Silicon-based photonics company SIONYX has acquired American Imaging Engineering (Amigen)—a premier thermal-imaging-system provider—expanding the firm’s technological expertise and enhancing its ability to develop innovative night-vision optics. The move adds the founder and President of Amigen, Jeffrey Lee, as chief technology officer (CTO) of SIONYX’s commercial products division. Lee is a leader in thermal-imaging and brings more than 20 years of experience to the position.
“Our mission at SIONYX has always been to create innovative low-light products that help professionals and enthusiasts do more in the dark,” said Robert Pignataro, general manager of the Commercial Product Division of SIONYX. “Bringing Amigen’s proprietary software in-house at SIONYX will allow for further development and integration into a wider range of markets and provide a wealth of sophisticated options for our customers.”
Amigen has a proven track record developing a diverse range of products, thanks to its digital-imaging fusion software, which fuses thermal with visible sensors for direct-view and low-power systems. The company’s technology has found successful applications in defense, sporting/hunting and related markets that benefit from night vision. The acquisition will pave the way for accelerated product design and development of integrated color digital and thermal night-vision technologies and products. The accomplished Amigen team will bolster SIONYX’s product development unit, contributing industry insight and proficiency in integrating fused thermal imaging solutions.
“The entire organization and I are enthusiastic about this merger,” Lee said. “We envision a future where digital and thermal night vision becomes as ubiquitous as the mobile phone camera. Our combined technologies, talents, and resources will empower us to bring our game-changing technologies to market faster. Our night-vision product solutions highlight the best of consumer functionality and military performance, making our customers’ jobs and daily lives safer and easier.”
SIONYX has led the charge of designing and implementing innovative products in the nascent digital night-vision market, leveraging its proprietary ultra-low-light CMOS image sensor technology to dramatically enhance the performance of light-sensing devices commonly used in consumer, industrial, medical and defense-related applications. Amigen and SIONYX customers and partners can expect a seamless transition and continued dedication to delivering high-performance imaging solutions.
