The world’s first entirely light-based memory chip to store data permanently has been developed by material scientists at Oxford University in collaboration with scientists at Karlsruhe, Munster and Exeter. The device, which makes use of materials used in CDs and DVDs, could help dramatically improve the speed of modern computing. Today’s computers are held back...Continue Reading

Funding Opportunity Announced Through a Funding Opportunity Announcement  (FOA) made on Nov. 6, the U.S. Department of Defense is calling for concept papers for the establishment of an Integrated Photonics Institute for Manufacturing Innovation (IP-IMI). The IP-IMI will be the largest federal investment to date under the Obama administration’s National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI)...Continue Reading

Component and system provider Thorlabs has continued its expansion up the photonics value chain with the acquisition of Corning’s optoelectronics research group – including significant expertise in quantum cascade laser (QCL) development. And the company has immediately followed that up with a strategic partnership involving Daylight Solutions, the San Diego firm that has developed QCL-based products...Continue Reading

Corning will expand production at its Canton plant in a $21 million project that will create 40 permanent jobs with the help of a low-cost power allocation, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is expected to announce today. The plant on McAdoo Road in the town of DeKalb will increase production of high-fused silica glass used in...Continue Reading

“If China shuts off the flow of glass, the United States will be out of drones in six months.” – CEO of a critical components contractor to the DoD It was anticipated and heavily lobbied for.  Does it look like anyone expected? On Monday, June 2nd, the Department of the Air Force, through Air Force...Continue Reading

New York Photonics Manufacturing Initiative Goal: Assist in developing national and regional technology roadmaps for the U.S. photonics industry and laying the groundwork for a national institute dedicated to advancing and diffusing photonics-based manufacturing technologies. Lead: University of Rochester, Center for Emerging and Innovative Sciences 260 Hutchison Rd. Rochester, NY14627 Award Number: 70NANB14H054 Federal Funding:...Continue Reading

This is what the death of Moore’s law looks like: EUV rollout slowed, 450mm wafers halted, and an uncertain path beyond 14nm There have been a number of events over the past few weeks that collectively point to serious problems ahead for the semiconductor market and all the players in that space. While some companies...Continue Reading

Thursday March 20, 2014 Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (Representative New York’s 25th District) sent a letter to President Obama today strongly endorsing the concept of a national manufacturing institute in Optics and Photonics, and clearly stating her position that Rochester, New York plays a leadership role.  Congresswoman Slaughter Optics letter 03 20 14 The National Network...Continue Reading

Sources at IBM say that product development kits based on the company’s work developing silicon photonics engines for high-speed data center and server connectivity are nearing the alpha stage and should reach full technology qualification next year. The company is now willing to engage potential partners interested in turning the technology into products. Speaking at...Continue Reading

All Three Units of 392 megawatt Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System Now Delivering Solar Power to California’s Electric Grid At full capacity, the facility’s trio of 450-foot high towers produces a gross total of 392 megawatts (MW) of solar power, enough electricity to provide 140,000 California homes with clean energy and avoid 400,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide...Continue Reading