Ocean Optics News - from Halma PR - visit www.oceanoptics.com

Accessory upgrades existing spectrometers instantly to retrieve spectral data and control operating parameters
Dunedin, FL (February 24, 2009) – Ocean Optics, the industry leader in miniature photonics, has used the emergence of powerful yet inexpensive microprocessors to turn its spectrometers into webservers that can wirelessly exchange data and operation parameters. The new Remora is a plug and play adapter that makes connecting to an Ocean Optics Spectrometer as easy as putting a URL into a browser.  Users can access Remora over a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network to capture real-time data and control their spectrometer’s parameters.

Compatible with Ocean Optics’ HR4000, HR2000+ and QE65000 spectrometers, Remora combines Ocean Optics’ spectral acquisition and processing power with wireless convenience. Remora installs quickly and easily via USB and leaves GPIO connections free.

With Remora’s wireless capabilities, users can carry out a range of data collection and control functions remotely. Through the Remora User Interface, users can collect data, export spectral data to delimited and graph formats and change the spectrometer’s acquisition parameters – all remotely. Remora also generates a log file that tracks current and past setups for identifying errors.

Remora also makes it possible to access and control Ocean Optics spectrometers in a network from other web-enabled devices such as iPhones and PDAs. Remora supports most web browsers.
- iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
- Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance, formerly the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance

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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.”

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Pocket-sized instrument for lighting design and more
Largo, FL (December 15, 2008) – Ocean Thin Films (www.seachangeronline.com), a division of Ocean Optics, has introduced the ColorBug handheld wireless device for lighting designers, technicians, videographers and digital photographers.

ColorBug measures CIE color values and luminance in theatrical, studio and architectural applications. Its software allows technicians to wirelessly share data with their iPhone or iPod touch, making color analysis simple and convenient.

The ColorBug can be mounted on walls and other fixtures to assist in taking measurements remotely or hands-free.

Smaller than a typical mobile phone, ColorBug is completely portable and features a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, mini USB connectivity and a sleek, rugged design.

To learn more about ColorBug, visit www.seachangeronline.com/colorbug.html or contact Ocean Thin Films at +1 727-545-0741 for additional information.

Headquartered in Largo, Fla., Ocean Thin Films is a division of Ocean Optics, Inc. that designs and manufactures patterned dichroic filters for scientific instrumentation and applications, as well products such as the SeaChanger Color Engine for entertainment, architectural and worship facility lighting.

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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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High output, low wattage long bulb life with color engine for stage and architectural lighting design
Largo, FL (November 17, 2008) – Lighting design efficiency has taken a giant step forward with the Nemo, now available from SeaChanger by Ocean Optics.  This new class of high-intensity lighting reduces energy costs with a solid state, energy efficient LIFI® plasma source to reduce consumption and heat load.  Available with all SeaChanger novel color engines, the Nemo uses all existing ETC Source Four front-end barrels and an assortment of ETC FOV optics. 

The Nemo’s LIFI® plasma source delivers 15,000 lumens on a modest 180 watts of power–over 6 times the efficiency of comparable color engines.  This translates to 83 Lumens per Watt out of the Nemo, as compared to 12 Lumens per Watt out of conventional incandescent fixtures.  With over 15,000 hours of lamp life, the Nemo is ideal for installations like domes, worship ceilings and atriums where lighting position makes regular maintenance a challenge.

The SeaChanger Nemo is convection cooled and totally silent–no noisy cooling fans, with smooth, swipe-free color transitions.  The dichroic filters provide higher transmission efficiency than gels and other filter materials; their resistance to temperature and humidity assures color consistency for the life of the fixture.  The Nemo is now available in an indoor profile fixture.  An outdoor profile fixture for landscape and open-air venue lighting will be available in April 2009.

For more information about the SeaChanger Nemo, 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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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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New probe virtually eliminates back reflection from excitation radiation
Dunedin, FL (September 29, 2008) – Ocean Optics (www.oceanoptics.com), the industry leader in miniature photonics, has added the novel QF600-8-VIS/NIR Fiber Optic Fluorescence Probe to its line of spectroscopy and optical sensing technologies.

 
The new probe is designed to eliminate the back reflection from excitation radiation, resulting in a greater fluorescence signal than can be achieved using more traditional fluorescence probe design parameters. Depending on experiment conditions, order-of-magnitude fluorescence signal improvement is possible.

The QF600-8-VIS/NIR uses one flat fiber for detection and seven angled fibers that direct excitation energy to the region in front of the detection fiber. Depending on the excitation wavelength, an adjustable window can facilitate choosing the depth of overlap.

Custom options for the QF600-8-VIS/NIR are available at additional cost, including different fiber wavelength range versions, various connectors and jacketing options, and custom lengths (two meters is standard). Solarization-resistant fiber is also available.

More information is available at www.oceanoptics.com, by calling Ocean Optics World Headquarters at +1 727-733-2447, or by e-mailing Info@OceanOptics.com.

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New compact colorimeter that measures to human eye standard
Dunedin, FL (August 26, 2008) – Ocean Optics (www.oceanoptics.com), the industry leader in miniature photonics, has announced its partnership with Admesy (www.admesy.nl) to provide the Brontes Colorimeter for color measurement in online applications.

The Brontes features 5,500 color measurement per second and 18,000 luminance measurements per second in burst mode. Color is measured using photodiode sensors and an XYZ interference filter. It has 8 selectable luminance ranges with a lowest luminance level of 0.05cd/m². Supported color spaces include XYZ, Yxy, L*a*b*, Y’u'v’, LCH. Also supported are color temperature and dominant wavelength measurements. The Brontes is especially useful in situations where speed and stability are key demands.

The device interfaces with a PC using USB2.0 or RS232 and can be interfaced with embedded systems using either the same connections or I²C, available via a GPIO connector. Besides connection to PCs or embedded systems, the Brontes can also operate as a stand-alone unit for Go/NoGO measurements. In stand-alone mode it recognizes color or luminance/transmission, which are teachable by the end user.

The colorimeter comes with standard software applications for measuring and storing data. Additional developer source code is also included for LabVIEW, C++, C# and VB for end users who prefer to design their own applications. The unit also features the USBTMC class, which ensures it operates directly in Test & Measurement environments, such as National Instruments LabVIEW, through the VISA USB device drivers. Drivers are available for Microsoft Windows, Apple OSX and Linux.

More information is available at http://www.oceanoptics.com/Products/colorimeter.asp, by calling Ocean Optics’ World Headquarters at +1 727-733-2447, or e-mailing Info@OceanOptics.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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