Laser Components has bought Microwatt Applications, a US-based manufacturer of pyroelectric detectors. The acquisition will expand Laser Components’ infrared detector portfolio.
Patrick Paul, general manager at Laser Components GmbH, commented: ‘Microwatt and its personnel will add excellent know-how and decades of experience in the production of pyroelectric detectors, with Alan Doctor, one of the most experienced and renowned experts in the field of pyroelectric detectors joining our ranks.’
As of July 2014, Microwatt will operate under the name Laser Components Pyro Group, and as a subsidiary of the Laser Components Detector Group, which already manufactures a successful line of IR semiconductor detectors. Microwatt's location in Florida, USA will remain and be gradually expanded.
Microwatt produces pyroelectric detectors based on LiTaO3 for industrial gas analysis, medical technology, flame recognition, and process control, as well as those based on DLaTGS as the sensing material used in applications such as FTIR spectrometers and terahertz sensing.
The DLaTGS crystals have locked-in polarisation and do not require a poling voltage to be able to maintain an output signal. They are capable of operating at speeds up to 4,000Hz.
The Laser Components Group specialises in the development, production, and sales of components and services for the laser and optoelectronics industry. The group has manufacturing sites in Germany, Canada, and the US, employs 170 staff members and generate an annual turnover of USD $55 million.
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