PAC Qualification & Health Monitoring

PAC Fibre Optic Test
and Measurement Equipment

PAC Inspection,
Imaging & Profiling

PAC Laser Processing

PAC Lasers and Optomechanics

PAC Electronic Test
and Measurement Equipment



 
The Photonics Application Centre…
Provides you with…
Easy Access to Approachable Expertise

One often talks about the benefits of photonics technology, but at the Photonics Application Centre the team believe that converts are achieved by proving photonics works within industry. The Photonics Cluster (UK) facilities offer seven distinct laboratories set up to solve real world issues. Client companies will gain access to a pool of expertise, impartial advice and use of the facilities at reasonable rates without the need to commit significant resources.

Established in November 2003 with a grant of £1.7 million from the regional development agency the facility gives companies the chance to try out the equipment and receive approachable expertise.

  Dr Geoff Archenhold, an entrepreneur seconded to the facility from industry said, "from base research the cluster identified that there were three key barriers to companies in utilising photonics technology. One the lack of skilled knowledge, two the high cost of entry and three the limited internal resources companies may have. At the Photonics Application Centre facility we address these issues head on providing skilled support and access to expensive equipment on a daily rate basis and in timescales required by industry. There is no way that a start up company can afford this equipment unless they are funded by a venture capitalist. We have taken away that barrier so they can create new products and new processes which will then allow then to secure growth funding at a more mature stage of their growth profile."

Susan Lee, responsible for commercial development at the centre, said: "The objective is to help companies to exploit new technology. A lot of companies do not understand photonics or how it can be utilised, so what we offer is advice and guidance about how to incorporate photonics technology into their own industry. Many companies may be new to the ideas of photonics so attention is paid to making sure they are not scared off by technical jargon."

The team talk to companies in their own language about solving problems in their industry. Many inventors have passed through the doors since it opened and found new ways of realising their dreams. In many cases, they previously had no knowledge of how techniques like micro-machining and laser ablation could impact on their industry sectors.

The centre has seven fully equipped laboratories. Click on the links below for further information on each laboratory:

Laser-Machining Laboratory - taking production down to nano scale
Metrology Laboratory - if you cannot measure it you cannot build it
Imaging Laboratory - how white is white
Laser Scanning Vibrometer - how to measure vibration and its effects
Class 10,000 Clean Room - available for member client companies for short and long term projects
Fibre Optic Test and Measurement Laboratory - telecoms support to catch the next generation
Qualifications and Testing Laboratory - shake, soak and cook your products
General Purpose Laboratory - providing access for member clients


Photonics Meeting and Seminar Area

Are you tired of searching for the ideal location and facilities for meetings with clients, training event or seminars?
Do you find hotels room and conference centres too expensive or too large for your requirements?

The Photonics Cluster (UK) offers a FREE facility for its member companies to utilise for workshops, meetings, seminars or training sessions for up to 12 people.
If you are not a Photonic Cluster (UK) member then click here to find out how to utilise this facility for FREE.

To book the facilities simply contact the Photonics Cluster (UK) team on 0121 260 6020 or alternatively fill in the booking form.
    Available facilities:
  • Touch Screen & Whiteboard facility linked to computer and printer
  • Microsoft Powerpoint viewer for presentations
  • Internet facility to pick up and send emails
  • Meeting Point
  • Latest Industry news from: - Photonics Cluster (UK), Photonics Spectra, Opto & Laser Europe
  • Optional Tour of facilities available on request
  • Optional demonstration area
    Optional extras:
  • Refreshments
  • Car Parking
These extras have nominal charges associated. Please contact the PC(UK) team for further information on 0121 260 6020 or alternatively fill in the booking form and a quote for your requirements will be issued.