Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Thorlabs

Thorlabs, Inc. is a vertically integrated company that designs, manufactures, and markets components, instruments, and systems for scientific , industrial , and biomedical applications. Founded in 1989 by Alex Cable in a garage in —where the company remains headquartered—Thorlabs began by producing optomechanical components using basic machining tools and has since expanded into a global leader in the industry. The company offers a vast portfolio of over 22,000 stocked items as of 2025, including , lasers, systems, electrophysiology tools, and custom solutions, all supported by transparent pricing, real-time availability, and rapid delivery to foster innovation across diverse fields such as , , and . Thorlabs operates as a privately held entity with a customer-centric emphasizing , which allows in-house control over design, , and across more than 1 million square feet of space. Its global footprint includes 23 subsidiaries spanning nine countries as of 2025, enabling localized support and distribution while maintaining a commitment to through initiatives like energy-efficient facilities and reduced in . In January 2025, Thorlabs acquired Praevium to enhance its capabilities in tunable technology. Under the of founder and CEO Alex Cable, alongside Jenn Cable, the company has grown from a startup serving and researchers to an industry benchmark for accessibility and technological advancement, providing tools that enable advancements in areas like optical trapping and advanced imaging.

Company Overview

Founding and Headquarters

Thorlabs was founded in by Alex Cable, a former engineer, in the garage of his parents' home in . The company was established with a simple mission: to make lab equipment more accessible to graduate students and junior researchers by publishing prices online, maintaining inventory, and ensuring fast delivery for stocked items. Cable named the company after his , Thor, reflecting a personal touch to its humble beginnings. From its inception, Thorlabs focused on serving the and research market through direct sales of basic components, such as optomechanical products featured in its initial one-page catalog. This approach emphasized customer-centric operations, including same-day order processing and shipping, to support academic and research needs efficiently. The headquarters in , has remained the central hub for Thorlabs' administration, (R&D), and core manufacturing since its founding. In early operations, the site facilitated the design and production of , fiber , , and related technologies, housing a significant portion of the company's and enabling from the outset. Today, it continues to serve as the primary location for these functions, supporting the evolution toward broader product lines in .

Corporate Leadership

Thorlabs operates as a with substantial family involvement in its , allowing it to prioritize long-term and strategic over short-term financial pressures. This structure fosters a environment that emphasizes sustained growth in the sector, as highlighted by company in discussions on navigating . Alex Cable, the founder and current CEO of Thorlabs, remains a pivotal figure in the company's , having established its foundational principles since its in 1989. His extends to shaping the organizational culture, which is built on core values including respect, trust, innovation, accountability, and empathy, promoting a collaborative and customer-centric environment across the global workforce. Jennifer Cable, daughter of Alex Cable and President since 2021, plays a central role in steering Thorlabs' global strategy and serves as a prominent public representative for the company. She has driven initiatives to enhance international operations and adaptability in the industry, notably delivering the keynote address "Thorlabs: Adapting to a Changing World" at the 2025 Optica Global Photonics Economic Forum, where she discussed in volatile economic conditions and the of company culture for resilience. Bruno Gross joined Thorlabs' executive leadership team in August 2025 as Executive Vice President of Global Business, bringing expertise from his prior roles within the company and external experience in and . In this position, he oversees international expansion efforts, including leadership of European operations in , the , , and , as well as global sales, , marketing, and distribution to align customer-facing activities worldwide.

History

Early Development

Thorlabs launched its initial product in 1990, beginning as a modest four-page flyer that featured basic optical components such as lenses and mounts tailored for laboratories. This was innovative for its time, as it included published prices, real-time inventory availability, and promises of fast delivery—features uncommon in the industry, which typically relied on distributor markups and longer lead times. The company's early growth was organic, driven by in-house design and manufacturing processes that enabled and to meet the needs of academic and industrial users. From its inception in a small bedroom lab, Thorlabs invested in by establishing its own machine shops and fabrication facilities, allowing control over production quality and efficiency without external dependencies. This approach facilitated steady expansion, with sales reaching approximately $12 million by 1997 through reinvested profits and customer feedback loops. Key milestones in the late 1990s included the catalog's growth to over 5,000 items, incorporating light sources and detectors alongside the original optomechanical offerings, which broadened its appeal to diverse photonics applications. Thorlabs also solidified a direct sales model, handling orders via phone with immediate processing and same-day shipping for stocked items, effectively bypassing traditional distributors to provide accessible, cost-effective solutions for smaller research groups. By 2000, this foundation had positioned the company as a reliable supplier in the burgeoning photonics market.

Expansion and Acquisitions

Following its early growth in the , Thorlabs accelerated expansion from 2000 onward through a combination of strategic acquisitions, internal development, and greenfield initiatives, focusing on enhancing its and life sciences capabilities. These efforts have enabled and broader market reach. Key acquisitions began in 2011 with the purchase of the Burleigh product line assets from Lumen Dynamics, which included manipulation and precision equipment for life science applications such as and . In 2014, Thorlabs acquired the terahertz (THz) optical filters product line from Lake Shore Cryotronics, adding specialized components for THz and systems. The company continued this strategy in 2019 by acquiring the Y-Fi portfolio of s from KMLabs, strengthening its offerings in high-power, ultrafast for scientific . Further expansion occurred in 2023 with the acquisition of JML Optical Industries in , a custom designer and manufacturer of precision optics, which enhanced Thorlabs' lens and optical assembly capabilities. In January 2025, Thorlabs acquired Praevium Research, a developer of photonic integrated circuits and opto-electronic devices, bolstering its expertise in high-speed tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). In October 2025, Thorlabs acquired Nu Opto, Inc., integrating advanced acousto-optic components like modulators and deflectors to support laser beam control in applications. Around the 2010s, Thorlabs shifted from primarily component-focused offerings to systems-level solutions, notably entering the and markets with developments in (OCT) systems and platforms. This transition allowed the company to provide integrated turnkey solutions for biomedical and . Complementing acquisitions, Thorlabs pursued initiatives, including the opening of facilities to support global operations and manufacturing. Notable examples include a new fiber development site in , , in 2014, and a European office in in early 2025, facilitating localized and . These efforts contributed to significant catalog growth, expanding from foundational components to over 22,000 stocked items by 2025, encompassing , lasers, and electromechanical systems.

Products and Services

Photonics Components

Thorlabs offers a wide range of components designed as building blocks for optical experiments and setups. These include optical elements, , and fiber optics, all available as off-the-shelf items to facilitate user assembly in research environments. Optical elements from Thorlabs encompass lenses, mirrors, and filters tailored for precise control. Lenses include aspheric and achromatic types, often featuring anti-reflective coatings to minimize losses, while mirrors provide reflective surfaces for redirection. Filters are available in dielectric-coated variants for , neutral options for , and for blocking. Optomechanics products support the mechanical construction of optical systems, featuring mounts for securing , and stages for , and breadboards or tables as stable bases. These components enable modular setups with standard interfaces like posts, rails, and cage systems for easy integration. Fiber components include patch cables and couplers for efficient light transmission and splitting. Patch cables come in single-mode, multimode, and polarization-maintaining varieties with connectors such as /PC or , while couplers support fusion or free-space configurations for combining or dividing optical signals. Thorlabs' components cover a broad spectral range from (UV) through visible (VIS), near- (NIR), (IR), to (THz) regions, ensuring versatility across applications. For instance, aspheric lenses operate from 250 nm to 5 µm with coatings optimized for specific wavelengths, and filters extend into the mid- up to 20 µm. These components are primarily used in laboratory research for tasks like , light manipulation, and signal routing in experiments. They serve as foundational parts that can be integrated into larger assemblies for custom optical paths.

Instruments and Systems

Thorlabs provides a range of ready-to-use instruments and integrated systems designed for immediate deployment in applications, emphasizing assembled solutions that integrate multiple functionalities for efficiency in and industrial settings. These instruments span light sources, electro-optic devices, imaging setups, and apparatus, enabling users to perform tasks such as sample illumination, signal , high-resolution , and precise positioning without extensive assembly. In the domain of light sources, Thorlabs offers lasers and LEDs configured as complete modules for coherent and incoherent illumination. Laser diode modules deliver stable, narrow-linewidth output suitable for precision alignment and , while collimated LED light sources provide uniform, broadband illumination with wavelengths from 233 nm to 4600 nm, often mounted on heat sinks for thermal management and integrated into ports. LED array light sources, featuring up to 20 individual LEDs at central wavelengths between 470 nm and 850 nm, support multi-wavelength in biomedical experiments. These sources are targeted for applications in labs where consistent light delivery is essential for measurement accuracy. Electro-optic instruments from Thorlabs include modulators and detectors that facilitate dynamic control and sensitive detection of optical signals. Electro-optic modulators, such as free-space lithium niobate devices and fiber-coupled intensity or phase modulators operating up to 40 GHz, enable high-speed amplitude and phase modulation for telecommunications testing and laser pulse shaping. Photodetectors, including amplified silicon and InGaAs models with bandwidths up to 5 GHz, as well as balanced detectors for optical coherence tomography (OCT), detect signals across UV to mid-IR ranges (200 nm to 2.6 µm), providing low-noise performance for signal recovery in noisy environments. These tools are widely used in manufacturing alignment processes, where precise modulation and detection ensure quality control in fiber optic assembly. Imaging systems represent a core offering, with modular platforms and cameras tailored for advanced . The Veneto® inverted microscopy platforms serve as turnkey solutions for widefield, confocal, and multiphoton , incorporating galvo scanners and resonant heads for video-rate acquisition in live-cell studies. Confocal systems, such as the four-channel Cerna®-based upright setups, integrate with detection for tissue at depths up to several hundred micrometers. Industrial-grade cameras, including Zelux® models with up to 8 MP resolution and interfaces, support tasks like defect inspection, complemented by Zemax-compatible optical design files for system simulation and optimization. These instruments are essential in biomedical , enabling high-throughput analysis of cellular dynamics and material microstructures. Motion control systems provide precise positioning for instrument integration and experimentation. Motorized linear stages offer travel up to 600 mm with sub-micron resolution, while multi-axis platforms like the 6-axis NanoMax™ stages achieve nanopositioning for fiber alignment and nano-manipulation. and motorized stages, including goniometric models, support angular adjustments in optical setups. These positioners and stages are deployed in labs for automated alignment in systems and in for repeatable handling, ensuring stability under loads up to 150 in-lbs.

Custom Solutions

Thorlabs provides custom solutions tailored to clients' specific requirements, encompassing OEM partnerships, development, and full-system integration leveraging its extensive in-house manufacturing capabilities across , , semiconductors, and . These services enable clients to transition from conceptual designs to production-ready components or assemblies, often accelerating time-to-market through and flexible supply agreements such as or blanket ordering. Unlike standardized product lines, these bespoke offerings address unique application needs in , , and . The custom solutions process begins with design consultation involving Thorlabs' sales engineers and project managers, who collaborate with clients to refine specifications using tools like for optical modeling. This is followed by rapid prototyping, such as through the QuickTurn™ Optics program for custom lenses and assemblies, and rigorous in-house testing with metrology instruments to ensure performance compliance with standards like ISO 9001:2015 and ITAR regulations. Fabrication occurs across Thorlabs' 22 global facilities, incorporating custom coatings, etching, and assembly to deliver finalized products. A notable example of this end-to-end process is the 2025 collaboration with Aeluma, where Thorlabs partnered on developing a large-diameter wafer manufacturing platform integrating aluminum gallium arsenide quantum dot lasers onto 200mm silicon wafers for scalable and communication applications. Representative examples of Thorlabs' custom solutions include tailored optical coatings applied to substrates for specific ranges and environmental , produced in for OEM clients. Custom fiber assemblies, such as specialized patch cables and bundles with unique connector configurations or fiber types, support and high-power delivery in research settings. Additionally, application-specific subsystems—like integrated electro-optic modules for or delivery in —are developed as solutions, combining off-the-shelf elements with proprietary modifications for enhanced performance. These offerings underscore Thorlabs' commitment to client-driven innovation while maintaining quality through continuous improvement protocols.

Business Operations

Manufacturing and Vertical Integration

Thorlabs employs a vertically integrated manufacturing model that encompasses ownership of its from raw materials to final , allowing the company to minimize dependency on external vendors and maintain stringent control over production processes. This approach enables in-house fabrication of key components, including optical elements from bulk glasses, mechanical parts, and semiconductors, ensuring seamless transitions between manufacturing stages without external delays. By handling processes such as , , and internally, Thorlabs achieves consistent quality and performance across its product lines. The company's facilities feature advanced engineering capabilities tailored for fabrication, including computer (CNC) and magnetorheological finishing (MRF) for production, alongside thin-film and for testing. These resources support the creation of specialized technologies, such as optical tables, breadboards, and optomechanical systems, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment to meet high- demands in . Investments in these areas facilitate rapid iteration and customization, reinforcing Thorlabs' ability to deliver reliable components for research and industrial applications. Thorlabs' business model emphasizes sales through an extensive online catalog featuring over 22,000 stocked items, which streamlines purchasing and supports quick prototyping via services like QuickTurn™ Optics. This direct approach, combined with in-house production efficiencies, reduces costs and lead times for customers while enabling scalable customization. As a , Thorlabs can prioritize long-term investments in infrastructure without short-term shareholder pressures, fostering sustained innovation in its vertically integrated operations.

Global Presence and Facilities

Thorlabs operates a global network comprising 23 , , sales, and support facilities across 9 countries as of November 2025, enabling efficient worldwide operations in the sector. This footprint includes multiple sites in the United States, such as the corporate headquarters in , which handles sales, mechanics, , and fiber optics, and a dedicated and facility in . Other U.S. locations, including Morganville, , for fiber production and Jessup, , for optoelectronic and laser systems, support core manufacturing and innovation. In October 2025, Thorlabs acquired Nu Opto, Inc., adding a facility in , for acousto-optic components. In , Thorlabs maintains several facilities across , the , , and , functioning as regional hubs for assembly, localized support, and specialized production. For instance, sites in the , such as , focus on systems and relevant to , while the facility in specializes in (OCT) imaging systems for biomedical applications. The Bergkirchen site in serves as a European warehouse for optoelectronic devices, enhancing distribution efficiency. Thorlabs extends its presence in Asia with facilities in Japan and China, emphasizing fiber optics and advanced optical components. The Tokyo location in Japan provides support for optical fiber devices, and the Shanghai facility in China produces piezoelectric, liquid crystal, and optical crystal devices tailored to regional demands. Additional outposts in Brazil (São Carlos) and Canada (Saint-Laurent, Quebec) offer sales and technical support for fiber-based components, ensuring proximity to key markets in the Americas. This distributed infrastructure supports rapid global delivery, with same-day order processing and shipping available for stocked items through multiple warehouses, minimizing lead times for customers. It also facilitates adaptation to diverse regional needs, such as biomedical in via specialized imaging hubs and fiber optic solutions in for and sensing applications.

Innovation and Sustainability

Research and Development

Thorlabs maintains dedicated research and development teams focused on advancing technologies, with specialized groups such as the Advanced Photonics team and the group driving innovation in product design and manufacturing. These teams emphasize emerging fields like , where Thorlabs has developed educational kits and components for investigating quantum properties of light, and (THz) technology, including high-speed THz time-domain spectrometers with bandwidths exceeding 3 THz. Key initiatives include the integration and further development of high-repetition-rate lasers following the acquisition of KMLabs' Y-Fi portfolio, which encompasses ultrafast / lasers, optical amplifiers (OPAs), and non-collinear OPAs (NOPAs) capable of high average power outputs. In January 2025, Thorlabs acquired Praevium Research, enhancing capabilities in tunable lasers and swept-source (OCT) systems. Additionally, in October 2025, the acquisition of Nu Opto, Inc. expanded offerings in acousto-optic components for applications. In microscopy, Thorlabs contributes through its group, which develops modular inverted platforms for widefield, confocal, and multiphoton imaging, as well as licensing technologies like automated large-area imaging systems from to enhance resolution and throughput in biological applications. The company's intellectual property portfolio features numerous patents in , coatings, and systems, such as methods for substrate-transferred stacked optical coatings that enable mirror assemblies with improved performance. Thorlabs holds over 40 granted patents related to multivariate optical elements (MOEs) for , underscoring its focus on innovative optical interference coatings for scientific and industrial uses. Additionally, Thorlabs promotes community access to its designs by providing open files for optics components and coatings, allowing researchers to integrate and simulate Thorlabs products in optical software.

Commitment to Sustainability

Thorlabs has established ambitious goals to reduce its global , emphasizing efficient manufacturing processes and strategic facility developments. sources 100% renewable energy for its operations at key sites in , , , , , and , significantly lowering emissions from energy use. Through energy audits and virtual , Thorlabs achieves annual savings of 167 metric tons of CO2 equivalent, while partnering with for carbon-neutral shipping in the and further minimizes transportation impacts. These efforts align with a science-based roadmap aiming not just for but to deliver net positive environmental benefits. In employee development, Thorlabs prioritizes cultivating talent through comprehensive programs that foster professional growth and awareness. The company offers 100% tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing relevant , alongside internal training classes in physics, , and to build expertise across its workforce. Employee-led Green Teams drive sustainability initiatives, encouraging participation in eco-friendly practices at facilities worldwide. Following the 2023 acquisition of JML Optical in —now operating as Thorlabs Lens Systems— the company has expanded training opportunities in the region, including hands-on workshops via its Mobile Photonics Lab, which visited local institutions like to promote careers. Broader sustainability efforts include sustainable sourcing of materials for products and adherence to industry standards for eco-friendly . Thorlabs incorporates 100% recycled in new fiber spools, reducing by 67%, use by 55%, and consumption by 31% compared to traditional materials. packaging has shifted to recyclable and alternatives, cutting dependency by 49% and use by 64%. All new products undergo eco-friendly packaging analysis, with and return programs in place for items like spools and boxes. As a founding member of the Industry Environmental working group, Thorlabs collaborates with peers to advance and operational standards, with ongoing commitments highlighted in presentations as recent as January 2025.

References

  1. [1]
    Photonics Products & Solutions - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs advances and supports scientific innovation through the photonics components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture.
  2. [2]
    Custom Optics Manufacturing and OEM Ordering - Thorlabs
    In 1989, Thorlabs' founder, Alex Cable, began building optomechanical components in his garage using a single upright milling machine.
  3. [3]
    Photonics Products & Solutions - Thorlabs
    May 1, 2002 · Alex Cable, Founder and President of Thorlabs, Inc., and Dr. Bruno Gross, a former consultant with McKinsey and Company, joined the Menlo ...
  4. [4]
    Homegrown Thorlabs continues worldwide innovation
    Sep 20, 2016 · Cable, 58, is among Sussex County's most prominent business executives. He founded Thorlabs (named after his golden retriever, Thor) in 1989, ...
  5. [5]
    Taking the Leap: The Story of Thorlabs - Optics & Photonics News
    Thorlabs Inc., in Newton, N.J., began more than 18 years ago in Alex Cable's basement with a one-page catalog and a handful of optomechanical products that ...
  6. [6]
    From HS dropout to CEO of his own global company
    Jul 3, 2018 · From HS dropout to CEO of his own global company ... Thorlabs CEO Alex Cable named his company after his Labrador retriever Thor Photo courtesy of ...Missing: founder | Show results with:founder
  7. [7]
    Our Locations - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs designs and manufactures components, instruments, and systems for the photonics industry. We provide a portfolio of over 22000 stocked items, ...
  8. [8]
    New Jersey - Thorlabs - Photonics Products & Solutions
    Newton, NJ is home to 45% of all Thorlabs employees spread across several facilities. Our teams design and manufacture optics, fiber, optomechanics, and ...
  9. [9]
    Strategic Insights from the Global Photonics Economic Forum
    Thorlabs' president Jennifer Cable speaks at the 2025 Global Photonics Economic Forum. Courtesy of Andreas Thoss. Mattera thinks that this would cut time and ...Missing: keynote | Show results with:keynote<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    Our industry thrives in the spirit of cooperation
    Jenn Cable has been President of Thorlabs since 2021. Since it was founded by her father Alex Cable in 1989, the company has grown into a global Photonics ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  11. [11]
    Global Photonics Economic Forum 2025 - Optica
    Jennifer Cable, President, Thorlabs. Discussion among top CEOs about leadership and strategic direction in the photonics industry. 17:25 - 17:45, Optica Prize ...
  12. [12]
    Photonics Products & Solutions - Thorlabs
    Aug 20, 2025 · Bruno Gross has joined its executive leadership team as Executive Vice President of Global Business. Within the role, Bruno will continue to ...Missing: Alex | Show results with:Alex
  13. [13]
    Tools of the trade - Vol 18 - Thorlabs - PDF Catalogs
    By 1994, the Thorlabs catalog, which began as a 4 page flyer, was a 65 page catalog full ofproduct to serve the needs of theburgeoning photonics industry. > ...
  14. [14]
    [PDF] Highlighted New Products - Thorlabs
    Founded in 1989 as a manufacturer of optical and optomechanical systems, Thorlabs experienced extensive growth during its early years of existence, ...
  15. [15]
    Thorlabs: Designing a Business, Part 2 - Optics & Photonics News
    Sep 1, 2016 · Thorlabs founder and chief executive Alex Cable describes some specific strategic choices—and adaptations—that have kept the company close ...
  16. [16]
    Thorlabs: Designing a Business, Part 1 - Optics & Photonics News
    Thorlabs founder and chief executive Alex Cable shares a personal view of some core business design practices and concepts underlying the company's success.
  17. [17]
    List of 6 Acquisitions by Thorlabs (Jul 2025) - Tracxn
    Jul 21, 2025 · Thorlabs has made a total of 6 acquisitions. The years 2025, 2023, and 2019 were peak acquisition years, with 1 acquisition each.Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
  18. [18]
    Photonics Products & Solutions - Thorlabs
    of Mississauga, Ontario jointly announced today Thorlabs' acquisition of the Burleigh ® product line assets of Lumen Dynamics. Burleigh is a world leader in ...
  19. [19]
    Photonics Products & Solutions - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs Acquires THz Optical Filters from Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc. Newton, NJ - January 31, 2014 - Thorlabs announced today the acquisition of the ...
  20. [20]
    Thorlabs Acquires Fiber Laser Products from KMLabs
    Oct 28, 2019 · Newton, NJ and Boulder, CO – October 28, 2019​​ Thorlabs and KMLabs announced today that Thorlabs has acquired the KMLabs' Y-Fi™ portfolio, a ...Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
  21. [21]
    Thorlabs to acquire JML Optical - PIC Magazine News
    Jan 17, 2023 · Thorlabs has announced that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire custom designer and manufacturer of precision optics ...
  22. [22]
    Photonics Products & Solutions - Thorlabs
    Bruno Gross has joined its executive leadership team as Executive Vice President of Global Business. Within the role, Bruno will continue to lead the ...
  23. [23]
    [PDF] Optical Coherence Tomography - Thorlabs
    Doppler OCT imaging comes standard with all OCT systems (available upon request with the OCS1310V1). In the Doppler mode, phase shifts between adjacent A-scans ...
  24. [24]
    Thorlabs Imaging Systems
    Thorlabs' Modular Inverted Microscopy Platform provides a turnkey solution for widefield, confocal, and multiphoton imaging.
  25. [25]
    Thorlabs expands to Montreal - Optics.org
    May 7, 2014 · Based in Montreal, Thorlabs Canada ULC will focus on the development and production of a range of innovative passive fiber-based optical components.
  26. [26]
    Thorlabs - Photonics Products & Solutions
    Thorlabs designs and manufactures components, instruments, and systems for the photonics industry. We provide a portfolio of over 22000 stocked items, ...Product Catalog · About Us · Contact Us · Careers Home
  27. [27]
    Optics - Thorlabs
    Welcome to Thorlabs; below you will find links to optical components and systems, a subset of our entire line of photonics products.
  28. [28]
    Optomechanics - Thorlabs
    Optomechanics is a broad category that includes optical tables and breadboards, optical mounts and construction components, mechanical devices with integrated ...
  29. [29]
    Optical Fiber - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs' full line of optical fiber and fiber optic components are presented here. This includes our industry-leading selection of bare optical fiber and fiber ...
  30. [30]
    Fiber Components - Thorlabs
    4.7 34 · 4-day delivery · 30-day returnsFiber couplers, WDMs, combiners, circulators, and optical switches provide fundamental building blocks for fiber-based optical circuits.
  31. [31]
    Light - Thorlabs
    Welcome to Thorlabs; below you will find links to light emitters, sources, and controllers, a subset of our entire line of photonics products.Missing: expansion 1990s
  32. [32]
    Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs provides a range of unmounted, mounted, collimated, and fiber-pigtailed LEDs that emit in the 233 - 4600 nm spectral range. Our High-Power LEDs for ...Mounted LEDs · Collimated LED Light Sources · LED Array Light Sources
  33. [33]
    LED Array Light Sources - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs' LED Array Light Sources consist of 20 individual bright LEDs and are available with one of seven central wavelengths between 470 nm and 850 nm.
  34. [34]
    Electro-Optic Modulators - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs' selection of electro-optic (EO) modulators includes free-space and fiber-coupled LiNbO 3 modulators as well as liquid crystal EO modulators.Free-Space EO Modulators · Transverse Pockels Cell · Liquid Crystal EO Modulators
  35. [35]
    Detectors - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs' photodetectors are capable of detecting light throughout the UV, VIS, NIR, IR, and THz spectral regions.Photodiode Detectors · Amplified Detectors · Biased Detectors · Balanced DetectorsMissing: expansion 1990s
  36. [36]
    Balanced Detectors - Thorlabs
    4.7 34 · 4-day delivery · 30-day returnsThorlabs' line of balanced photodetectors are presented here. Depending on the model, either a silicon or InGaAs detector is employed to enable detection.Compact Balanced Detectors · OCT Balanced Detectors · Balanced Amplified...
  37. [37]
    Veneto® Inverted Microscopes - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs' Modular Inverted Microscopy Platform provides a turnkey solution for widefield, confocal, and multiphoton imaging.
  38. [38]
    Four-Channel, Cerna®-Based Confocal Systems - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs' Upright Confocal Microscopy Systems are complete, fully equipped microscopes available with galvo-galvo or galvo-resonant scan heads.
  39. [39]
    Imaging Systems - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs offers a wide selection of laser scanning, widefield imaging, and OCT imaging systems, including multiphoton microscopes, confocal microscopes, swept- ...OCT Imaging Systems · Microscopy Systems Overview · Imaging Components
  40. [40]
    Motorized Stages - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs' motorized stages include linear translation stages with up to 600 mm of travel, rotation mounts and stages, high-resolution multi-axis platforms.Motorized Linear Stages · Stages for Microscopy · Motorized Rotation Stages
  41. [41]
    Multi-Axis Stages - Thorlabs
    4.7 34 · 4-day delivery · 30-day returnsThorlabs offers a wide range of 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-axis stages for use in nano-positioning applications. Most of these stages incorporate a flexure technology.3-Axis Stages · 2-Axis Stages · 4-Axis MicroBlock Stages, 62.5... · 6-Axis NanoMax
  42. [42]
    6-Axis NanoMax™ NanoPositioning Flexure Stages - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs' 6-axis NanoMax™ Nanopositioning Flexure Stages are ideal for use in fiber launch systems or applications that require sub-micron resolution.<|separator|>
  43. [43]
    [PDF] Your Concepts Realized - Thorlabs
    Through a combination of organic growth, acquisitions, and greenfield initiatives,. Thorlabs has grown over its 35-year history to encompass one of the ...
  44. [44]
    Custom Solutions & Manufacturing Capabilities - Thorlabs
    These in-house manufacturing capabilities also give us the freedom to develop both custom and OEM solutions. Consequently, we are able to partner with you, not ...Missing: prototype | Show results with:prototype
  45. [45]
    Aeluma and Thorlabs Unveil Breakthrough with Large-Diameter ...
    May 29, 2025 · Aeluma and Thorlabs Unveil Breakthrough with Large-Diameter Wafer Manufacturing Platform for Quantum Computing and Communication. May 29, 2025 7 ...
  46. [46]
    Aeluma and Thorlabs unveil large-diameter wafer manufacturing ...
    May 29, 2025 · The demonstration complements Aeluma's work with quantum dot materials in 300mm silicon photonics, aimed at optical interconnects for AI ...
  47. [47]
    Optical Coatings - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs offers metal, antireflective, and coatings using IBS, RF Magnetron Sputtering, and Plasma Assisted methods, including E-Beam and Ion-Beam Assisted ...<|separator|>
  48. [48]
    Custom Fiber Optic Patch Cables - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs stocks the largest selection of single mode and multimode optical fibers in the photonics industry. If our selection of stocked patch cables does ...Missing: subsystems | Show results with:subsystems
  49. [49]
    Custom Optical Assemblies - Thorlabs
    Examples of these types of assemblies include imaging objectives, tube lenses, laser optic assemblies, and optical filter and mirror assemblies. Electro-Optic ...Missing: subsystems | Show results with:subsystems
  50. [50]
    Optical Assembly | Inside Thorlabs - YouTube
    Apr 1, 2025 · ... Thorlabs' commitment to vertical integration enables us to oversee every stage of production, from raw material selection to final product ...
  51. [51]
    OEM Services and Capabilities - Thorlabs
    The breadth of Thorlabs' manufacturing gives us the vertical integration necessary to create customer solutions from the component to the system level.
  52. [52]
    Optics Capabilities - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs' vertically integrated optics manufacturing infrastructure, experienced technicians and engineers, and continued investment in precision fabrication ...
  53. [53]
    https://www.thorlabs.com/PressReleases.cfm?ReleaseID=62
  54. [54]
    Quantum Optics Educational Kits - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs' EDU-QOP1(/M) Quantum Optics Educational Kit includes all the components needed for students to investigate the quantum properties of light first-hand.
  55. [55]
    High-Speed THz Time Domain Spectrometer - Thorlabs
    4-day delivery 30-day returnsThis spectrometer uses ASOPS for high-speed scanning, has a 10ns scan range, >1kHz scan rate, >3 THz bandwidth, and >60dB dynamic range. It uses ultrafast ...
  56. [56]
    Inside Thorlabs - Optical Design and Engineering - YouTube
    Apr 29, 2025 · At Thorlabs, design and manufacturing engineers in our Advanced Photonics group work closely to create our high-quality stock and custom ...Missing: coatings fiber assemblies
  57. [57]
    [PDF] Imaging - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs' Imaging group is a world-wide team dedicated to the development of Optical Coherence Tomography Systems,. Microscopy Systems, and Adaptive Optics.
  58. [58]
    RPI Licenses Microscopy Technology to Thorlabs - Photonics Spectra
    The device automates tasks in biological laboratories, providing the ability to view large areas of a sample while maintaining high image resolution. The ...
  59. [59]
    Patents Assigned to Thorlabs, Inc.
    Substrate-transferred stacked optical coatings. Patent number: 12352987. Abstract: A method for manufacturing hybrid optical coatings and hybrid mirror ...Missing: design | Show results with:design
  60. [60]
    US20220187515A1 - Substrate-transferred stacked optical coatings
    A method for manufacturing hybrid optical coatings and hybrid mirror assemblies, including: a) providing a first optical coating having layers of ...
  61. [61]
    Multivariate Optical Elements (MOEs) - Thorlabs
    This team has joined us as Thorlabs Spectral Works and has over 40 patents granted and perpetually licensed for the MOE technology. Applications. Detection ...
  62. [62]
    Zemax Catalog - Thorlabs - Photonics Products & Solutions
    The link below contains all available Zemax files for Thorlabs' optics and other products. It also contains the files with data for Thorlabs' optical coatings.
  63. [63]
    Our Sustainability Journey - Thorlabs
    Our new fiber spools (see tab) are made with 100% recycled plastic, 55% less fossil fuels, 31% less water, and 67% less GHG emissions.
  64. [64]
    Diversity Through Equal Employment - Thorlabs
    Our team members come from many cultures, religions, nationalities, gender orientations, and backgrounds.Missing: structure | Show results with:structure
  65. [65]
    Photonics Products & Solutions - Thorlabs
    Thorlabs Expands B2B Capacity with the Acquisition of JML Optical Newton, NJ and Rochester, NY – January 16, 2023 – Thorlabs announced today that it has ...
  66. [66]
    Thorlabs' Mobile Lab to Stop at MCC as Part of Cross-country Tour ...
    Sep 18, 2023 · A first-of-its-kind, fully-equipped, mobile optics and photonics lab is on a nationwide tour to engage high school and college students, and it ...
  67. [67]
    #thorlabs #sustainability #photonics #photonicswest - LinkedIn
    Jan 29, 2025 · ... sustainability across their operations, culture, and products. Learn more about our sustainability efforts at www.thorlabs.com ...Missing: initiatives | Show results with:initiatives