-
Osram
acquires VCSEL specialist Vixar, adding to its expertise in optical identification technology
- VCSEL technology is used in security applications such as 3D facial recognition
Osram
has added to its expertise in semiconductor-based optical security technology by acquiring US-based
Vixar Inc.
Already a technology leader in infrared LEDs and infrared laser diodes,
Osram
will have a unique breadth of technological expertise and an expanded product portfolio after bringing on board Vixar's specialist capabilities in the field of VCSEL. While currently known primarily for identification applications in mobile devices, VCSEL also can be used to recognize gestures and measure distances in medical, industrial, and automotive applications. Vixar was founded by pioneers in the VCSEL industry, having first brought VCSEL to the data communication market in the late 1990s, and more recently by founding Vixar in 2005 to pursue sensing applications. Approximately 20 employees of the company, which is based in
Plymouth, Minnesota
, will transfer to
Osram
as a result of the acquisition. Vixar is profitable both on an operational and net results level. The parties to the deal have agreed not to disclose financial details. Closing of the transaction is expected in summer.
"The acquisition of Vixar is adding to our expertise, particularly in the fast-growing market for security technologies," said
Olaf Berlien
, CEO of
OSRAM Licht AG
.
Osram
is a technology leader in infrared optical semiconductors and has already succeeded in bringing to market light sources for fingerprint sensors, iris scanners, and 2D facial recognition. The acquired capabilities will pave the way for further security technologies, including ultra-compact 3D facial recognition. In addition to unlocking smartphones and other consumer electronics devices, such technologies also can be used for high-security access controls in industry.
The way in which VCSEL technology captures 3D environmental data has applications in everything from gesture recognition, augmented reality, robotics, and proximity sensors to autonomous driving. VCSEL stands for vertical cavity surface emitting laser and is a special type of laser diode in which the light is emitted perpendicular to the surface of the semiconductor chip. Vixar is a fabless semiconductor company, and has developed a robust volume supply chain consisting of merchant foundries serving the optoelectronic market.
Osram's
depth and breadth of semiconductor experience will further strengthen the manufacturing capabilities for the rapidly growing VCSEL market.
PRESS CONTACTS
Torsten Wolf
Tel: +49 89 6213 2506
Email: torsten.wolf@osram.com
Jens Hack
Tel. +49 89 6213 2129
Email: j.hack@osram.com
ABOUT
OSRAM
OSRAM
, based in
Munich
, is a leading global high-tech company with a history dating back more than 110 years. Primarily focused on semiconductor-based technologies, our products are used in highly diverse applications ranging from virtual reality to autonomous driving and from smartphones to networked, intelligent lighting solutions in buildings and cities.
OSRAM
utilizes the infinite possibilities of light to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.
OSRAM's
innovations will enable people all over the world not only to see better, but also to communicate, travel, work, and live better. As of the end of fiscal year 2017 (
September 30
),
OSRAM
had approximately 26,400 employees worldwide. It generated revenue of more than
EUR4.1 billion
in fiscal year 2017. The company is listed on the stock exchanges in
Frankfurt
and
Munich
(ISIN: DE000LED4000; WKN: LED400; trading symbol: OSR). Additional information can be found at www.osram.com.
Disclaimer
This document contains forward-looking statements and information, i.e. statements about events that lie in the future rather than the past. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as 'expect', 'want', 'anticipate', 'intend', 'plan', 'believe', 'seek', 'estimate', 'will', and 'predict'. Such statements are based on current expectations and certain assumptions made by
OSRAM's
management, so they are subject to various risks and uncertainties. A wide range of factors, many of which are beyond
OSRAM's
control, have an influence on the business activities, success, business strategy, and results of
OSRAM
. These factors may cause the actual results, success, and performance of
OSRAM
to differ significantly from those expressly or implicitly communicated in the forward-looking statements or from those that are expected on the basis of past trends. In particular, these factors include, but are not limited to, the circumstances described in the report on risks and opportunities contained in the annual report of the
OSRAM Licht Group
. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materializes, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the actual results, performance, and success of
OSRAM
may differ significantly from those described in forward-looking statements as being expected, anticipated, intended, planned, believed, sought, estimated, or projected.
OSRAM
assumes no obligation, nor does it intend, to update these forward-looking statements above and beyond the legal requirements or to adjust them in light of unexpected developments. Due to rounding, numbers presented in this and other reports may not add up precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures to which they relate.