other disciplines, and today Vilnius University is famous for being a perfect place for the encouragement of new talents in the field of laser physics. Most of the products and services supplied by Lithuanian companies are for scientific application. Laser manufacturers from Lithuania have earned the trust of many famous universities and research centres, including NASA, NIST (USA), Cambridge University (UK), CERN (EU), and the Max Planck Institute (Germany). The market share of Lithuanian laser manufacturers accounts for 10 % of the entire global academic laser market. As a result of long-term development plans and close partnerships, Lithuanian laser manufacturers have established a value chain with many segments: the products that have been researched and developed include components, lasers, and even complete micromachining workstations.
The surface flatness and transmitted wavefront distortion measurement at EKSMA Optics
Components: From Scientific Laboratories to Satellites EKSMA OPTICS, which traces its roots back to 1983, is a supplier of laser optics and crystals. By exporting components each year to more than 50 countries, the company has developed close relations with many customers, working on application in the industrial, medical, scientific, military and aerospace markets. “Sometimes developing new laser application requires innovative solutions and cutting-edge quality components,” says Marketing Director Daugirdas Kuzma. “One example is the crystals which will be used for laser application in space satellites. Thus, product development projects are very challenging, and we are very flexible in providing reliable and unique state-ofthe-art components, or unconventional solutions, depending on specific requirements.” EKSMA OPTICS participates in “Nanodetector” joint research project, with the aim of developing a general technique for the detection and analysis of single nanoparticles in a complex environment and producing a laboratory prototype, and also “FILCO” project, to develop a laser process head of fibre-delivered laser sources specifically for cutting. The Company also develops “super polishing” technologies of optical components, for use with high-intensity laser radiation beams. Another bright star in Lithuania’s laser industry is ALTECHNA, which in 2011 was acknowledged as the year’s Knowledge Economy Company. It was also recognised for its leading technologies and its exemplary team of experienced scientists at the 2010 German Business Awards. The 2011 Swedish Business Awards competition hailed ALTECHNA as the most harmoniously growing company.
Laser beam attenuator developed at Altechna
ALTECHNA is a reliable supplier of general optics, polarisation optics, laser and non-linear crystals, lasers and laser accessories, custom optics, metrology, and consulting services for scientific research laboratories. In 2012, it developed numerous laboratories: the Laser Optics Quality Inspection Laboratory, the Femtosecond Laser Micromachining MicroLab, and the Micro Laser Development Lab. “We aim to give our clients maximum benefit by providing them not only with laser products, but also with complex solutions designed for a particular use for lasers,” says ALTECHNA’s Director Tadas Lipinskas. The certified quality management system ISO 9001 confirms that ALTECHNA provides quality goods and services oriented to the needs and requirements of clients. | 23