Human resources in photonics group.

Diana Dreyer has assumed the role of Vice President Human Resources (Head of HR) with Toptica Photonics. In this role, she is responsible for the HR strategy of the Group and is driving the continued scaling of the organization in the areas of talent acquisition, leadership development, and organizational culture.

Diana Dreyer

Diana brings more than 20 years of experience in HR management at international high‑tech, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods companies. She has a broad skill set across diverse HR domains – from strategic workforce planning and People & Culture to labor‑law topics – from which Toptica will strongly benefit.

From 2020–2026, she served at Excelitas Technologies as HR Manager and deputy head of HR, providing leadership across multiple HR workstreams. In her new role, she is building and advancing Toptica’s strategic people agenda: from HR strategy and talent development to the continued digitalization of HR processes.

“With Diana Dreyer, we are gaining an experienced HR leader who will effectively support our ambitious growth strategy in Quantum Technology, Biophotonics, and Semicon/Materials,” says Dr. Thomas Renner, Chief Sales Officer (CSO) and President of Toptica Photonics. “Together with Diana and the HR team, we will actively shape the challenges that TOPTICA’s growth brings for the HR organization.”

Diana Dreyer adds, “I am very much looking forward to further developing People & Culture at Topticatogether with our leadership teams – with a focus on excellent candidate journeys, sustainable leadership programs, and a strong, values‑based company culture. Further digitalization of our HR processes will be a key lever.”

With the new HR leadership, Toptica is continuing to professionalize HR processes worldwide, expand international talent programs, and further align the people strategy with the company’s objectives.

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@TOPTICA_AG @PresseBox@UnnGmbh #Pauto #Photonics

New CTO at leading photonics group.

Dr. Frank Lison has been named to succeed TOPTICA founder Dr. Wilhelm Kaenders as CTO/Vorstand of the TOPTICA Photonics group.

Dr Frank Lison with Dr Wilhelm Kaenders

Following the company’s long-term succession plan designed to ensure continuity in leadership and sustained technological excellence, Frank Lison will take over the main responsibilities of Wilhelm Kaenders. Wilhelm will remain within the TOPTICA group as founder and continues to support the company’s successful evolution in some of its focus markets.

"I'm excited to take over the role of CTO at TOPTICA," said Frank Lison. "The company’s strong foundation in scientific excellence and laser technology is something I value highly. Together with our teams, I look forward to advancing our laser technologies further."

He has been with TOPTICA in various roles since 2002 and currently, since 2016, serves as founding and managing director of TOPTICA Projects GmbH.

He has a physics degree from University Hannover, a PhD in cold atom physics from University Bonn, both with Prof. Dieter Meschede, and after a Postdoc with Prof. Ed Hinds in Britain, he started to work in the Central Research Group of Bayer AG.

Already in the important phase from 2002 to 2010, Frank accompanied the steady growth of TOPTICA as VP of R&D. When in 2009 the company TILL Photonics GmbH was acquired by TOPTICA and then sold to FEI München GmbH, Frank was the acting General Manager, before he rejoined the TOPTICA group.

The board of TOPTICA Photonics SE from Octoberr 2026 will consist of Dr. Frank Lison (CTO & President, spokesman of the executive board), Dr. Thomas Renner (CSO & President), Dr. Mathias Schindler (COO) and Fabian Uhl (CFO).

Wilhelm Kaenders states: “For me, it was an honor and pleasure to start in 1998 and grow the company together with Thomas Weber, at the time as a five person endeavor with focus on scientific and optical data storage markets. We were quickly able to identify and attract excellent people to work with us, and most importantly, to adapt and meet market demands over the last three decades. As TOPTICA group, we have doubled our revenue and workforce since 2020”.

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@TOPTICA_AG @PresseBox@UnnGmbh #Pauto #Photonics

New Director of Laser Development.

Dr. Bertrand Viellerobe has been appointed as Director of Laser Development at TOPTICA France, reinforcing its capabilities in laser design and validation while further advancing its innovation activities.

Dr. Bertrand Viellerobe

In his new role, Bertrand Viellerobe will lead the development and validation of next-generation laser systems, contributing to TOPTICA’s portfolio of high-performance solutions for scientific and industrial applications. He brings extensive experience in laser and optical system development, with a strong track record of leading multidisciplinary R&D teams, managing complex innovation projects, and translating advanced photonics technologies into real-world applications.

The appointment reflects a strategic evolution of responsibilities within TOPTICA France. Dr. Germain Guiraud will transition to the role of Director of Laser Innovation, focusing on innovation and research, supporting forward-looking technology development and exploratory projects, notably within the framework of the joint laboratory Starlight+. 

 “With Bertrand, we are strengthening our laser development capabilities at TOPTICA France. His expertise will be instrumental in advancing our technologies and supporting our ambition to deliver high-performance laser solutions for quantum technologies and precision applications,” said Dr. Nicholas Traynor, President TOPTICA Photonics SAS.

“I’m pleased to join TOPTICA and contribute to advancing laser development. I look forward to working with the team and building on the strong technological foundation in France,” added Dr. Viellerobe.

By sharpening the focus on both product-oriented development and long-term innovation, TOPTICA France continues to play a key role in the company’s strategy to drive cutting-edge photonics technologies for research and industry.

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@TOPTICA_AG @OpticaWorldwide @PresseBox@UnnGmbh  #Pauto #Laser

Agreement for fibre-to-chip connectivity.

An agreement to acquire Teramount Ltd., the developer of detachable fibre-to-chip connectivity solutions optimized for high-volume Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) and other silicon photonics applications has been announced by Molex. Teramount’s TeraVERSE® platform, based on its universal photonic coupler and wafer-level self-aligning optics, provides a pragmatic, field-serviceable interface between optical fibre and silicon photonics chips and was recently announced as part of the Molex one-stop CPO solution at OFC 2026. TeraVERSE is an innovative, passively-aligned solution that enables faster data rates necessary to support AI adoption while consuming less energy to reduce power and cooling demands in hyperscale data centers.

“Teramount’s TeraVERSE technology fills a crucial gap in the CPO stack, offering an advantaged and strategic complement to our optical solutions portfolio. With a practical, detachable fibre-to-chip interface we are afforded a foundational element to realize mainstream CPO adoption,” said Aldo Lopez, president, Datacom Solutions, Molex. “Combining Teramount’s IP and engineering talent with Molex’s innovative portfolio, manufacturing scale, supply-chain expertise and systems know-how gives customers an integrated, high-volume path to deploy scalable CPO.”

Their passive, detachable coupling approach supports large assembly tolerances and semiconductor-grade wafer-level processes. Compared with active alignment methods, passive alignment is materially more scalable as CPO moves toward volume production. Molex will combine Teramount’s IP and engineering expertise with its optical capability and global manufacturing scale to deliver industry-leading performance specifications and accelerate production of TeraVERSE.

“Harnessing Molex’s global scale and system-level expertise with Teramount’s innovation expertise and detachable, wafer-level coupling technology creates a real pathway for scalable, high-density CPO,” said Hesham Taha, CEO and co-founder of Teramount. “Joining forces with Molex will enable us to accelerate delivery of a manufacturable, serviceable fibre-to-chip interface that meets the pressing needs of AI and hyperscale data centers.”

The addition of TeraVERSE to Molex’s comprehensive optical interconnect portfolio provides customers with greater support across their CPO and silicon photonics architectures. As a leader in high-speed communications interconnects, Molex is uniquely positioned to deliver industry-leading copper and optical solutions.

Teramount will remain a design and engineering center in Jerusalem (IL) supported by Molex’s global optical capabilities. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. 

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@MolexConnectors  @TeramountLTD @NapierPR #PAuto

Laser design in Welsh University.

Photon Design has partnered with Cardiff University to deliver a two-day, laser design course, as part of its physics curriculum. Students begin the course with laser theory and end by producing practical laser designs and models. The students gain hands-on experience of Photon Design’s CAD software, using its FIMMPROP simulation tool to create laser component designs, circuit simulations, and layouts. Students then progress to Photon Design’s PICWave to produce a complete design workflow with three-dimensional, time evolving, laser modelling. The course provides hands-on experience of how advanced simulation tools can simplify and accelerate the laser design process, producing functional laser designs within just two days.

Alex Edwards, Scientific Advisor at Photon Design, who delivers the course, said, “The unique partnership with Cardiff University gives students valuable, real-world, industrial laser design experience, modelling physics in action. Within two days, students produce manufacturable laser designs, clearly demonstrating the simplicity, speed, and efficiency of the simulation tools and connecting academic theory to practical industry skills.

“The course includes simulating photonic components like MMIs, rings, and tapered waveguides with FIMMPROP. Introducing this EigenMode Expansion (EME)-based simulation tool is often pivotal for students, as they experience its impressive speed compared to the more familiar FDTD method. With EME, we conduct equally thorough simulations in seconds, not the hours required by FDTD, making it possible to iterate laser designs efficiently and an essential part of the process.

“PICWave offers students many advanced physics effects, essential for modelling cutting-edge lasers. This covers optical mode propagation, thermal effects, carrier diffusion, and how their combined coupling will impact laser gain, ensuring the laser design meets individual application requirements.

“Our partnership with Cardiff University provides valuable feedback that helps to enhance our laser simulation products, informing and improving our next-generation of laser simulation tools.”

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@photond @prifysgolCdydd #Photonics #Education #Wales

FTIR analysis expanded.

Laser Components is now the German distribution partner for cryogenically cooled MCT detectors (Mercury Cadmium Telluride – HgCdTe) from Vigo Photonics. This technology is primarily used in FTIR spectroscopy in the long-wave infrared range.

Nitrogen-cooled MCT detectors enable precise measurements at wavelengths beyond 20 µm and meet performance requirements that can only be achieved at very low temperatures (77 Kelvin). This makes them ideal for applications in scientific spectroscopy, gas analysis, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control.

The detectors are available as Dewar assemblies or in flatpack housings and can be flexibly integrated into a wide range of FTIR measurement setups. Large active areas, AR-coated windows, and anti-fringing optimization ensure low-noise and interference-free signal processing. Even weak or difficult-to-detect IR signals can therefore be captured reliably.

"With Vigo Photonics, we are gaining a partner whose technologies perfectly match the requirements of our customers," says Tim Huylebrouck, Head of the Infrared Division at Laser Components. "These MCT detectors expand our portfolio in highly sensitive FTIR analysis and open up new possibilities for demanding measurement applications."

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* FTIR = 'Fourier Transform Infrared' spectroscopy.

@LaserComponents @lasercomp_uk @UnnGmbh @PresseBox #TandM #Pauto

Innovative optical quantum clock wins.

TOPTICLOCK has been awarded the 2026 SPIE Prism Award. The award in the Quantum Tech category was presented during a ceremony at Photonics West 2026 in San Francisco (CA USA), recognising outstanding achievements in photonics innovation. TOPTICLOCK is the first fully integrated, commercially available optical quantum clock based on a laser-cooled, single trapped Yb⁺ ion.

Housed in two robust 19” industrial rack units, it delivers a new benchmark in transportable frequency standards with relative frequency instability and accuracy at the 10⁻¹⁷ level. Designed for remote operation, it provides a stable optical frequency standard output at 871 nm, enabling seamless integration with optical frequency combs to realise rf or pulse per second outputs for timekeeping and advanced synchronisation.

LtoR: Mark Tolbert, CEO, Dr. Thomas Renner, President & CSO, Toptica, Dr. Stephan Ritter Senior Director, Dr. Wilhelm Kaenders President, Founder & CTO, and Dr. Jürgen Stuhler, VP Quantum Technologies. (Pic: SPIE and Joey Cobbs,TOPTICA Photonics SE)

“The transition from scientific instruments to be operated by expert personnel in academic laboratories into an industrial product for real-world environments has long been a goal for optical quantum clocks,” said Dr. Wilhelm Kaenders, President and founder of TOPTICA. “With TOPTICLOCK, we are closing this gap – making the world's most precise commercial time and frequency reference. We have already deployed first units at customer sites for high-end applications in navigation, metrology, and fundamental science.”

“We thank all people at TOPTICA who have been contributing to master this challenging endeavor and are grateful for the of the ongoing support from German national metrology institute PTB. A special thanks goes to our first lead customer for his trust in our capabilities to build the first version of TOPTICLOCK and the German ministry of science, technology and space (formerly named ministry for education and research) and the collaboration partners for funding and working on a predecessor research project “opticlock”, in which a first demonstrator of a single Yb+ ion clock was successfully realised.” adds Dr. Jürgen Stuhler, Vice President of Quantum Technologies and former coordinator of opticlock.

Unlike microwave-based cesium or optical rubidium clocks, TOPTICLOCK significantly outperforms hydrogen masers and other commercial frequency standards in both stability and accuracy. It was developed as a turnkey solution for users who demand cutting-edge performance without needing deep quantum technology expertise – combining push-button operation, auto-calibration, and user-definable sequences. Applications include:

• National and international time services (UTC) and contributions to TAI (Temps Atomique International)
• Network synchronization and long-term holdover in GNSS-denied environments (Global Navigation Satellite System)
• Satellite navigation and space-based infrastructure
• Fundamental quantum metrology and highest precision physics

TOPTICLOCK marks the company’s first complete commercial quantum technology solution, building on the company’s 30 years of expertise in narrow linewidth laser systems and optical frequency control.

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@TOPTICA_AG @PresseBox #Pauto #Photonics

CEO for hyperspectral imaging technology leader.

The Board of Directors of Headwall has appointed Tim Spang as Chief Executive Officer. He brings decades of operational experience and a proven record of building high-performance, growth-oriented organizations. He joined Headwall in June 2025 and has most recently served as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Headwall, Spang held senior leadership roles at Diligent Robotics and Seegrid, as well as operational and product leadership positions at Haemonetics, Unilife, and Bayer.

Tim Spang

“Arsenal is confident that Tim’s global leadership experience in next-generation technology and customer-focused approach position him well to drive the company’s continued growth and success,” said Jim Rock, Headwall Board Member and Operating Partner at Arsenal.

Spang succeeds Mark Willingham, who has served as Headwall’s Chief Executive Officer since 2023. During this time, Headwall executed the buildout of its product and software capabilities through multiple strategic acquisitions and internal development initiatives, further positioning Headwall as a technological leader in its markets. “It has been a privilege to lead Headwall and work with such a talented global team,” said Willingham. “I am confident that Headwall is well-positioned for its next chapter under Tim’s leadership.”

“I am honored to lead Headwall at this pivotal time. With an exceptional team and an unwavering commitment to innovation, we are well-positioned to expand our leadership in hyperspectral imaging and optics and deliver even greater value to our customers,” said Spang.

Headwall also announced that David Blair has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, reporting to Spang. Over his eleven years with Headwall, Blair has developed a deep understanding of the company’s customers, operations, and culture, positioning him to play a key role in Headwall’s next chapter.

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@headwall @__EVK__ #PAuto #Photonics

Serving Japan’s scientific and industrial photonics community.

Toptica Photonics has opened its new office in Osaka, Japan. This expansion demonstrates the company's commitment to the Japanese market and its growing customer base in the Asia-Pacific region.

LtoR: Toshiyuki Nishimoto, Dr. Thomas Renner
and Taro Saito,at the opening.

Leading the new Osaka office is Toshiyuki Nishimoto, who recently joined Toptica as Branch Manager with a strong background in photonics and laser technology. The Osaka Office will serve as a dedicated point of contact for customers and partners across western Japan, fostering closer collaboration and ensuring faster response times.

This expansion marks an important milestone in the company’s growth strategy, strengthening its footprint in one of the world’s most dynamic high-tech and research markets while reinforcing long-standing customer relationships.

Due to the importance of Japan in the high-technology and optics industry, Toptica founded Toptica Photonics K.K. in September 2016 as a dedicated office for sales, marketing, and service. The subsidiary, headquartered in Fuchu/Tokyo, currently consists of eight employees – all of whom have extensive experience with Toptica products. Among them is Taro Saito, who has served as Managing Director since the company’s foundation.

"Japan has always been an important region for Toptica, with its strong research landscape and dynamic industrial base," said Dr. Thomas Renner, CSO and Member of the Executive Board at Toptica Photonics. "With our new Osaka office and Mr. Nishimoto joining the team, we are well positioned to provide even better local support and service to our Japanese customers."

"Since establishing Toptica Photonics K.K. in 2016, we have continuously expanded our business in both the scientific and industrial markets across Japan. The new Osaka office marks another significant step forward, allowing us to strengthen our presence in western Japan and to serve our customers with even greater proximity and efficiency." said Taro Saito. "We now have enough space and presence to grow the Japanese organization to a next level."

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@TOPTICA_AG @PresseBox #Pauto #Photonics #Japa

Production VP appointed.

To strengthen manufacturing integration and drive strategic growth initiatives.

Dr. Matthias Hohenleutner has been appointed as Vice President of Production with Toptica Photonics. This strategic leadership transition comes in response to Toptica’s continued growth and the increasing complexity of its production environment.

Matthias Hohenleutner

In his new role, Matthias Hohenleutner will oversee manufacturing operations, production planning, and manufacturing engineering. He will also be responsible for further integrating these areas into the Toptica Group. “With his technical expertise, in-depth knowledge of our production processes, and strong leadership, Matthias is ideally suited to guide our production into the future,” said Dr. Mathias Schindler, COO and Member of the Executive Board.

Matthias joined Toptica in 2016 as a project manager in R&D, focusing on frequency comb technologies. In 2018, he was promoted to lead the group responsible for custom-built ultrafast systems and laser reference solutions. By collaborating closely with business units and R&D, he successfully built and led a high-performing team.

With Dr. Matthias Hohenleutner taking on operational responsibility for production, Dr. Mathias Schindler will focus more strongly on strategic initiatives. By stepping back from day-to-day operations, he will concentrate on strengthening Toptica’s global competitiveness and advancing efficiency along the value chain. This division of responsibilities ensures both continuity in production excellence and a sharper focus on long-term growth.

Toptica Photonics welcomes the new VP Production and thanked Dr. Mathias Schindler for nearly a decade of his leadership in this role. “His dedication and vision have been instrumental in shaping Toptica’s manufacturing excellence,” said Dr. Wilhelm Kaenders, Founder and CTO of Toptica Photonics SE. “We are excited to see Mathias now focus more on the strategic levers of digitalization and automation that will define the next chapter of our industrial growth.”

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@TOPTICA_AG @PresseBox #Pauto #Photonics

Photonic team to be strengthened.

Photon Design is expanding its Oxford-based team, in Britain, to include Application Engineers. This is to support growth and meet the increasing demand for its wide range of photonic simulation products.

Dr. Dominic Gallagher, CEO of Photon Design, said, “Application Engineering is a hybrid role involved in sales, product management, and engineering functions. It will facilitate alignment between customer requirements and our software development roadmap. Our Application Engineers will assist with technical and product support. As experienced software super-users, they have a comprehensive understanding of customer design challenges, offering expert support with simulations. The role will help accelerate the design process, improving performance and boosting productivity for customers. It will also create a structure where feedback is more easily captured to inform Photon Design’s R&D department, to ensure we remain an innovator at the forefront of the worldwide, photonic simulation industry.”

Photon Design will initially apply this approach to their laser simulation products, PICWAVE and HAROLD. By allowing engineers to concentrate on design and product enhancements, new product introductions will be accelerated. The laser simulation products which have already benefited from this approach include the new Quantum Dot gain model for entire laser waveguide cross sections; high-power VCSELs, for multi-junction devices; and extending quantum dot simulation functionality to include a full, 3D, time domain.

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@photond #OptimumPDM #Design #Laser

Photonics award.

Recognised for revolutionising multi-photon microscopy with automated femtosecond fibre coupling.

The prestigious 2025 Laser World of Photonics Innovation Award in the Biophotonics and Medical Engineering category for its revolutionary Femtofibre ultra FD laser system has been awarded to Toptica. Developed to simplify multi-photon microscopy, this compact platform offers turnkey femtosecond beam delivery via optical fibre – enhancing safety and operational ease in modern bioimaging labs.

The Femtofibre ultra FD provides robust, hands-free femtosecond laser delivery using hollow-core fibre technology combined with Topticas proprietary COOLAC auto-alignment system. Originally developed for the iChrome fluorescence microscopy platform, COOLAC now brings automated fibre coupling to the ultrafast regime – making multi-photon imaging faster, safer, and more accessible.

“Our goal was to remove complexity from high-performance imaging,” said Luisa Hofmann, Product Manager Biophotonics & Materials at Toptica. “With the Femtofibre ultra FD, users can focus on their science – not on beam paths.” 

The award was presented by Europa Science Ltd and the Laser World of Photonics jury, recognising the system’s impact on both clinical and research imaging environments. With support for popular wavelengths (780/920/1050 nm), the Femtofibre ultra FD is compatible with common fluorophores and optimised for deep-tissue imaging and nonlinear excitation techniques.

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@TOPTICA_AG @ScienceEuropa @PHOTONICSWORLD@PresseBox #Pauto

Hermetical sealing for transportable applications.

Ultra-stable against temperatures and acoustics with digital control DLC pro.

The new DL pro BFY from TOPTICA Photonics is especially suitable for applications where a care-free operation of the lasers is required. The hermetically sealed butterfly package and the compact design of the resonator allow for the best passive mode stability and robustness within the DL pro family. It can even run as an outdoor system, equipped with temperature stabilisation, to withstand massive winds and pressure fluctuations.

The DL pro is a reliable ECDL laser for almost all wavelengths between 369 nm and 1770 nm. With power up to 400 mW and free running linewidth down to 0.6 kHz, the DL pro is a proven solution for most QT applications. Its digital controller allows a stable performance, the GUI making remote access easy, which is very convenient when the DL pro rack version is requested. It is fully compatible with  TOPTICA's portfolio of tunable diode lasers, driving electronics, software and accessories.

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@TOPTICA_AG @PresseBox #PAuto #Transport

Photonics innovation nominated.

Two technologies reflect TOPTICA’s dedication to developing high-performance, application-driven laser systems. With practical benefits for end users, from experimental physicists to biomedical researchers, these innovations align with global demands for greater efficiency, compact integration, and user-friendly operation. Winners of the Innovation Award will be announced during LASER World of PHOTONICS held in Munich (D) during June 2025. They are nominated under two catagories.

1. Quantum Technologies: - CTL 780: Mode-hop-free tuning around 780 nm.
Explore wide mode-hop-free tuning from 750 to 790 nm! Perfect for pumping and probing (micro) cavities and Rb or K atoms, or for characterizing photonic devices across a broad wavelength range.
CTL lasers are the perfect choice when an application demands large mode-hop-free tuning ranges – from resonant excitation of tiny structures like quantum dots and micro-cavities, to molecular spectroscopy and advanced component testing.

2. Category: Biophotonics and Medical Engineering - FemtoFiber ultra FD 780/920/1050 nm.
Completely replacing the free-space paths between a watt-level femtosecond laser and a two-photon microscope is a game-changer for modern microscopy, simplifying multi-photon microscopy. By delivering femtosecond pulses directly from the laser source to the microscope via an optical fibre, users can enable entirely new microscope designs while significantly improving laser safety and usability. With the FemtoFiber ultra FD there's no need for mirror alignment or for power meters - automated fibre coupling makes setup fast and easy.

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@TOPTICA_AG @PresseBox #TandM

Acquisition bolsters machine vision capability.

The Headwall® Group (“Headwall”) has acquired EVK DI Kerschhaggl GmbH (“EVK”), an Austria-based technology company specializing in industrial sensor-based sorting and inspection systems. This strategic acquisition marks a significant step forward in Headwall Group’s mission to enhance its portfolio and bolster its presence in the industrial machine vision market.

Mark Willingham, CEO of Headwall (left),
and Matjaz Novak, CEO of EVK 

The integration of EVK into the Headwall Group is a natural extension of Headwall Group’s strategy to diversify its product offerings and deepen its capabilities in delivering comprehensive, high-value imaging solutions. EVK’s innovative hyperspectral and inductive sensor technologies as well as data analysis expertise align seamlessly with Headwall Group’s existing products and commitment to advancing hyperspectral imaging applications and AI-driven interpretation software in machine vision and remote sensing markets.

“We are thrilled to welcome EVK into the Headwall family,” said Mark Willingham, CEO of Headwall Group. “Their proven track record in sensor-based solutions and industrial inspection complements our vision of providing integrated, next-generation hyperspectral technologies at the speed and scale needed by the industry. This partnership will drive further innovation and accelerate our ability to meet the increasing demand for more advanced, application-focused imaging solutions.”

Matjaz Novak, CEO of EVK, stated, “Joining forces with Headwall presents a tremendous opportunity to combine our expertise and technologies. Together, we can offer our customers enhanced solutions and expand our reach in the industrial imaging market. We look forward to a collaborative future that leverages the strengths of both organisations.”

EVK’s cutting-edge technology, which spans a range of industries including food processing, plastics recycling, and material sorting, will empower Headwall Group to broaden its market reach and foster new growth opportunities in both machine vision and remote sensing applications.

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@headwall @__EVK__ #PAuto #Photonics

Leadeship change at photonics provider.

A significant management change has been announced by Laser Components UK. After 25 years at the helm, Chris Varney is stepping down as Managing Director and will be succeeded by Dan Barlow, who takes on the role of General Manager.

Dan Barlow

Dan Barlow, who joined Laser Components in January as head of sales, has an impressive track record in the photonics sector. He holds an MPhys (Hons) degree and brings nearly two decades of experience across markets such as Semiconductors, Industrial Lasers, Fiber Optics, and Optoelectronics and different industries including Life Sciences, Aerospace, and Defence. Throughout his career, he held leadership positions with both established industry players and innovative startups.

“I’m proud and humbled to have the opportunity to continue building on the legacy Chris has created here at Laser Components UK”, said Dan Barlow. “The foundations are good, the team is excellent, and I am confident we can continue to go from strength to strength here in the UK”.

Chris Varney

In his tenure as Managing Director, Chris Varney had played a pivotal role in the company’s transformation from a small operation into one of the Britain's most respected names in the photonics industry. Under his leadership, Laser Components has become a trusted partner to industries requiring advanced technology solutions, such as quantum technologies, oil and gas sensing, and fire detection. Looking back at a successful time in business he is now enjoying retirement.

“We are sad to lose a committed leader like Chris, but this is the way of the world”, said Patrick Paul, CEO of the Laser Components Group. “I am sure that Dan has the forward-thinking spirit that defines the DNA of our company. His deep industry knowledge will help Laser Components UK go beyond borders and into a bright future.”

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@LCGermany @lasercomp_uk @PresseBox #Automation

Lasers & Photonics Standards chair.

Dr Lars Mechold, technical director at Laser Components Germany, has been elected chairman of the standards committee CEN/TC 123 – Lasers and photonics. In this role, he will play an integral part in shaping the development of European standards for lasers and photonics. 

Dr Lars Mechold

In addition to large international corporations, representatives from many research institutes and numerous medium-sized manufacturers are also represented in this expert group. They work closely with the worldwide committee ISO/TC 172/SC 9 – Lasers and electro-optical systems.

For Dr Lars Mechold, international standards are indispensable, especially in the laser industry: “Laser technology is developing rapidly. There is already hardly an area of ​​life in which lasers are not used, and yet new applications are constantly being added. You need a clearly defined framework so that everyone speaks the same language. This is how we create compatible systems, which ultimately not only means a generally higher standard of quality but also leads to greater trust between customers and suppliers.”

As technical director since 2012, Dr. Lars Mechold has coordinated the production of laser optics, laser modules, and fiber optic assemblies. He has also overseen the activities of the development department at LASER COMPONENTS Germany. As a Ph.D. of physics, he benefits not only from his scientific and technical background in his work but also from a degree in production management.

@LCGermany @lasercomp_uk @PresseBox #Standards #Automation  

Affiliation programme yields optical results.

The partnership between Laser Components Detector Group and the University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences(AZ USA) is yielding numerous benefits. At the recent Photonics Days, an event co-organized by the university, Laser ComponentsS researcher Dr. Motasim Alomari presented his research on "Uncooled pyroelectric infrared detectors based on deuterated L-alanine doped triglycine sulfate (DLaTGS)" to a broad audience of optics and photonics professionals.

Furthermore, Laser Components staff collaborates closely with leading researchers and professors at the Optical Science Center – one of the top five academic research facilities in the US. This partnership allows the company to leverage their expertise and further advance the development and manufacturing of its semiconductor-based detectors, ranging from low-cost APDs for commercial applications to high-end components used in military or medical applications.

"We are delighted to have close ties with academic research, as it also helps us to develop, cultivate, and identify new talent," said Raj Chakraborty, General Manager of the Laser ComponentsS Detector Group. "As part of the affiliate program, we not only sponsor R&D projects for students that enhance the scientific knowledge of the photonics industry but also participate in career fairs to foster connections with potential colleagues."

"Our partnership with Laser ComponentsS Detector Group as an Industrial Affiliates member is a testament to the importance of partnership between industry and academia," said Thomas L. Koch, dean, University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences. "We are committed to strengthening our ties with the optics and photonics industry. In addition to ensuring the future talent pipeline, our industry partnerships provide valuable pathways for our research to have real, practical impact."

@LCGermany @lasercomp_uk @UAZOpticalSci #Research #Automation #USA

Appointment in photonic and microelectronic leader.

Mr. Thorsten Scheidler has been appointed managing director for Palomar Technologies' operations in Europe (HQ: Erlangen D), effective October 1, 2022. Mr. Scheidler replaces Mr. Josef Schmidl who is retiring after more than 30 years with Palomar Technologies. 

Thorsten Scheidler

“It’s with sad hearts that we announce the retirement of our long-time colleague, Mr. Josef Schmidl, yet welcome Mr. Scheidler to his new position as managing director for Palomar Europe,” said Bruce Hueners, President and CEO for Palomar Technologies, Inc. “We wish Mr. Schmidl a long, healthy and happy retirement and wish Mr. Scheidler great success in his new role and look forward to working with him.”

Over his 30+ years with Palomar Technologies, Mr. Schmidl was instrumental in opening up the European market to Palomar semiconductor packaging equipment and building the market. He joined Hughes Aircraft in 1986 as a service and applications engineer. In 1995, Mr. Schmidl moved to sales and two years later, he established Palomar GmbH in Erlangen, Germany, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Palomar Technologies. Since then, Mr. Schmidl has grown Palomar GmbH into an organization that provides sales and service support to customers in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Mr. Thorsten Scheidler, Sales Director Europe for SST Vacuum Reflow Systems has over 15 years of sales and technical support experience within the power electronics and semiconductor industries in Europe. He has been instrumental in implementing sales strategies for Palomar’s wholly owned subsidiary, SST Vacuum Reflow Systems in the EMEA market.

@PalomarTech #Pauto #Europe

R&D appointment at photonics company.

Dr. Reto Häring has been appointed Senior VP of Research and Development at TOPTICA Photonics AG taking over the helm of a scientific and engineering division of currently 95 people.

Dr. Reto Häring

“TOPTICA builds lasers with extremely high precision for the most challenging applications," said Dr. Häring. "I find it very exciting that I will be able to help shaping this development in the future. Continued innovation and expansion of technology and portfolio will ensure our position as a trend setter in industrial and scientific laser engineering,”

Previously, Dr. Häring (51) was Vice President of Customer Solutions at Instrument Systems GmbH, a leading technology company for light measurement engineering and industrial quality assurance for displays, LEDs, and other light sources. He initially earned his doctor’s degree in the field of femtosecond laser development and optical semiconductor components at the Institute for Quantum Electronics at ETH Zurich, working with Professor Ursula Keller.

Dr. Wilhelm Kaenders, President and Founder of TOPTICA, is excited to welcome Dr. Reto Häring back to the company in this key position, as Dr. Häring worked as key scientist for TOPTICA already from 2003 until 2010. “Reto is a very experienced manager with profound technical knowledge in the fields of optics, lasers, and measurement engineering. He is able to bring together customer needs, commercial aspects, and the team in order to create a successful solution. For us and our customers in science and industry, this is the ideal constellation.”

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