Company Profile

Since incorporating in 1987, Nanoptics has become the world leader in custom, made-to-order plastic optical fiber (POF). The company is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of choice for advanced specialty applications requiring low-weight, flexible plastic fiber optics.

James K. Walker, Ph.D., founder and President, first developed scintillating plastic optical fiber in 1965, at the Pilot Chemical Company in Watertown, MA. Key personnel in the company have a combined experience of more than 80 years in the plastic optical fiber business. Nanoptics has patented technology for several POF processes and products.

Before becoming Nanoptics' Vice President of Operations, Youngwook Noh was senior research director for the world's largest producer of polymer fiber, Sam Yang Corporation.

PRODUCTS

Nanoptics, Inc. is the largest U.S. manufacturers of fluorescent plastic optical fiber for use in aiming devices for archery and other weapons systems. The company holds patents on a special fluorescent fiber, which permits the sight to operate in total darkness as well as bright ambient light. Nanoptics' other custom fibers are used in specially made optical products, including but not limited to optical sensors, digital communications, and fused fiber optic imaging elements (faceplates, endoscopes, and boroscopes). Our fluorescent fiber is the brightest in the industry.

Nanoptics has developed POF light guides with the largest numerical aperture in the industry.  They are ideal for use in situations where maximum transmitted light intensity is critically important, as in medical applications.

The company fabricates wavelength shifting and scintillating fiber on a custom basis. The scintillating plastic is used to detect ionizing radiation from nuclear processes and is brighter than competitive products.

Research Grant Awards

Nanoptics, Inc. has received a number of Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) awards from various Federal Agencies. These awards have been vital to the development of Nanoptics, the leading manufacturer of custom and specialty plastic fiber optic products.

Career Opportunities

Nanoptics, Inc., Gainesville, FL, seeks a Production Engineer. Responsible for synthesis and development of optical polymer media that is partially brominated and suitable to stop and capture gamma radiation for nuclear material detection devices. Responsible for design and development of innovative manufacturing method enabling a perfectly aligned micro fiber plate using a special fast UV curing crosslinker to grow an array of microfibers in the vertical direction allowing affordable fabrication and high array alignment accuracy. Masters in Chemical Engineering and at least two years experience in polymer and optical field required. Email resume and inquiries to nohhee1@nanoptics.com