Lumera awarded fifth patent; intellectual property targets photostability

April 6, 2005 Bothell, WA -- Lumera, a developer of nanotechnology, was recently awarded its fifth United States patent for enhancing the light stability of electro-optic polymers. The patent, entitled "Highly stable and efficient nonlinear optical chromophores for electro-optic polymers," adds to the company's portfolio of intellectual property directed at a broad range of markets, including high-speed telecommunications, biotechnology and proteomics, and wireless networking. The patent number is 6,864,375.

"The significance of this patent centers on these new chromophores getting increased light stability and a high level of electro-optic activity. This is a critical combination which will allow us to offer improved product performance in the marketplace," contends Tom Mino, Lumera's CEO. "It also complements our other proprietary technology covering materials, processing and fabrication, and device design."

According to the company, electro-optic polymers are a disruptive technology with the potential to produce optical components, such as optical modulators, at unprecedented performance and price levels. These components are typically used in fiber-optic networks, hybrid fiber optic-wireless networks, and phased array radars.

Organic chromophores are the key constituents of electro-optic polymers. The company's patent covers chromophores that have increased stability toward light, a property known as photostability. According to the company, increased photostability is important as it translates into longer operating lifetimes for devices. In the past, methods for increasing photostability have changed parts of the chromophore, resulting in decreased electro-optic efficiency, thereby diminishing their value for high speed broadband applications. By focusing on changing other parts of the chromophore, the company says it has increased photostability while maintaining electro-optic activity.

Currently, the company has five issued patents and over 30 patent applications.