LPTH Press Release - Lightpath Technologies Releases Q3 Results

LightPath Technologies Announces Third Quarter Financial Results ORLANDO, FL - (Marketwire - April 28, 2011) - LightPath Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTH) (“LightPath”, the “Company” or “we”), a global manufacturer, distributor and integrator of patented optical components and high-level assemblies, announced today its financial results for the third quarter ended March 31, 2011. Third Quarter Highlights: Backlog scheduled to ship within the next 12 months was $3.63 million as of March 31, 2011, an increase of 23% or $683,000 from June 30, 2010. EBITDA for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 is $73,000 compared to $397,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Unit shipment volume in precision molded optics increased 61% in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the same period of last year. Revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was $2.43 million compared to $2.66 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Gross margin was 40% for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 as compared to 47% for the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Cash on hand as of March 31, 2011 was $1.0 million as compared to $1.46 million on June 30, 2010. Jim Gaynor, President and Chief Executive Officer of LightPath, commented, "LightPath continues to make significant progress in the execution of our business strategy. EBITDA improved by $118,000 from the previous quarter, operating loss improved 41% from the previous quarter and backlog grew 11% from the previous quarter. We used cash for expansion by increasing the number of tools available and completing the installation of our new press stations. During the third quarter we improved our working capital position by extending the maturity date of our convertible debentures from August 2011 to August 2013. Although our revenue decreased slightly this was a solid quarter for LightPath given the continued penetration of our target markets and resulting backlog of orders growth. We have established business with over eleven major customers in the Asian industrial tool market. Over the next 3 to 6 months this new customer demand equates to an additional 200,000 lenses per month. This increase in unit volume over our existing business will utilize our recently installed capacity.” Mr. Gaynor continued “We continue to position the Company to take advantage of larger markets with low cost high volume applications, value added services and thermal imaging and sensing application designs and products. LightPath is transitioning its business to focus on providing low cost high volume lenses for products such as laser levels, range finders, gun sights and projectors. In addition to the industrial tool market, we are targeting opportunities in biomedical instruments, communications and imaging. As we continue to work to grow our revenue, improve our production efficiencies and continue cost reduction efforts, our margins and cash flow will continue to improve. We are confident in our strategy and see the improvements occurring. In the coming quarters we remain optimistic and in the long run believe our strategy offers significant financial rewards for the Company and our stockholders.” Financial Results for Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 totaled approximately $2.43 million compared to approximately $2.66 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2010, a decrease of 9%. The decrease from the third quarter of the prior fiscal year was primarily attributable to lower sales prices on increased unit volume of precision molded optics, lower sales volume of GRADIUM lenses and isolators offset by higher sales for infrared lenses and collimators. Growth in sales going forward is expected to be derived primarily from the precision molded lenses product line, particularly our low cost lenses being sold in Asia where we have experienced an increase in bookings during this quarter. Our gross margin percentage in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was 40% compared to 47%. Total manufacturing costs of $1.46 million were approximately $47,000 higher in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. The increase in manufacturing costs, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year, is a reflection of a product mix change associated with increased sales of infrared lenses and collimators, which have a higher material cost. Unit shipment volume in precision molded optics increased by 61% in the third fiscal quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year. Direct costs, which include material, labor and services were 24% of revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2011, as compared to 26% of revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Our average cost per unit decreased by 34% due to higher unit volume reducing overhead costs per unit offset by slightly higher labor costs and higher freight costs. This improvement in the average cost per unit was offset by a 41% decrease in the average selling price per unit, negatively impacting our gross margin. During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, total costs and expenses increased $80,000 to $1.13 million compared to $1.05 million for the same period in fiscal 2010. This increase was primarily due to a $76,000 credit in the prior year for the reversal of an accrual for legal expenses. Also included in total costs and expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 were $861,000 in selling, general and administrative expenses. As a result, total operating loss for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was approximately $151,000 compared to income of $203,000 for the same period in fiscal 2010. Net interest expense was $93,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 as compared to $191,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 represents interest on our convertible debentures, at 8% per annum and amortization of debt discount and debt costs. Loss on extinguishment of debt of $132,000 during the third quarter of fiscal 2011 resulted from the two year extension of the maturity date of our convertible debentures and included the write-off of approximately $89,000 of debt issuance costs and debt discount and premium of $43,000 from debt exchange for a non-related debt holder. Net loss for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was $376,000 or $0.04 per basic and diluted common share, compared with a net income of $12,000 or $0.00 per basic and diluted common share for the same period in fiscal 2010. The $388,000 increase in net loss resulted primarily from the loss on extinguishment of debt of $132,000 and a $76,000 reversal of a legal accrual in the prior year and lower revenue. Weighted-average basic shares outstanding increased to 9,715,266 in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to 8,232,496 in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 which is primarily due to the issuance of shares of common stock related to a private placement in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 and convertible debentures that were converted to shares of common stock in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2011. Financial Results for Nine Months Ended March 31, 2011 Revenue for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was approximately $7.22 million compared to approximately $6.44 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2010, an increase of 12%. This increase from the first nine months of fiscal 2010 was primarily attributable to higher sales volumes in all of our product lines. The number of units of precision molded optics increased 34% due to our increased production capability and our pursuit of low cost, high volume lens business. Growth in sales going forward is expected to be derived primarily from our precision molded optics product line, particularly our low cost lenses sold in Asia. Our gross margin percentage in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2010 decreased to 39% from 45%. Total manufacturing costs of $4.41 million were approximately $846,000 higher in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. This increase in manufacturing costs resulted from an increase in costs necessary to support higher production and sales volumes and a product mix change to products with a higher material cost, such as isolators and collimators. Direct costs, which include material, labor and services increased to 26% of revenue in the first nine months of fiscal 2011, as compared to 23% of revenue in the first nine months of fiscal 2010. Our average cost per unit decreased by 8% due to higher unit volume reducing overhead costs per unit offset by slightly higher labor costs and higher freight costs. This improvement in the average cost per unit was offset by a 17% decrease in the average selling price per unit, negatively impacting our gross margin. During the first nine months of fiscal 2011, total costs and expenses increased $686,000 to approximately $3.69 million compared to approximately $3.00 million for the same period in fiscal 2010. This increase was due to a $128,000 increase in wages, an $89,000 increase in sales tax, $38,000 in recruiting fees, $46,000 in outside services for information technology, a $58,000 increase in stock compensation expense due to stock options granted in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, and a $24,000 increase in materials for engineering projects. In addition, in the first nine months of 2010 there was a one time benefit resulting from legal expenses incurred which was offset by receipt of a reimbursement from our D&O insurance carrier in the net amount of $278,000 for legal expenses incurred in connection with litigation. As a result, total operating loss for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 increased to a loss of approximately $879,000 compared to a loss of $120,000 for the same period in fiscal 2010. Net interest expense was approximately $583,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 as compared to approximately $534,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2010. This increase was due to the write-off of unamortized debt discount and debt costs related to the conversion of debentures totaling $832,500 into shares of common stock in the first nine months of fiscal 2011. Our interest expense included interest on our convertible debentures, at 8% per annum, the amortization of the related debt issuance costs and debt discount, and write off of debt issue costs, prepaid interest and debt discount for convertible debentures that were converted into shares of common stock during the first nine months of fiscal 2011. Loss on extinguishment of debt of $132,000 during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 resulted from the extension of the maturity date of our convertible debentures from August 2011 to August 2013 and included the write-off of approximately $89,000 of debt costs and debt discount and $43,000 premium from debt exchange for a non-related debenture holder. Net loss for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was approximately $1.60 million or $0.17 per basic and diluted common share, compared with a net loss of approximately $653,000 or $0.08 per basic and diluted common share for the same period in fiscal 2010. The $950,000 increase in net loss was primarily from the loss on extinguishment of debt of $132,000, the reimbursement of $278,000 from our D&O insurance carrier for legal expenses, which was received last year and an increase of $457,000 in wages associated with the increased unit volume, sales and engineering development and an increase of $51,000 for stock compensation expense. Weighted-average basic shares outstanding increased to 9,474,204 in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to 7,901,156 in the first nine months of fiscal 2010 which is primarily due to the issuance of shares of common stock related to a private placement in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 and convertible debentures converted into shares of common stock in the first half of fiscal 2011. Cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $1.0 million as of March 31, 2011. Total current assets and total assets as of March 31, 2011 were approximately $4.49 million and $7.04 million compared to approximately $4.80 million and $7.46 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2010. Total current liabilities and total liabilities as of March 31, 2011 were approximately $1.54 million and $3.11 million compared to approximately $1.09 million and $3.21 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2010. As a result, the current ratio as of March 31, 2011 was 2.92 to 1 compared to 4.41 to 1 as of June 30, 2010. Total stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2011 totaled approximately $3.92 million compared to $4.24 million as of June 30, 2010. As of March 31, 2011 our backlog of orders scheduled to ship in the next 12 months, was $3.63 million compared to $2.95 million as of June 30, 2010. Investor Conference Call and Webcast Details: LightPath will host an audio conference call and webcast on Thursday, April 28th at 4:00 p.m. EDT to discuss the Company's financial and operational performance for the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Conference Call Details Date: Thursday, April 28, 2011 Time: 4:00 p.m. (EDT) Dial-in Number: 1-877-407-8033 International Dial-in Number: 1-201-689-8033 It is recommended that participants dial-in approximately 5 to 10 minutes prior to the start of the 4:00 p.m. call. A transcript archive of the webcast will be available for viewing or download on the company web site shortly after the call is concluded. About LightPath Technologies LightPath manufactures optical products including precision molded aspheric optics, GRADIUM® glass products, proprietary collimator assemblies, laser components utilizing proprietary automation technology, higher-level assemblies and packing solutions. The Company's products are used in various markets, including industrial, medical, defense, test and measurement and telecommunications. LightPath has a strong patent portfolio that has been granted or licensed to it in these fields. For more information visit http://www.lightpath.com/. The discussions of our results as presented in this release include use of non-GAAP terms “EBITDA” and “gross margin.” Gross margin is determined by deducting the cost of sales from operating revenue. Cost of sales includes manufacturing direct and indirect labor, materials, services, fixed costs for rent, utilities and depreciation, and variable overhead. Gross margin should not be considered an alternative to operating income or net income, which is determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). We believe that gross margin, although a non-GAAP financial measure is useful and meaningful to investors as a basis for making investment decisions. It provides investors with information that demonstrates our cost structure and provides funds for our total costs and expenses. We use gross margin in measuring the performance of our business and have historically analyzed and reported gross margin information publicly. Other companies may calculate gross margin in a different manner. EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure used by management, lenders and certain investors as a supplemental measure in the evaluation of some aspects of a corporation's financial position and core operating performance. Investors sometimes use EBITDA as it allows for some level of comparability of profitability trends between those businesses differing as to capital structure and capital intensity by removing the impacts of depreciation, amortization and interest expense. EBITDA also does not include changes in major working capital items such as receivables, inventory and payables, which can also indicate a significant need for, or source of, cash. Since decisions regarding capital investment and financing and changes in working capital components can have a significant impact on cash flow, EBITDA is not a good indicator of a business's cash flows. We use EBITDA for evaluating the relative underlying performance of the Company's core operations and for planning purposes. We calculate EBITDA by adjusting net loss to exclude net interest expense, income tax expense or benefit, depreciation and amortization, thus the term "Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization" and the acronym "EBITDA." This news release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our ability to expand our presence in certain markets, future sales growth, continuing reductions in cash usage and implementation of new distribution channels. This information may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, factors detailed by LightPath Technologies, Inc. in its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts: LightPath Technologies, Inc. Jim Gaynor President & CEO or Dorothy Cipolla CFO +1 (407) 382-4003 dcipolla@lightpath.com

May's Lunch Connection - Equipment Leasing Made Easy!

bioBUZZ: Action Alert: Support Florida's Biomedical Research Programs

Dear bioOrlando Members:

The Senate and House started the budget conference process this morning. Late Tuesday night, the Senate and House appointed their budget negotiators ("conferees"). Budget conferees will meet over the next 5 days to work out the differences between the two budgets.

NEED YOUR HELP! Biomedical research funding is in danger of being eliminated this year, as legislators attempt to balance the state budget amid an almost $4 billion budget deficit. Click here.

Currently, the House funds the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program (King) at $1.2 million and eliminates funding for the Bill Bankhead and David Coley Biomedical Research Program (Bankhead-Coley). The Senate funds King at $12.2 million and Bankhead-Coley at $10 million. The Senate also allocates $10 million each to the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, the Shands Cancer Hospital and the Sylvester Cancer Center at the University of Miami.

Florida's Biomedical Research Programs:

• Increase Florida's biomedical and cancer researchers' national funding competitiveness;
• Facilitate collaborations between talented scientists within Florida, nationally and internationally;
• Expand research capacity through the training of new scientists and provision of research instruments; and
• Bolster the Florida's investment to grow its technology-based economy in the biosciences.

Please email the Senate and House Health Care Conferees

Senate Health Care Budget Conferees

Sen. Joe Negron - negron.joe.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Anitere Flores - flores.anitere.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Rene Garcia - garcia.rene.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Jim Norman - norman.jim.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Garrett Richter - richter.garrett.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Eleanor Sobel - sobel.eleanor.web@flsenate.gov

House Health Care Budget Conferees

Rep. Matt Hudson - matt.hudson@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Charles "Chuck" Chestnut - charles.chestnut@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Richard Corcoran - richard.corcoran@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Daniel Davis - daniel.davis@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Jose Diaz - jose.diaz@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Jim Frishe - jim.frishe@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Gayle Harrell - gayle.harrell@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Mia Jones - mia.jones@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Mark Pafford - mark.pafford@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Ken Roberson - ken.roberson@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Greg Steube - greg.steube@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. John Wood - john.wood@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Dana Young - dana.young@myfloridahouse.gov

Thank you for helping bioOrlando support Florida's Biomedical Research Programs!

4.28.11 / MAP 318 / 3-4pm / Seminar: “Simulating Photonic Interactions with Graphical Methods: Numerical Modeling without Writing Software” – Mary Pot

Seminar: “Simulating Photonic Interactions with Graphical Methods: Numerical Modeling without Writing Software” – Mary Potasek, Simphotek Inc.
MAP 318 – Department of Mathematics
Thursday, April 28, 2011 / 3:00pm-4:30pm

Dr. Mary Potasek
Simphotek, Inc.

Abstract:
Formulating a numerical model for photo-physical interactions is complex, often requiring additional effort when the actual optical experiments involve materials of different types of nonlinearities, multi-photon absorptions/relaxations, photo-induced energy transfer, up-conversion, stimulated emission, Auger process, in organics/inorganics and quantum dots with different types of electronic level transitions. We illustrate a method based on computational transition modules (photonic building blocks), which allows simulating a wide range of photonic interactions without reformulating the propagation-material equations and rewriting or editing the simulation code.

For More Information:
Dr. Demetrios Christodoulides
407-882-0074

Enterprise Florida Governors Business Diversification Awards

Program honors businesses for job growth, economic investment feats

ORLANDO, FL (April 18, 2011) – If your company falls into one of the sectors listed below, it’s eligible to compete for a Governor’s Business Diversification Award. It recognizes businesses for making noteworthy contributions toward Florida’s economic development efforts.

· Aviation/Aerospace
· Cleantech
· Corporate Headquarters
· Distribution/Logistics
· Education/Training
· Emerging Industries
· Financial/Professional Services
· Homeland Security/Defense
· Information Technology
· Life Sciences
· Manufacturing
· Marine
· Trade/Export Services

The entry deadline is June 24 at 5 p.m. ET., and the application will be available online via Enterprise Florida’s Web site, www.eflorida.com/govawards, starting April 18.
The nomination of a business can be made by a local or regional economic development organization, or a professional or industry association. Self-nominations are acceptable, also. Three awards will be given in each of these categories:
· Governor’s Business Expansion Award: For Florida companies that expanded their operations in 2010, investing capital and creating jobs for Floridians.


· Governor’s Newcomer Award: For new-to-Florida companies that began business operations in 2010.


· Governor’s Export Excellence Award: For Florida companies with new or significant increases in documented export sales in 2010.


· Governor’s Entrepreneurship Award: For Florida start-up companies (less than 5 years old) that have set a standard for entrepreneurship and creativity.


· Governor’s Innovation Award: For Florida companies, organizations or institutions that through product or process best exemplified innovative leadership in 2010.


· Governor’s Green-to-Gold Award: For Florida companies that through product or process best exemplified "green" leadership as it pertains to the state's goal to become a leader in this emerging field.


-- more --

ADD 1
The winners will be announced in September during Industry Appreciation Week, the third week of the month. The awards will be presented at that time during a special event.
Corporate sponsors for this program this year are Bank of America and Florida Trend.
For more information about the Governors Business Diversification Awards and entry requirements, businesses and economic development organizations can contact:
Luis Pérez-Codina
External Affairs Program Manager
(850) 298-6638 or gbda@eflorida.com
www.eflorida.com/govawards
* * *
Enterprise Florida, Inc. is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida. Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better-paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

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2011 Visioning Luncheon hosted by East Orlando Chamber of Commerce

LPTH Press Release - Lightpath Technologies Introduces New IR Lenses at the SPIE Defense, Security And Sensing Conference

LIGHTPATH TECHNOLOGIES INTRODUCES TWO NEW NEW INFRARED OPTICS AT THE SPIE DEFENSE, SECURITY AND SENSING CONFERENCE IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA FROM APRIL 26TH – 28TH LIGHTPATH TECHNOLOGIES ADDS NEW LENSES TO ITS LONG WAVE INFRARED (LWIR) CATALOG --Targets Large Addressable Markets including Homeland Security-- Orlando, FL - (April 26, 2011) - LightPath Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: LPTH), a global manufacturer, distributor and integrator of patented optical components and assemblies, announced today it has added new molded infrared aspheres to its catalog of Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) lenses. These lenses are designed as the primary optics for thermal imagers used in a wide variety of applications including homeland security, firefighting, predictive maintenance and driver’s vision enhancement systems in automobiles. These infrared markets have a combined current estimated value of over $2.5 billion. This new lens is a low cost thermal imaging lens designed specifically for the high volume thermal imaging security camera market. Its f/1.3 and 7.7mm focal length design is optimized for use with the latest generation of 640x512, 17 micron pixel infrared detectors from all of the major thermal imaging camera core suppliers. These new lenses are manufactured from LightPath’s Black Diamond ™ chalcogenide glass and are a less expensive substitute for high-volume, diamond-turned Germanium and Zinc Selenide optics. “LightPath Technologies is continuing to expand its product offering for Infrared Optics with the introduction of these lenses. These new products will address the rapidly expanding thermal imaging and night vision enhancement markets that required high volumes of infrared optics at prices that are lower than currently available,” said Jim Gaynor, CEO and President of LightPath. LIGHTPATH TECHNOLOGIES ADDS NEW MID-WAVE INFRARED COLLIMATOR TO ITS CATALOG --Targets Growing Markets including IRCM & Gas Sensing-- Orlando, FL - (April 26, 2011) - LightPath Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: LPTH), a global manufacturer, distributor and integrator of patented optical components and assemblies, announced today it has added a new Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) fiber collimator using LightPath’s molded infrared aspheres. This collimator is designed as a beam expanding optic for MWIR fibers or as a collimating lens for Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCL) used in a wide variety of applications including infrared countermeasures (IRCM), and gas analytical instrumentation for environmental sensing. These infrared markets are growing rapidly as the cost of MWIR laser sources continues to decline. This new collimator is based on LightPath’s existing MWIR collimating lenses and extends our existing product line of collimators into the infrared. These new lenses are manufactured from LightPath’s Black Diamond ™ chalcogenide glass and are a less expensive substitute for high-volume, diamond-turned Germanium and Zinc Selenide optics. “LightPath Technologies is continuing to expand its product line for Infrared Optics with the introduction of these collimators. These new products are an expansion of our business in high performance molded aspheres for laser collimation. The combination of LightPath’s experience in laser collimation and our new Black Diamond infrared optics is proving to be an excellent market for our unique capabilities,” said Jim Gaynor, CEO and President of LightPath. About LightPath Technologies LightPath manufactures optical products including precision molded aspheric optics, GRADIUM® glass products, proprietary collimator assemblies, laser components utilizing proprietary automation technology, higher-level assemblies and packing solutions. LightPath has a strong patent portfolio that has been granted or licensed to us in these fields. LightPath common stock trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the stock symbol LPTH. For more information visit www.lightpath.com Contact: Ray Pini, Director of Marketing LightPath Technologies, Inc. Phone: +1-407-382-4003 x336 Email: rpini@lightpath.com Internet: www.lightpath.com This news release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, factors detailed by LightPath Technologies, Inc. in its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. GRADIUM® is a registered trademark of LightPath Technologies

Photonic Integration Workshop: Meeting the need for higher rates of data transport

June 13, 2011 - The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Canada We’re bringing together the field’s leading innovators in the areas of high data rate, high density, high capacity optical communications and the companies which are exploring photonic integration, monolithic and hybrid, as a data transport solution for a unique, one-day workshop - join us! Keynote Speaker: David F. Welch Co-Founder, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Infinera Corporation Register Online >> OIDA and OSA Corporate Member $200 USD Non-Member $300 USD Student $150 USD Schedule at-a-Glance Sunday, 12 June 14:00 – 18:00 Registration Monday, 13 June 07:30 – 08:30 Registration & Continental Breakfast 08:30 – 12:30 Session 12:00 – 13:30 Lunch (with presentation) 13:30 – 17:30 Session 18:00 – 19:30 Networking Reception There is an ever-increasing world-wide commercial need for higher and higher rates of data transport. Despite the cyclical nature of the general economy, the volume of electronic communication has been on a steady growth path. The increasing need for moving large volumes of data has considerably impacted the area of long haul optical transmission. Aggregate long haul data rates, in the C band of the optical fiber spectrum, are expected to reach 25Tbit/s per fiber. This creates a compelling need for both line and client side systems capable of very high data rate transport and switching within a very small volume of space and reduced power consumption. Fulfilling this need requires creative innovations in the field of optical components, and photonic integration has been increasingly proposed and utilized as a solution in this application space. The OIDA workshop will be held with OSA’s Advanced Photonics Congress at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto, Canada. Workshop attendees will be able to join the Congress sessions for an additional fee. Program, Travel and General Information Contact OIDA – Phone: +1.202.416.1449 Email: OIDAInfo@osa.org

May Virtual Job Fair

Looking for new employees? Sign up today for a booth on WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA's Virtual Job Fair, which will be held Monday, May 9 - Friday, May 13. www.WorkforceCentralFlorida.com/jobfair

New Florida Photonics Cluster FaceBook Page

Visit our new FaceBook page and friend us!

Meet One on One to Learn How To Reduce, Control and Monitor Business Expenses

5.12.11 / CREOL 102 / 11-12pm / Seminar: “Novel Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications of Lasers in Medicine”, Nathaniel Fried, University of North C

Seminar: “Novel Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications of Lasers in Medicine”, Nathaniel Fried, University of North Carolina

CREOL 102

Thursday, May 12, 2011 / 11:00am-12:00pm

Nathaniel Fried, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of Physics and Optical Science

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Abstract:

The Biomedical Optics Laboratory at UNC-Charlotte is devoted to development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic laser applications in medicine. The lab performs applied, clinically-driven research and provides a bridge between physicists/engineers and doctors. This presentation provides an overview of promising laser technologies for potential treatment or diagnosis of “Quality-of-Life” problems in urology:

(1) Thulium fiber laser vaporization of kidney stones:

The solid-state Holmium:YAG laser (=2120 nm) currently used for lithotripsy is limited by its poor spatial beam profile – the large fibers used may break, damaging endoscopes, and prevent sufficient saline irrigation, compromising visibility and safety. Fiber lasers provide high power coupling into smaller, more flexible fibers for use in latest flexible endoscopes, with improved bending and higher irrigation rates. The thulium fiber laser (=1908 nm) matches a major water absorption peak in tissue, thus providing lower ablation thresholds and more efficient stone ablation than the Holmium laser.

(2) Erbium:YAG laser incision of urethral strictures using mid-infrared optical fibers:

Endoscopic applications of mid-IR lasers have been limited due to the lack of a suitable fiber delivery system. A hybrid germanium oxide/sapphire fiber is a biocompatible, flexible, robust, high-power fiber for endoscopic delivery of Erbium:YAG laser radiation (=2940 nm). The Erbium laser may provide precise, cellular level vaporization of scar tissue in the urinary tract for treatment of incontinence.

(3) Noninvasive laser vasectomy using a Ytterbium fiber laser:

Vasectomy is the most effective, safest, and least expensive method of sterilization. However, due to male fears of incision, bleeding, infection, and pain associated with surgical vasectomy, female sterilization (tubal ligation) remains more popular. Deeply penetrating near-infrared Ytterbium fiber laser radiation (=1075 nm) in conjunction with cryogen spray cooling, can be used to perform noninvasive male sterilization which may increase the popularity of vasectomy.

(4) Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the prostate nerves:

The cavernous nerves course along the prostate surface and are responsible for sexual function. Surgeons have difficulty identifying and sparing these nerves during prostate cancer surgery. OCT is an ideal technology for high-resolution imaging of these nerves and can easily be integrated into standard laparoscopic and robotic instruments for intra-operative diagnosis.

(5) Infrared laser stimulation of the cavernous nerves:

Optical nerve stimulation (ONS) using pulsed infrared light has recently been developed as an alternative to conventional electrical nerve stimulation. ONS provides several advantages, including non-contact stimulation, increased spatial selectivity, and elimination of stimulation artifacts. Our laboratory is investigating ONS as an intra-operative fiber optic method that complements OCT for identification of the cavernous nerves.

Biography

Nathaniel Fried is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Optical Science and Director of the Biomedical Optics Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Urology at Johns Hopkins Medical School, in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Fried received his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University in 1998 while working in the area of laser tissue welding. As a joint postdoctoral fellow at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins Medical School, he worked on designing novel laser balloon catheters for use in treating cardiac arrhythmias. From 2000-2006, he was a faculty member in the Department of Urology at Johns Hopkins Medical School and the Director of the Biomedical Optics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Dr. Fried has over 15 years of experience working in the field of laser-tissue interactions and laser medicine. He has been a member of both the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) and the Society of Photo-Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) since 1998, and he currently serves as an editorial board member for the journals, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine and Lasers in Medical Science. Dr. Fried has published over 100 manuscripts, conference proceedings, and book chapters in laser medicine and currently holds several patents in the field. He is the past recipient of three Young Investigator Awards for his research in laser medicine, and he has received extramural research funding from a number of federal agencies (NIH, DOD, DOE, USAID), private foundations (Whitaker, NKF), and industry. In addition to actively performing research in the field of laser medicine, Dr. Fried also currently teaches an undergraduate introductory course in Medical Physics and a graduate course in Biomedical Optics at UNC-Charlotte.

For More Information:

Dr. Eric W. Van Stryland

ewvs@creol.ucf.edu