In This Issue
- 10th Annual Clambake
- Recognition and Awards
- New Product Announcements
- Noteworthy Events During OSA FiO
- MCC Optics Program
- Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
- Conferences
Syntec
Syntec Optics, recipient of the prestigious 2008 Frost & Sullivan Growth Excellence Award in the North American polymer optics market, announced increased manufacturing capacity that directly correlates with its focus on innovation. Syntec is also actively seeking more staff. 
To quote the Frost and Sullivan award, “Syntec Optics, through its commitment to innovation and consistent focus on profitability, is rapidly growing at an average annual growth rate of 16%.”
Paul Tolley, Syntec VP/GM notes, “Our customers need complex custom optics for unique defense, medical or biometric/security applications and/or increasingly for energy-saving LED illumination. The key to great individual solutions is to continually strive for better manufacturability, lower-cost processes and enhanced materials, using a team approach for applying production innovations fast. This new equipment will let us grow production volume by about 50% and significantly increase our capability to innovate.”
Rick Arndt, Syntec VP/Tooling added, “Many Syntec innovations are already high value. Our patented HRDT® (High Refraction Diamond Turning) technology enables rapid turn-around prototypes for wave-sensitive, heat-resistant optics, cutting total development costs up to 5X. Proprietary mold designs automatically compensate for shrinkage, reducing molding time 25-40%. Enhanced materials, such as the new Acrylic Co-Polymer have been carefully tested for optics performance.”
Syntec only announced the patent award for HRDT in early September '08.
Arndt, co-developer of HRDT, explained the process, "We make precision optics solutions in-house by molding or diamond turning, moving seamlessly from one to the other based upon customer needs. While molding is the production standard, diamond turning, which needs no mold, is a natural for rapid prototypes. Most polymers can be molded or diamond-turned with equal ease. For a few, diamond turning causes imperceptible surface cracks that inhibit optics performance. Prior to HRDT, such polymers included polyetherimides (trade name Ultem) and polyethersulfones, the materials of choice for high wave sensitivity and strong heat resistance. With HRDT, we can diamond turn both of these to optical smoothness every time, 60 angstroms or less."
Tolley’s take on HDRT was less technical, but to the point, "The bottom line is HRDT saves projects thousands of dollars in development costs but has even greater value in accelerating time to market. One customer told us HRDT let them develop and test a complex prototype in just three weeks, far less than their best case estimate of 12-16 weeks. As a direct result, they won a multi-million dollar, multi-year contract."
The new equipment in Syntec's shop includes:
- Moore Nanotech 450 that increases diamond turning capacity by 50% and enables complex optics shapes that are up to 33% larger
- Three automated injection molding machines that increase molding capacity by over 20% and enable molded lenses up to 33% larger
- Makino Wire-EDM for tooling, which delivers 200% more capacity with lower energy/space costs
- Zeiss Contura G2 (Coordinate Measuring Machine) and a Zygo 6000 (White light information) for expanded metrology.
Tolley concluded, “Complex optics, unusual geometries and integrated solutions demand sophisticated metrology. It’s critical that completed optics meet individual specifications, however, what sets Syntec apart are tailored test plans for integrated performance objectives.”
Clark Appointed Dean of UR Engineering
Robert L. Clark, former dean of Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering, has been named Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) at the University of Rochester. He succeeds Kevin Parker, who has served as dean of the school since 1998. His appointment became effective September 1, 2008.
"The School of Engineering, which has grown considerably in prominence and achievement under Kevin Parker's leadership, will play a vital role in our strategic growth over the next decade," said University of Rochester President Joel Seligman. "Robert Clark is a distinguished researcher, a dedicated teacher, and a committed and wise academic leader. He is a superb choice to guide the school through the exciting opportunities that lie ahead."
Mandina Inducted into Hall of Fame
Mike Mandina, President of Optimax (Ontario, NY), was recently inducted into the New York State Business Hall of Fame.
The award was for spearheading an initiative to solve a specific problem: the lack of a skilled workforce. Mandina and Optimax became one of the founding members of FAME (Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturers’ Enterprise). Mike is Chairman of this non-profit organization whose mission is to build a skilled workforce.
Using industrial collaboration as a means to strengthen educational outreach and student mentoring, FAME spreads the passion for careers in science, technology, engineering and math. FAME also works with educational institutions to align school curriculums with industry needs.
“Optimax is pleased to be recognized for this award," said Mandina. "We are one of many advanced manufacturing firms whose greatest growth challenge has been finding qualified technology workers. I am most proud of Optimax’s role in working with other enlightened advanced manufacturers in the Finger Lakes Region to create the Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturers’ Enterprise (FAME) partnered with our Workforce Investment Board. FAME’s mission is to develop a pipeline of technology workers for the 21st century. We welcome all stakeholders to join us in this worthy endeavor that will benefit all of us in New York State in the long run.”
New Recruitment Pro at OpticsProfessionals
OpticsProfessionals LLC is pleased to announce  that Tony Amarel has joined the firm as a Senior Recruiter. Amarel has over 25 years experience in the optics industry in various positions in applications, sales, and sales/product management. He was mostly recently with the Newport Grating Lab.
Semrock Awarded Patent
 Semrock announced that it was awarded U.S. Patent No. 7,411,679 providing further coverage for its popular and game-changing BrightLine® series of hard-coated fluorescence filters. This new patent broadens the scope of previous patents pertaining to Semrock’s highly multilayered thin-film “hard” coatings and robust one-piece construction – both hallmarks of its BrightLine filters. Covered features include superior image-registration performance, and a broader range of thin-film coating approaches to simultaneously achieve high transmission with deep and wide blocking for industry-leading brightness and contrast.
Events and Conferences
University of Rochester
Optics Colloquia (ongoing)
OSA
Annual Frontiers in Optics 2008
19 - 23 October, 2008
Rochester, NY
Riverside Convention Center
EDAY: During OSA Frontiers in Optics 2008
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Rochester Reiverside Convention Center
Info here and here
Special RRPC Tour of the RIT
Microelectronic Engineering Laboratory
Monday, November 3, 5:30 PM
APOMA Fall Optical FabricationWorkshop
17 - 18 November
Meinel Optical Sciences Building
University of Arizona
Tuscon, AZ
Photonics
West
24 - 29 January, 2009
San Jose, California
Defense,
Security & Sensing
13 - 17 April, 2009
Orlando World Center
Orlando, Florida
Optifab
Call for Papers here
11
- 14 May, 2009
Rochester, NY
CLEO / IQEC 09
May 31 - June 5, 2009
Baltimore, Maryland |
Annual Clambake Prior to OSA FiO This Year
10th Annual Glass Cartel Clambake
- Monday, October 20, 2008 - 6:30 PM
Evening before the OSA Frontiers in Optics Exhibition
- RSVP at your earliest convenience
- $80/person
- Unlimited steamed clams
- Dinner Buffet
- Open bar for beer, soda and coffee
- Cash bar for wine & mix drinks
Please note:
no payments will be accepted at the door.
Reservations & Payment: The form is here.
Payment is in advance, payable to:
Sydor Optics
31 Jet View Dr
Rochester, NY 14624
Reservations and payment must be received by Wednesday, October 15. Please forward checks or credit card information using the form to the attention of Jude Schnarr:
- telephone: (585) 271-7300 x105
- fax: (585) 271-7309
Cash, checks or AmEx/MC/Visa credit cards accepted.
Location:
Brook Lea Country Club
891 Pixley Road
Rochester, NY 14624
tel: (585) 247-3242
Also During OSA FiO...
MCC's Optics Program During FiO
 The Optics program at Monroe Community College continues to move forward. There are currently 12 matriculated students and a cadre of 5 new adjuncts doing an excellent job in the classroom. Classes on the fall schedule include Optical Elements and Ray Optics and Measurement and Analysis – with multiple sections of each course. Additionally, Dr. Emmet J. Ientillucci is providing program coordination.
A new partnership with the National Center for Optics and Photonics Education Center (OP-TEC), is also in the works. OP-TEC is a consortium of two-year colleges, high schools, universities, national laboratories, industry partners, and professional societies funded by the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program. Their goal is assist in the creation of a secondary-to-postsecondary pipeline of highly skilled and motivated students that will pursue technical careers in optics and photonics. OP-TEC provides assistance in the areas of curriculum, assessment, faculty development, instructional materials, and recruitment. Dan Hull, OP-TEC Executive Director will be attending OSA in October, meeting with MCC administrators and industry representatives -- specifically to discuss the program needs in the Rochester region.
RRPC Members are invited to attend the presentation and discussion:
Wednesday, October 22, 2:30 PM
Acqueduct rooms C&D
Rochester Riverside Convention Center
The Optics program at MCC will be reviewed and discussed, and Dan Hull, Executive Director of OP-TEC will give a presentation.
Exhibitor Appreciation Event During FiO
RRPC is co-sponsoring an Exhibitor-Appreciation cocktail party with OSA in the main exhibition hall of the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
Tuesday, October 21st
4:30 5:30 PM
Main Exhibit Hall
All exhibitors are welcome, and a pretty big number of them are RRPC and New York Photonics members --so we hope to see you there!
Entrepreneurship
RIT announces its  5th Annual Entrepreneurship Conference.
On Friday, October 10, RIT is sponsoring its annual Entrepreneurship Conference. This year's theme is "Building Networks for Success" and features Ross Mayfield, founder and President of Social Text - the world's first commercial WIKI as our keynote speaker. Social Text is a world leader in employing social computing to create and grow businesses.
Learn about entrepreneurship. And learn how new social-computing approaches and internet tools are impacting new firm formation and growth.
The following conference sessions/panels are available to conference attendees:
- Locating Your First Customers
- Technology Commercialization
- Starting a Business 101
- Valuing New Technologies & Invention
- Funding for Entrepreneurs
- Starting a Video Gaming Company
- Entrepreneurship in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Community
- Sustainability & New Business Opportunities
- Social Computing as a Tool for Business Growth
- Internet Marketing to Grow Your Company
For more information about the conference or to register, go here or here. You can also contact Richard Dimartino at 585-475-5646.
The Entrepreneurs Network (TEN) is now accepting applications for its next class, which begins in November. Based on best practices of leading entrepreneurial training, education and networking programs, TEN’s mission is to grow early stage technology, life sciences and high-growth companies in the upstate region.
TEN is an intense six-month program, focused on promoting job growth and business creation. Class size is limited to 20 participants per class to allow for maximum interaction. The deadline to apply is October 15, 2008, and the fee is $350 per person. Applications are available online here.
Applicants for Class VI will receive access to national experts and funding resources, offering programs that train, educate and foster connections critical for building successful new ventures. TEN Executive Director Jean Kase says, “TEN is working closely to integrate regional economic development resources with national experts and resources to target the burgeoning sectors of technology and life sciences.”
Thanks to funding from TEN partners, specifically COMIDA and WIRED, participants will pay a $350 fee for boot camps offered by nationally renowned consultants, including Derby Management from Boston, MA.
The program makes access to the experts they need feasible, without incurring thousands of dollars in training and travel expenses. Kase adds, “If we can help these new firms get the right business strategy in place, the likelihood of success in securing venture funding is greatly improved.”
Candidates for TEN should be founders, senior executives, CEOs or those who hold a controlling position in an early stage technology, life science and/or scalable, high-revenue potential company. They should be in business fewer than 10 years, with revenues fewer than $10 million, and should have business operations primarily in Upstate New York. Candidates include spin-offs from university research departments and large employers.
WIRED
News That Paid Off
A recent article in the RRPC Newsletter noting the extension of training grant opportunities from the WIRED Initiative (managed by Rochester Works), led to the award of a $20,000 grant to Lumetrics. The funds will be used specifically to train the Lumetrics sales force in Conceptual and Strategic Selling using the internationally-recognized selling techniques developed by Miller Heiman. Lumetrics is also undergoing ISO 9000:2000 implementation to address the requirements of a growing customer base in medical devices. The WIRED initiative grant will also support the extensive training needed throughout the Lumetrics organization to meet the ISO quality system requirements.
“This Wired training grant has allowed the company to undertake extensive employee training in both selling techniques and ISO quality system implementation. The grant has cut the cost of both these internal programs by 50%.” stated John Hart, CEO.
Contact RRPC
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Join us! There are advantages to working together, and
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