Back to: Press Releases

Press Release Detail: Thorlabs Adds Quantitative Imaging Cytometry Capabilities to its Portfolio Newton, NJ and Westwood, MA – October 7, 2013 – Thorlabs announced today the acquisition of CompuCyte Corporation, a developer of Laser Scanning Cytometry (“LSC”) products for high-content cellular and tissue-based analysis. Founded by Dr. Louis Kamentsky, CompuCyte introduced Laser Scanning Cytometry technology to provide an essential imaging complement to traditional flow cytometry techniques. The technology combines the advantages of digital microscopy, image processing and cytometry, delivering an unprecedented depth of high-content analysis of adherent cells and tissue specimens. The iGeneration instruments (iCyte®, iCys®, and iColor®) incorporate proprietary non-confocal laser scanning imaging technology, which offers many unique advantages over alternatives, including: (1) true quantitative analysis, with analytical performance unmatched by alternative technologies; (2) multiple light sources/detectors: lasers, photomultipliers and photodiode-detectors; (3) flexible dye combinations: chromatic, fluorescent or both simultaneously; (4) variable-resolution scanning for maximum flexibility, establishing a balance between throughput and image resolution; (5) adherent cellular and tissue specimen analysis in various formats: microscope slides, micro-liter plates, chamber slides, or proprietary carriers. Jeff Brooker, General Manager of Thorlabs Imaging Division stated “The acquisition of the CompuCyte product lines is an important step forward for Thorlabs as it works to extend its innovative family of life-science imaging products into the cytometry market. Having spent most of my career in the high content imaging field, I am personally excited to return to the cytometry market with such a strong foundation and a seasoned team. We at Thorlabs look forward to continuing to provide the innovation and support that customers have experienced from CompuCyte.” Dr. Elena Holden, CompuCyte former President and CEO, welcomes the transaction, “CompuCyte has created a family of imaging instruments to serve an unsurpassed variety of applications and markets. We are delighted to have found an exceptional partner in Thorlabs. United by a complete dedication to the needs of our customers, we look forward to continuing development of new imaging cytometry products.” As part of the transaction, CompuCyte personnel will join Thorlabs’ extensive sales, technical support and product development organization in Sterling, Virginia. About CompuCyte:CompuCyte Corporation, a privately held corporation headquartered in Westwood, Massachusetts, is a pioneer in the field of quantitative imaging cytometry (QIC). The company’s comprehensive line of laser scanning cytometry (LSC) instrumentation is applied to automated cellular and tissue analysis in life science research, drug safety, toxicology studies and clinical trials. Committed to educational programs and promotion of the science and practice of LSC technology, CompuCyte actively maintains the International QIC Centers of Excellence program and the annual International QIC Symposium. About Thorlabs:Thorlabs, a vertically integrated photonics products manufacturer, was founded in 1989 to serve the laser and electro-optics research market. As that market has spawned a multitude of technical innovations, Thorlabs has extended its core competencies in an effort to play an ever increasing role serving the Photonics Industry at the research end, as well as the industrial, life science, medical, and defense segments. The organization’s highly integrated and diverse manufacturing assets include semiconductor fabrication of Fabry-Perot, DFB, and VCSEL lasers, fiber towers for drawing both silica and fluoride glass optical fibers, MBE crystal growth machines, extensive glass and metal fabrication facilities, advanced thin film deposition capabilities, and optomechanical and optoelectronic shops.