In This Issue
- 10th Annual Clambake
- ITAR: The Saga Continues
- Annual Golf Tourney Sets Record
- Educators' Day at OSA FiO
- Creating & Leading Strategic Growth
- New Product Announcements
- Conferences
Optics Manufacturing Technician Training
 Do you have workers who need additional training? Do you know about the Optics Manufacturing Technician training program at Monroe Community College? Some of your fellow manufacturers do.
In January 2008, 21 optics workers from four companies began a structured career-path training program at Monroe Community College. The college is presently recruiting a second group of workers who are available to begin the program now.
The training program is based on the Apprenticeship model, which has proven effective in developing technician-level workers. It is a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
The on-the-job training includes Blueprint Reading, Raw Materials, Tooling, Traditional Fabrication Techniques, CNC Fabrication Training, Coating, Assembly, Quality Control, and Advanced Metrology.
Related classroom instruction includes Safety, Mathematics, CNC Controls and Programming, Metrology, SPC, Computer Literacy, Communication, and Technical Writing.
The next cohort in January, 2009. If you have new workers who need to learn optics fabrication skills, or experienced workers who want to expand their skills, contact Ross Micali at (585) 292-3738 or rmicali@monroecc.edu to learn more about the program, and how your workers can take advantage of this learning opportunity.
ITAR & EAR Compliance
Groundswell For Reform?
First there was the legislation. The came an "ITAR training industry" based upon compliance with what seem to be arbitrary or unclear rules. Then came actual financial losses to American companies due to ITAR regulations. That's when the real industry grumblings began. It appears that some legislative reform may be in the offing, but we are still in a "pre-decisional situation."
See this article in the Economist. This release from late last year.
Sydor Instruments Wins UK Contract
Sydor Instruments, the Rochester, NY-based manufacturer of ultra-fast imaging systems, has been awarded a major contract to supply nine Optical Streak Cameras to the UK government. The cameras will be an integral part of Project Orion, a new research center at AWE (Atomic Weapons Establishment) in Aldermaston, UK.
Project Orion is a world-class laser facility for the creation and study of hot dense matter and is the successor to HELEN (High Energy Laser Embodying Neodymium), which is reaching the end of its useful life. Sydor Instruments was chosen as the preferred supplier to manufacture the unique technology necessary to ensure accurate results for the project’s advancement.
“Sydor Instruments is the only company that could provide the critical calibrated software, which measures the power balance of high-intensity lasers used in high-energy physics, to assist the UK with the research,” said Michael Pavia, President of Sydor Instruments. “Sydor’s special technology is what draws customers world-wide to Rochester. The Sydor Optical Streak System is the only self-calibrating streak camera in the world.”
Sydor delivered the first of two camera systems early this year. This order represents an additional nine systems bringing the total order value with AWE to well over $3 million.
Sydor expects to add to its highly technical team in order to fulfill this contract through the end of 2009. “This creates a need for more engineers and technicians to help build these complex systems over the next year and a half,” Pavia said.
Sydor Instruments is the exclusive manufacturer of the ROSS (Rochester Optical Streak System) platform, which was manufactured through a licensing agreement with the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics. The Sydor ROSS camera system high-speed “snapshot” occurs in less than a billionth of a second. Sydor’s advanced software is the only technology that is designed to capture precise snapshots of transient events.
The platform of the Sydor ROSS Streak Camera delivers the highest precision and accuracy enabling detection of single photoelectron events and world-class performance in the most demanding applications. The ROSS camera system is designed to be the streak camera for the next 30 years.
The ability of Sydor Instruments to tailor a specialized streak camera supports the company’s mission to provide custom diagnostics and ultra fast imaging systems for a variety of applications in science and industry.
Geospatial Systems
Geospatial Systems, Inc. (GSI) and Leica Geosystems AG (Leica) announced a partnership agreement to bring to market a new generation of image capture and dissemination systems for airborne mapping and surveillance applications.
Imaging system offerings will be based initially on the integration of Leica’s industry leading ALS light distance and ranging (LIDAR) products with GSI’s family of direct georeferenced aerial mapping cameras. First to market is a system based on the GSI medium format, 39-megapixel aerial mapping camera with a field-replaceable removable shutter (patent pending) integrated with Leica’s ALS50/52 sensor. This system offers superior, cost effective, and reliable optical performance with software for
mission planning, flight control, in-flight sensor control, and the post-flight image processing necessary to produce map product.
GSI’s modular family of direct georeferenced aerial imaging systems, based on the TerraPix technology platform, including electro-optical, infrared, multi-spectral mapping sensor systems and camera controllers for multi-camera arrays, will enable a rich product offering from the GSI-Leica team.
“Geospatial Systems is pleased to team with Leica to support their strong commitment to product innovation. This agreement is another step in our overall strategy to bring state of the art, customerfocused products to the ASM market”, said Maxime Elbaz, President and CEO, Geospatial Systems, Inc. “Our agreement with GSI is exciting as it allows two companies to combine their technical expertise, thus reducing the time to bring new, innovative products to the marketplace”, said Juergen Dold, Sr. Vice President, Leica Geosystems AG.
Applied Image
AI Unveils New Target Tools Suite
Applied Image announced the next generation of Imatest analytical software programs complemented by a wide variety of APPLIED IMAGE high quality test target arrays.
Expanding on their previous success, Imatest LLC, of Boulder CO, has launched their latest software programs; STUDIO 3.0, MASTER 3.0 and API 3.0. The Imatest Studio 3.0 has replaced Imatest Light as their consumer-level product, while Imatest Master 3.0 has replaced Imatest Pro as their enterprise-level software. Imatest Studio 3.0 and Master 3.0 both include numerous enhancements over its previous versions, including full support for Bayer RAW formats and improved tolerance for distorted images in Colorcheck.
The new Imatest API 3.0 is their premium analytical software for integrated and automated
image analysis solutions that includes all the new features of Master plus multiple image file selection using wildcard characters. Applie Image is packaging the Imatest STUDIO 3.0, Imatest MASTER 3.0 and Imatest API 3.0, as well as the individual API.exe modules, with APPLIED test targets, including the ISO and I3A standard targets, such as ISO12233 Digital Camera Still Resolution Chart and the improved Applied Image Enhanced Digital Resolution Chart; ISO14524 Digital Camera Contrast Chart and ISO16067-1 Reflective Scanner Test Chart in addition to other standards, like the IEEE STD 208-1995 Video Resolution Chart and the Slant Edge Target.
The Imatest software measures the sharpness and image quality of digital camera images and digitized film images. It allows users to accurately and conveniently determine the performance of their cameras or imaging systems. The Imatest software runs under Windows 2000, 2003, XP, VISTA and Macintosh systems with Virtual PC 6 or 7.
New Scale Technologies
New Scale Licensing Squiggle Technology
New Scale Technology announced on July 31s that it licensed its patented SQUIGGLE motor technology to major global manufacturer Alps Electric Company Ltd. According to the companies, the agreement dramatically expands New Scale's ability to penetrate new, high-volume markets for its innovative piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motor. It is New Scale's second major manufacturing license agreement for the motor, following its expanded agreement with Tamron Co. Ltd. earlier this year (see March 24, 2008 press release).
"That global companies such as Alps and Tamron are eager to license our SQUIGGLE motor technology demonstrates the engineering community's excitement over our invention and validates the huge potential market for millions of tiny motors per month," said New Scale co-CEO and chief technology officer David Henderson. "The strength of our invention allows us to leverage the manufacturing, sales and business development engines of some of the world's leading electromechanical component suppliers."
Tokyo-based Alps Electric Company, Ltd. is a $6 billion global manufacturer of electromechanical components for mobile devices, consumer electronics and automotive systems.The manufacturing license allows Alps to manufacture New Scale's 1.8 x 1.8 x 6 mm piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motor design. Alps will target high-volume applications such as lens control in Blu-ray Disc recorders and valve control in micro-cooling systems for consumer electronics devices such as laptop computers. Alps, which provides more than 40,000 different components to around 2,000 companies all over the world, has introduced the SQUIGGLE motors as its "ATSA Series miniature piezoelectric actuator" to its extensive base of customers and prospects.
"Alps has an extremely strong position as an electronics component supplier, with particular depth and breadth in consumer electronics and automotive systems," said Ted Franceschi, co-CEO and chief development officer at New Scale. "Alps sensors, switches, connectors and other components are found in a vast range of mobile devices, entertainment systems, computers, appliances and automotive systems we use every day.
We expect Alps to leverage their existing relationships to introduce SQUIGGLE motors to designers of these products, create high demand for SQUIGGLE motors, and fulfill that demand from manufacturing facilities close to their customers."
Alps will manufacture the SQUIGGLE motors in its facility in Kakuda City, Japan. New Scale will continue to design and manufacture SQUIGGLE motors at its Victor, NY headquarters and technology center for applications including research, robotics, micro-fluidic pumps, electronic locks and medical devices.
New Offering From Optimax
Low Scatter IR Optics Service
Crystal materials that allow high IR  transmission may exhibit scatter when used in NIR due to surface finishing.
To minimize signal to noise ratio for maximum performance in multi-spectral systems, Optimax provides precision polished surfaces as an alternative to diamond-turning. This decreases surface roughness and reduces light scatter.
QED Honored in R&D 100
Second Time for the Innovative Company
QED Technologies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cabot Microelectronics Corporation  (NASDAQ: CCMP), was named as a recipient of the R&D 100 Award for 2008. This prestigious award is granted by R&D Magazine for the 100 most technologically significant products introduced into the marketplace in the past year.
The winning new product, "Subaperture Stitching
Interferometer for Aspheres (SSI-A(R))", cites QED Technologies' SSI-A(R) technology as a turnkey precision measurement tool uniquely capable of measuring complex surfaces.
This is the second consecutive year that QED Technologies has been honored with the R&D 100 Award. Last year, QED Technologies, in conjunction with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Zygo Corporation, was recognized for its magnetorheological finishing (MRF(R)) application in producing precision optics for laser fusion.
Events and Conferences
APOMA Workshop in November, 2008
The APOMA board has approved a 2 day workshop to be held in Tucson,
AZ this November 17th & 18th at the new Optical Science building at
the University of Arizona. The workshop will cover a variety of topics
on optical fabrication such as Scratch Dig, diamonds, testing, optical
tolerances, pitch and polishing pads, presentations by optical machine
builders on the latest equipment, and much more.
According to Jim Sydor, current APOMA President, "The goal is to
run the workshop in different parts of the country every other year so
as not conflict with OPTIFAB. Once the agenda is finalized we will post
it on the APOMA website."
Strategic Philanthropy (See story)
September 25, 2008
8-10:30AM
Ramada Geneva Lakefront
41 Lakefront Drive
Geneva, NY
University of Rochester
Optics Colloquia (ongoing)
OSA
Annual Frontiers in Optics 2008
19 - 23 October, 2008
Rochester, NY
Riverside Convention Center
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, July, 2008
11
- 14 May, 2009
Rochester, NY
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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
Annual Golf Tourrney
WNY Optics / Photonics Golf Tournament Sets New Records
Once again this year the annual golf tournament to benefit the Golisano Children’s
hospital at Strong Memorial Hospital was a huge success. The proceeds this year were a record $17,000.00 bringing the eight-year total to $60,000 donated to the Hospital.
The tournament, held at both Shadow Lake and Shadow Pines golf courses in Penfield NY, drew 244 golfers. Although the day started with a substantial downpour, as if on queue the skies cleared just in time for the 10:00AM shotgun start.
Both courses were close to capacity with a total of 244 golfers - and a dinner total of 265 guests. Participants included golfers from far away places: Tony Palframan from Phoenix Optical Glass in St. Asaph Wales; Brion Hoffman of Ohara Corporation from Rancho Santa Margarita CA; and Barry Tyler of American Photonics in Bradenton FL, to name a few. A geographically diverse group if ever there was one!
“It always brings a smile to see the new participants' faces when they realize the global, national and regional participation of this event. It’s all based on the local momentum we achieved, first with Rochester's photonics community and the camaraderie we have with the WNY organizations - and then to all of our colleagues nationally and internationally,” said Ron and Diane Schulmerich, organizers of the event.
The Schulmerichs send their thanks and kudos to all who attended this year, helping to raise money for this worthwhile cause.
Educators Day at OSA FiO
Event Teaches Teachers About Optics
Every two years, the Optical Society of America holds its national meeting in Rochester (where it was founded), attracting attendees from the local optics community and from around the world. As part of the meeting, the Rochester section of the Society hosts an event intended to expose secondary-school science teachers to the intriguing and educational world of optics, and to suggest ways it can be introduced in secondary school.
The event includes:
- approximately 20 stations with educators demonstrating and discussing hands-on materials for teaching optics to secondary school students
- gift bags containing demonstration aids and lesson plans for the first 100 registrants
additional optics materials available as door prizes
- a buffet dinner allowing you to mingle with fellow teachers and conference attendees
This year, in addition to general optics education, the group is emphasizing the theme "Optics for the Environment." Demonstrations and information will be provided about solar cells, efficient lighting (compact fluorescents, LEDs), light pollution, UV protection, and increased awareness of lighting as a significant form of energy consumption. Local vendors of energy-conscious optical products will be present. E-Day organizers hope that "Optics for the Environment" can provide a useful entry point for optics in the teacher's (and the school's) existing science curriculum.
Questions: Web link / email Eday@osa.org
or call Andrew Berger at 585-273-4724
Registration deadline for teachers is
Friday, October 3, 2008
The invitation to teachers is here. If you know a high school science or careers teacher give them one!
SBIR
SBIR 08.3 & STTR 08.B Solicitations are open for proposal submission
The DoD SBIR 08.3 & STTR 08.B solicitations are open for proposal submission from August 25, 2008 through 6 a.m. EST September 24, 2008. For SBIR 08.3 the Air Force, Army, Navy, MDA, DLA, and OSD and for STTR 08.B the Air Force, and MDA invite small businesses to submit proposals under these solicitations. The Solicitations, which contain detailed information on the parameters of the SBIR/STTR programs and how to submit a proposal, and Topics are available here. You may also search the topics by going here .
Proposal Submission:
Proposals must be submitted via the DOD SBIR Submission website following the instructions contained in the solicitation, including the instructions specified in the topic files for the DoD component to which you are applying. Submissions must include the proposal cover sheets, technical proposal, Company Commercialization Report, and cost proposal to be considered a complete proposal. Small businesses submitting proposals through the Submission website may modify their proposals at any time until the solicitation closing on September 24, 2008 at 6am EST. To use the DoD SBIR Submission website your browser must have scripting enabled and, if your firm has any Phase II awards, commercialization resulting from all prior Phase II awards must be reported and up to date. Offerors bear the risk of website inaccessibility due to heavy usage in the final hours before the solicitation closing time, so plan ahead and submit early.
Urban League / MCC Colaborate on Program
Students Visit Local Optics Companies as Part of Summer Tech Camp
Monroe Community College and the Urban League of Rochester partnered to provide an 8-week Summer Technology Institute for high school and college students.
Thirty talented high school and college students spent their summer at Monroe Community College to learn about growing high tech industries. They participated in workshops and hands-on technical instruction in Engineering Design, Architectural Design, Information Technology and Manufacturing Concepts. Faculty at MCC’s Applied Technologies Center on West Henrietta Road provided the technical training. “Students learned about specific technical tools that can be used to develop their natural talents and interests. These same tools are used in industry to develop products, design facilities and create wealth for our economy,” said James Winston, Special Assistant to the President MCC for Workforce Development.
The Urban League provided students with personal effectiveness training focusing on communication and problem solving skills that are essential for success in the workplace.
The participating students represented 18 area high schools, both city and suburban, public and private, as well as MCC. Twenty-nine of the 30 were minorities, 18 were male; 12 female. Many were recruited through the Urban League's Black Scholars and Project Ready programs, which target high-achieving African American high school students. The students were issued laptops to use during the program and those who demonstrated excellence and exceptional motivation got to keep their laptops at the end of the summer. Eastman Kodak, Baldwin Richardson Foods, ADG Architecture, Frontier Corporation, RG&E and Cannon Industries agreed to provide internships and other opportunities such as worksite tours and guest speakers. Five to eight students were selected for paid internships with these companies when the Summer Tech Institute concluded.
Funding for the Summer Technology Institute was made possible through the Finger Lakes Wired, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor to support economic development and transform regional economies. The nine-county region surrounding Rochester is one of 13 designated Wired regions in the country.
Creating & Leading Strategic Growth
RIT Saunders School of Business
Monday Evenings
Beginning September 15, 2008
Underwritten in part by Finger Lakes Wired.
Creating and Leading Strategic Growth is aimed at small to medium (10-200 employees) businesses who are looking to grow. This series will give businesses a chance to step back and analyze the external environment, review core competencies, determine how to move into new markets, financing options and best practices for execution.Using each week's lesson, each participant will develop a plan for growth based on the outline that will be provided in the series. A mentor from the business community will work with the business to review the plan and follow up at six months to see how the implementation is progressing.
RRPC member companies participated in this class last spring and we heard good feeback.
This is an excellent class if your company is looking to grow in new directions. Here are some quotes from the last class:
"Great class which offered practical insight into the processes of creating, leading and sustaining strategic growth."
"I never expected to be so engaged. Professors were top caliber."
"The strategic planning sessions at RIT were beneficial to our organization and should pay large dividends well into the future for us."
"I am a fan. It's worth every minute of your time."
Contact: Richard DeMartino, 585-475-5646
FAME
Strategic Philanthropy: Using Charitable Giving to Recruit Employees, Keep Your Current Ones, and Get the Credit You Deserve!
September 25, 2008
8-10:30AM
Ramada Geneva Lakefront
41 Lakefront Drive
Geneva, NY
The Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturers’ Enterprise (FAME) will hold its General Meeting featuring Lockheed Martin’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the Syracuse, NY site, Ellen J.D. Mitchell, as keynote speaker.
The aim of strategic philanthropy is to allow organizations to maximize the value they receive from various charitable contributions, by examining the impact their generosity has on the public and private sector and the benefits they can expect to receive in return.
If you don’t currently have a philanthropic strategy, this presentation will help you create one. If your firm already has one, this presentation will help you refine it. Get added value from your philanthropy by strategizing about what makes your company attractive to potential and current employees, and helps the community as well!
FAME’s current initiative with the US FIRST Lego League (FLL) is an excellent example of strategic philanthropy. FAME member companies have teamed up to support FLL robotics kit sponsorships among middle schools in the Finger Lakes area. To date, FAME member companies are sponsoring six middle school teams, and have high hopes of expanding this important and technology driven program to even more schools and companies next year. As school sponsors, these companies have placed a high value on contributing to their local schools, mentoring youth by fostering excitement about technology, and attaining recognition as an organization that cares about its local community!
FAME is a partnership of manufacturers supported by regional workforce and economic development agencies whose primary goals are to increase development and prosperity in the Finger Lakes region through manufacturing networks, mentor youth on the attractions of careers in manufacturing, and help them to prepare for successful careers.
For more information click here.
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Join us! There are advantages to working together, and
we are interested in working with you. Send an email to us at membership@rrpc-ny.org.
To subscribe, to unsubscribe, to submit a news item or upcoming event,
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