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Press Release Detail: Thorlabs Aligns With Menlo Systems, GmbH Newton, NJ, May 1, 2002 Thorlabs, Inc., a leading manufacturer of innovative photonics products, has recently joined forces with Menlo Systems, GmbH, a spin-off company from the Max-Planck Institute for Quantum Optics. Menlo Systems was founded in July 2001 by Professor Theodor Hänsch, of the Max Planck Institute and the Ludwig-Maximillian University, along with Dr. Michael Mei and Dr. Ronald Holzwarth also of the Max-Planck Institute. Professor Hänsch has pioneered much of the cutting-edge research in precision laser measurement techniques, which culminated in the formation of Menlo Systems. Alex Cable, Founder and President of Thorlabs, Inc., and Dr. Bruno Gross, a former consultant with McKinsey and Company, joined the Menlo team as of December 21, 2001. Mr. Cable will serve as a Board Member and brings extensive business-building expertise to the team. Mr. Gross will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer. Thorlabs brings its experience in sales and marketing to Menlo Systems' efforts to successfully launch their leading-edge optical technologies to both the scientific and telecommunications community. "The technical expertise the partners bring to this new venture will provide a formidable foundation upon which new technologies will be developed. Thorlabs' successful business strategies will be implemented within the new organization and the collaboration will benefit customers worldwide," said Mr. Cable. The venture's first product to market is the FC 8003 Optical Frequency Synthesizer, a femtosecond laser frequency comb generator. This device is capable of emitting 500,000 precise laser lines with variable spacing; the system provides unprecedented stability between the individual laser lines. Applications range from ultra-dense WDM systems to high-resolution spectroscopy to bench-top atomic clocks. "The interface between new technologies and basic science has always been the most fascinating for me, and I'm looking for something strongly based on research and innovation, where I can continue to contribute to new ideas, and where I know the scene and potential customers," commented Professor Theodor Hänsch. About Thorlabs Inc.: Thorlabs, Inc. specializes in the building blocks for laser and fiber optic systems. From opto-mechanical components to telecom test instrumentation, Thorlabs' extensive manufacturing capabilities produce high-quality, well-priced components and devices for next-day delivery. Founded in 1989, the company remains a leader in the development and creation of advanced optical products for the commercial and research marketplaces. The company is headquartered in Newton, New Jersey, and has offices in Grünberg, Germany. To obtain more information, specifications, and images, visit www.thorlabs.com, or contact Amy Eskilson by phone at (973) 579-7227 or email at aeskilson@thorlabs.com.