Smartphone Projector Maker Compound Photonics Acquires Commercial Laser Technology Assets of Alfalight, Inc.

PHOENIX, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Compound Photonics, the engineered light technology company that is changing the world of modern projection, has purchased certain assets of Alfalight, a leading manufacturer of high-performance laser diode products.

Compound Photonics will acquire Alfalight's commercial laser diode product line and operations and will support current commercial laser customers. Alfalight retains its defense lines of business to focus on developing and manufacturing ruggedized laser component and system-level solutions for defense customers.

Compound Photonics develops complete high-definition and ultra HD 4K projection light engines for smartphones, tablets and other consumer electronics devices as an integrated system including the display, laser illumination sources, mirrors, optics, drive electronics, software and housing. This keeps costs low and simplifies the supply chain and integration process so manufacturing can scale to the huge volumes required for rapidly growing global mobile device markets.

"Adding highly efficient, wavelength-stabilized diode and diode pump laser components to our substantial technology portfolio strengthens our position as the most advanced vertically-integrated projection light engine manufacturer," said Jonathan A. Sachs, Ph.D., president and CEO of Compound Photonics.

The acquisition brings together the science and engineering teams and manufacturing capabilities from both companies. The combined team includes experts in imaging technologies, laser diode light sources, thin films, digital and analog ASIC design, image processing software, optics and system design.

This innovative technology is based on advanced aluminum-free active region (ALFA) laser structures enabling the manufacturing and delivery of laser diodes with exceptionally high reliability and industry-leading efficiency all protected by a strong intellectual property portfolio.

The laser diode technology acquired by Compound Photonics has established the benchmark for high-power diode laser efficiency. The company's diodes have high brightness and output power, while delivering excellent beam quality in a variety of package configurations. The lasers are highly-efficient solid state diode lasers with a miniature form factor ideal for embedded projectors for mobile devices.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Compound Photonics
Based in Phoenix, AZ, Compound Photonics is changing the world of modern projection through highly advanced photonics solutions. We have built the world's smallest, native 1920 x 1080, 2.1 megapixel full 1080p high definition laser projection light engine for smartphones and other mobile devices as well as the smallest 4K resolution (4096 x 2160) 8.85-megapixel displays for high-brightness projectors. Our laser projection light engines offer unparalleled performance advantages in resolution, size, brightness and cost. We are vertically integrated and design, develop and manufacture the displays, lasers, digital drive electronics, and optics in our Class 1 semiconductor and optics fabrication facility in Phoenix, AZ. We maintain design and business centers in the United States in Phoenix, AZ; Vancouver, WA; and Madison, WI as well as in the United Kingdom in London. By controlling the end-to-end process, we increase performance, keep costs low and simplify the supply chain for our customers by providing totally integrated solutions.

Visit us at: www.compoundphotonics.com.

About Alfalight
Alfalight, Inc., based in Madison, WI, designs and manufactures advanced semiconductor and diode-pumped solid state laser and electro-optical systems serving the defense and aerospace markets. Alfalight's products and embedded subsystems include short-wave infrared (SWIR), near infrared (NIR), and visible lasers. Our innovative approach solves our customers' challenge of integrating lasers, electro-optics, electronics, power source, packaging, and thermal management into a highly-ruggedized, efficient, and compact package. Applications include hand-held, weapons-mounted, vehicle-mounted, shipboard, and missile-borne systems. Deliverables range from prototypes to fully MIL-STD-qualified production. Alfalight is ITAR registered with development, prototyping, and manufacturing entirely US-based, enabling us to deliver turnkey electro-optical systems rapidly and cost effectively. For more information, visit www.alfalight.com.

SOURCE Compound Photonics