USDC Awards R&D Contract to Bookham for Projection Display Laser Sources
SAN JOSE, Calif., March 13, 2007—The U.S. Display Consortium ( USDC), a public/private partnership developing the flat panel display (FPD) industry infrastructure, today announced that it has awarded Bookham Inc. (Nasdaq: BKHM), a leading provider of optical components, modules and subsystems , a development contract to adapt the company’s edge emitting laser bars for use in projection display laser sources. The $729,000 cost-shared award will enable Bookham to convert its telecom lasers into devices suitable for high brightness illumination sources for display systems.
“With its market leading technology in pump lasers, thin film filters, and low cost packaging, as well as a proven track record of rapidly delivering high volume products to the market, Bookham is uniquely qualified in the design, fabrication and manufacturing of these devices,” said Michael Ciesinski, CEO of USDC.
Steve Turley , Chief Commercial Officer at Bookham, commented: “I see lasers as an ideal light source for projection display systems due to their inherent brightness, excellent color gamut, native polarization, ‘wall plug efficiency’, ultra-low etendue, small size, and long lifetime. Furthermore, the narrow and controlled wavelength bands of lasers will allow screen manufacturers to optimize screen design to improve contrast and overall viewing experience. This is a market that has significant potential. Initial applications may be in cinema theater, but the long term target is front and rear projection for home theater and television”.
The new laser will adapt reliable and low cost technology from the telecom industry including laser bars, thin film filters, and high volume, automated packaging. The design will feature a unique set of attributes which include high reliability, long lifetime, elimination of speckle, and stable wavelength using high performance, improved thin film filters.
"The display industry is among the most competitive sectors of the electronics business," commented Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). "I applaud USDC for its continuing efforts to help U.S. owned companies stay competitive in the global market.
The USDC program is a collaborative effort of private industry and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, located in Adelphi, MD.
Contacts:
Heidi Hoffman
U.S. Display Consortium
408.993.8111
heidi@usdc.org
Joanne Bradbeer
Bookham
+44 (0) 1327 350581
joanne.bradbeer@bookham.com
About the U.S. Display Consortium
The USDC is an industry-led public/private partnership providing a common platform for flexible electronics and display manufacturers, developers, integrators and the supplier base. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., the consortium’s primary mission is to fund supply-chain projects and share the results with member companies. The USDC provides a communication channel among industry, government and financial communities for flexible electronics and display industry issues; sponsors conferences and workshops to broaden the impact of technological developments; and educates consumers on the importance of flexible electronics and displays in providing access to information technology. More information can be found at www.usdc.org
About Bookham
Bookham, Inc. (Nasdaq: BKHM) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of optical components, modules and subsystems. The company’s optical components, modules and subsystems are used in various applications and industries, including telecommunications, data communications, aerospace, industrial and military. Since 2002, the company has acquired the optical components businesses from Nortel Networks and Marconi, as well as Ignis Optics, Inc., the business of Cierra Photonics Inc., New Focus, Inc., and Onetta, Inc. The company has manufacturing facilities in the UK, US, Canada, China and Switzerland; and offices in the US, UK, Canada, France and Italy and employs approximately 2000 people worldwide.
More information on Bookham, Inc. is available at www.bookham.com Bookham and all other Bookham, Inc. product names and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of Bookham, Inc. in the USA or other countries.
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