The deal, which was completed on June 1, will help Hamamatsu accelerate business growth in the semiconductor and quantum fields, among other sectors. It will enable the company to combine its detectors and cameras with NKT Photonics’ lasers and fibres, offering “unique system solutions” to core markets.
CEO Hamamatsu Photonics Tadashi Maruno said: “We are very pleased to welcome NKT Photonics to the Hamamatsu Photonics group, where they will form the backbone of our laser division.”
The rapidly growing quantum computing arena was earmarked as one market of interest. In this sector, NKT Photonics’ Koheras lasers serve customers with trapped ion systems requiring high-power narrow linewidth lasers with extremely high wavelength stability and low noise, according to Hamamatsu. The company noted that the “same customers” use Hamamatsu’s high-sensitivity cameras and sensors to detect the quantum state of the qubits, so there is scope to provide solutions for the quantum-technology market, including lasers, detectors and optical devices.
NKT Photonics CEO Basil Garabet stated: “We share common goals and a vision of providing the best solutions to our customers and innovators. Together, and with our complementary technology platforms, we will be stronger than ever.”
Hamamatsu’s product range includes imaging sensors, light sources and optical systems. With over 70 years of experience, the company works across the medical, scientific research, industrial and telecommunications industries.
Established in Denmark by scientists and engineers, the NKT Photonics line-up features supercontinuum white light lasers, low-noise fibre lasers, ultrafast lasers and speciality fibres. Its main markets are medical and life science, industrial, aerospace and defense, and quantum and nanotechnology.