji Navvab and The University of Michigan, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning & 3D – Virtual Reality Laboratory for Using the Jaz Spectrometer in the Virtual Reality Cave; San Diego State Professor, Matt Anderson for Into the Supercontinuum; Michal Mazenec of The Czech Republic for Balloon Burner Flame; Wroclaw University of Technology PhD Student Marcin Szczurowski for Dual Laser Fiber Characterization; and Tufts University PhD Candidate Natasha Tigreros for Butterfly Wing Coloration.

All of the winning videos and photos can be seen on the contest website at www.oceanphotochallenge.com.

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Dunedin, FL (September 7, 2010) – The Shanghai, China office of Ocean Optics,  the industry leader in miniature photonics, has achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification applicable to the design and manufacture of electro-optical equipment.  Ocean Optics’ US headquarters earned its ISO accreditation in 2009.

The Shanghai office’s quality management system was audited by National Quality Assurance, U.S.A. and found to be in compliance with the provisions of the ISO 9001:2008 standards.  ISO 9001:2008 certification ensures that a company has met a comprehensive set of standards dictated by the International Standards Organization (ISO) covering all aspects of the business.  The audit evaluated Ocean Optics’ procedures for quality assurance, production, continuous improvement, performance to customer expectation, internal audits, contract review and purchasing. 

Established in 2007, Ocean Optics Asia supports the company’s distributors and customers in the Pacific Rim with a team of application, sales and software engineers.  With IS0 9001:2008 certification, the office is better positioned to provide the company’s optical sensing, display optics, and biophotonics technologies to the rapidly expanding Asian market.

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