Lemoptix signs a long-term collaboration agreement with Hamamatsu Photonics of Japan and closes a further funding round
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Lemoptix, based in Lausanne, Switzerland and Hamamatsu Photonics of Japan have signed a long-term collaboration agreement to develop, industrialise and commercialise micro-opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMS) laser scanning and microprojection devices. The two companies will leverage the strengths of Lemoptix’ next generation LSCAN MOEMS micromirror and MVIEW microprojection technology platforms with Hamamatsu Photonics’ expertise, experience and worldwide reach in the industrialisation, production and commercialisation of optoelectronic and photonic systems.
For Lemoptix the partnership with Hamamatsu Photonics is an important step in the industrialisation and commercialisation of its unique technology. The Lemoptix proprietary LSCAN MOEMS micromirror, a key component of the MVIEW microprojection system, is a product line in its own right. The LSCAN micromirror products have been selected for use in several applications such as laser printing and industrial sensors. The MVIEW microprojection technology has already been validated by leaders in the automotive industry for use in Head-Up Display systems and, having the world’s smallest projection optical engine, is proving to be very attractive to major players in the mobile device world.For Hamamatsu Photonics Solid State Division, this collaboration represents a great opportunity to further expand its MOEMS- based product line and to enter into a new market segment in the optoelectronic field. The MOEMS fabrication and wafer scale assembly capabilities in Hamamatsu Photonics’ new MEMS and Integral Optics facility, together with its very high quality assurance management, will guarantee a high quality and very reliable mass produced product for its customers. Hamamatsu Photonics’ global and highly skilled sales force network is present locally and can provide individually the necessary support to ensure an optimum and short design-in phase in the various customer projects.
Lemoptix CEO, Marco Boella said “Lemoptix is very excited to have established a long term relationship with Hamamatsu Photonics. Their reputation in the world of optics is unsurpassed and our partnership is an exciting mix of Swiss innovation and Japanese manufacturing excellence. We look forward to seeing a new generation of Hamamatsu Photonics products based on Lemoptix technology being marketed to Hamamatsu Photonics’ broad and global client base. We are convinced that these new offerings will be quickly embraced and that the addition of Lemoptix technology to the Hamamatsu product range will bring very significant new markets and growth to both companies”.
Hamamatsu Photonics Solid State Division Manager, Koei Yamamoto points out that: “Hamamatsu Photonics recognizes the significant achievements of the Lemoptix engineers in developing technology that meets application specific requirements and making the products ready for industrialisation. Building up knowledge based on market demand is an ongoing process and a highly technological interdisciplinary challenge which will be further improved by combining Lemoptix engineering with our manufacturing capabilities and experience. Together we can provide the optimum product for our customers’ needs, today and in the coming years.”
Furthermore Lemoptix has also announced its success in securing a third round of funding for 1.5 Million Swiss Francs, bringing the total amount of raised capital since the incorporation of the company to approximately 3.6 Million Swiss Francs. The successful closing of this funding round was made possible thanks to the continued support of the original private investors and the Go-Beyond business angel group.
The proceeds will be utilized to further build up Lemoptix innovation and R&D capabilities related to the next generation MVIEW microprojection technology and to ramp up worldwide technology commercialization activities.
About Lemoptix
Lemoptix develops next-generation micro-opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMS) - based laser scanning and microprojection technologies and products for professional and industrial applications. Lemoptix LSCAN laser scanning micromirrors are designed to be integrated by OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers into a number of applications such as printers and industrial sensors, enhancing performances and enabling the development of smaller, higher resolution and lower cost products. Lemoptix MVIEW, world’s smallest laser microprojection systems are ideal for integration by OEMs and ODMs (original design manufacturers) into various demanding applications such as head-up displays in cars or mobile devices. Embedded MVIEW modules will enable the projection of content and information directly from the device on any nearby surface, enabling users to conveniently view and share information and content without the typical limitations of physical displays.
About Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
Hamamatsu Photonics KK (HPK) is a world leading manufacturer of optoelectronic components and systems. The Company’s corporate philosophy stresses the advancement of photonics through extensive research and yields products that are regarded as “state-of-the-art”. All products are designed to cover the entire optical spectrum and provide solutions for a wide variety of scientific, industrial and commercial applications. The Hamamatsu product range extends to over 10,000 components including photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes, scientific light sources and infrared detectors. Hamamatsu perform applied research into a wide variety of fields such as optical communications, optical measurement, medical research and biology, yet they do not neglect basic research, probing into many as yet unexplored areas
