ABOUT ILX LIGHTWAVE ILX Lightwave is a market and technology leader in providing high performance test and measurement solutions for people who work with laser diodes and other photonic components. Founded in 1986 with the introduction of the first precision laser diode current source in the industry, we have continued to build from our strengths in precision measurement and control to offer a full line of innovative instruments and test systems. Today, ILX Lightwave products include laser diode current sources, temperature controllers, mounting fixtures, optical power and wavelength meters, precision fiber optic sources, laser diode LIV testers, and laser diode burn-in and reliability test systems. We maintain our market leadership through the relentless pursuit of quality, performance, innovation, and speed. ILX Lightwave products are used throughout the world in research and development labs and production areas, wherever photonic technology is advancing. Product Innovation At ILX Lightwave outstanding performance starts with listening. Over the years, we have been fortunate to receive a remarkable stream of new product and product improvement ideas from our customers. Additional ideas have come from our own internal research and development programs as well as our collaborative research program with Montana State University. These ideas have resulted in lower noise and higher stability current sources, high power temperature controllers, high density optical source banks, optical measurement heads capable of simultaneously measuring power and wavelength, and industry leading laser protection features. Turning these ideas into innovative products is the work of our product development teams. These teams include staff members from marketing, engineering, and manufacturing. Once a product has been defined through market research and customer feedback, this group works as a team to develop detailed product specifications and has the responsibility to take their product from inception through market launch. Along the way, each product undergoes extensive validation testing including environmental effects, specification compliance, software and firmware testing, and international standards certification. Laser diode current sources are also tested in our transient test facility to ensure safe operation under all conditions. Sales and Customer Support In North America, our technically qualified sales and application engineers are ready to help you quickly solve your test and measurement requirements. Every week, we talk to scientists and engineers who are working at the frontiers of photonic technology. Over the years, these contacts along with our own internal development and testing work, have allowed us to build a wealth of application experience that is available when you call or visit our web site. In 2003, we expanded our commitment to customer application support through a dedicated application lab. This lab is staffed and available to provide test services and solve application problems. Whether you have a detailed question about laser diode mode hopping, precision temperature control, high stability fiber optic sources, or laser reliability testing, our staff is ready to help you. Outside of North America, ILX Lightwave products are supported by a network of technically qualified international distributors. To ensure fast world-wide product support and repair, we maintain factory-trained, third-party service centers in England, Japan, and China. Our distributors and repair centers are backed up by ongoing training and continuous support from our headquarters in North America. To find a distributor or support center in your geographic region please visit our Worldwide Distributors page. Quality To ensure high quality, we have also continuously invested in improving our internal processes. In the early 1990s, we implemented a kanban-driven, demand-pull manufacturing system to improve product quality and ensure fast, on-time delivery. In 2001, ILX Lightwave achieved ISO9001 certification, and we have maintained and expanded this system as a central part of our company-wide commitment to quality and continuous improvement ever since. In 2003, we upgraded our quality system to meet the new ISO9001:2000 standard. As a part of our commitment in the area of optical power measurement, in 1998 ILX Lightwave became the first facility in the world to receive certification under National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (a NIST program) for optical calibration. Today, as in the past, all ILX Lightwave products undergo a thorough final test and NIST traceable calibration before shipment to an end customer. Location ILX Lightwave is located in southwestern Montana, one of America's premier natural settings. Our employees enjoy unparalleled access to skiing, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor recreational opportunities. At the same time, the company benefits from the infrastructure of one of the largest technical communities in the Northern Rockies. Gallatin County is the home of over 80 technology companies as well as Montana State University. To learn more about Bozeman and the Gallatin County visit www.bozeman.org.