MEMS Optical

About MEMS Optical

MEMS Optical, Inc. operates as a manufacturer of optical microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices, with its headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama. The company's origins trace back to technologies and intellectual property from Teledyne Brown Engineering (TBE), which initiated a research program in optical computing in 1984. In 1996, recognizing the commercial potential, SY Technology, Inc. spun out MEMS Optical, LLC to target commercial markets. That same year, SY Technology acquired TBE's cleanroom foundry and intellectual property, enabling MEMS Optical to service an existing market for diffractive and refractive micro-optics. The company was officially founded in 1997.

The business focuses on the design and fabrication of micro-optics, including diffraction gratings, microlens arrays, beamsplitters, diffusers, and beam shapers, as well as electro-optical assemblies. It serves various vertical markets, with a significant focus on optical communication and optical storage. The revenue model is based on supplying and manufacturing these specialized optical components. The company caters to sectors such as telecommunications, consumer electronics, and automotive applications. Products offered include high-performance MEMS devices like optical switches and tunable filters, which are noted for their compact size and energy efficiency.

A significant milestone in the company's history occurred in January 2006, when it was wholly acquired by JENOPTIK Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbH. This acquisition positioned MEMS Optical to develop and manufacture more complex micro-optical components and systems by combining refractive and diffractive micro-optics. Following the acquisition, MEMS Optical and the Microoptics business unit of JENOPTIK formed the JENOPTIK Microoptics Group. Prior to its acquisition, MEMS Optical had raised $21.5 million in funding from investors including DynaFund Ventures, Summit Partners, Teledyne Technologies, and Vanguard Ventures.