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Optics and Imaging

From the Mars Rover to the Webb telescope, viewing new worlds is possible thanks to scientists in Rochester, NY, the world leader in optics and imaging.

This region's imaging history is unparalleled as the birthplace of Eastman Kodak Company, Xerox Corporation, and Bausch & Lomb. Today, Rochester is home to more than 50 leading businesses focused on Optics and Imaging -- forward-looking companies that capitalize on our area's educated workforce and industry expertise. In fact, 55 percent of all optics degrees are conferred by the University of Rochester.

Rochester's optics industry is diverse, including remote-sensing companies such as ITT Exelis, sophisticated supply-chain firms such as Corning Tropel, JML Optical, Rochester Precision Optics, CVI-Melles-Griot, and smaller start-up ventures such as Lumetrics, and ASE Optics.

To view a S.W.O.T. analysis written by Dr. Duncan Moore, Rudolf and Hilda Kingslake Professor of Optical Engineering, University of Rochester, regarding the optics industry and the Rochester Region's leadership role in this industry, click here


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Did You Know?


Brookings Institute ranks Rochester Among Top Metros for Patents
Greater Rochester ranks 13th among metropolitan regions for the number of patents issued per million residents, with the largest subcategory of patents granted for optics research.

According to Brookings Institute report, "San Francisco, Boston, Austin, Seattle, San Diego, Portland, Rochester and Minneapolis are in the upper tier of large metros that produce patents at high volumes and rates."

(source: Brookings' 2013 report "Patenting Prosperity: Invention and Economic Performance in the United States and its Metropolitan Areas")

T
he spectacular images the Mars Rover sent back to Earth were taken through lenses made at Optimax Systems, a company based here in the Rochester, NY area.

Rochester-based optics companies produce critical enabling optics technology for the 3-D movie projection industry.

Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster (RRPC)
The Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster is a not-for-profit organization founded to promote and enhance the New York State photonics, optics and imaging industry by fostering the cooperation of business, academia, and government.


Smart System Technology & Commercialization Center (STC)
The Smart System Technology & Commercialization Center (STC) is a 20,000-square-foot, Class 100 MEMS foundry that provides a vertically integrated "one-stop-shop" for smart systems' device development and process manufacturing. Complex MEMS design, fabrication, packaging, and test services offer a comprehensive commercialization resource, reducing cost while accelerating time to market. 
The Center for Emerging & Innovative Sciences
The Center for Emerging & Innovative Sciences (CEIS) is a New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR) designated center for advanced technology. The Center develops and transfers technology to industry for commercialization and educates the next generation of leaders in the fields of imaging and microelectronics design. 
The University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics
The University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics hosts two of the highest energy lasers in the world, Omega and Omega EP. Researchers from universities and agencies come from around the world to use this facility for research.


 


RELATED PDF DOCUMENTS Add to packet
Optics Flyer
Top Optics, Imaging & Photonics Companies



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