Hamamatsu Finalizes €247m Purchase of NKT Photonics

Hamamatsu Photonics, a global leader in photonics technology, has successfully finalized the acquisition of NKT Photonics based in Denmark. This strategic move, valued at €427 million and initially disclosed in June 2022, is poised to significantly enhance Hamamatsu's presence in key sectors such as quantum technology, semiconductor industry, and medical applications.

The acquisition paves the way for Hamamatsu to integrate its cutting-edge detectors and cameras with NKT Photonics' advanced lasers and fibers. Of particular interest is the collaboration in the realm of quantum computing systems, where the combined expertise of both companies is expected to yield innovative solutions.

NKT Photonics, renowned for its high-performance fiber lasers and photonic crystal fibers, will maintain its current operational framework post-acquisition. The Supercontinuum White Light Lasers (SuperK) offered by NKT Photonics boast exceptional brightness across a wide spectral range (400 nm-2500 nm), catering to diverse applications such as bio-imaging, semiconductor metrology, and device characterization.

Moreover, the Single-Frequency DFB Fiber Lasers (Koheras) from NKT Photonics exhibit remarkable wavelength stability and minimal noise, making them ideal for applications in fiber sensing, quantum computing, and quantum sensing. The aeroPULSE and Origami picosecond and femtosecond pulsed lasers, known for their superior beam quality and stability, find extensive utility in ophthalmic surgery, bio-imaging, and optical processing.

Within the realm of quantum computing, the Koheras lasers are instrumental for customers utilizing trapped ions systems that necessitate high-power narrow linewidth lasers with exceptional wavelength stability and low noise. Hamamatsu Photonics' high-sensitivity cameras and sensors play a crucial role in detecting the quantum state of qubits for these customers, thereby facilitating advancements in quantum technology.

Hamamatsu emphasizes the significance of collaboration in the semiconductor market, especially with the ongoing shift towards intricate three-dimensional semiconductor devices. The industry's escalating demand for precise measurement equipment spanning a broad wavelength spectrum underscores the importance of combining SuperK lasers with Hamamatsu's optical sensors and measurement devices. This integration results in expanded wavelength coverage, multiple measurement channels, and heightened sensitivity.

In the hyperspectral imaging sector, the necessity for high-brightness light sources encompassing a wide spectral range from visible to near-infrared (400 nm-2500 nm) is paramount. Unlike traditional halogen lamps, the lasers provided by NKT Photonics generate minimal heat, making them ideal for various applications requiring precise illumination. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies as they collaborate to drive innovation and technological advancements across multiple industries.

For more information, visit NKT Photonics.