Spin-out profile: LASER OPTICAL ENGINEERING
Laser Optical Engineering (LOE) is a pioneering technology company, specialising in innovative laser products and services which can be commercialised through setting up new companies. LOE has also formed a company called Vehicle Occupancy Ltd, which detects occupants in moving vehicles using infrared imaging, and can be used for congestion charging, car park charging, road tolling, high occupancy vehicle lane enforcement, occupancy data gathering and border control.
BACKGROUND
Since LOE was founded in 1996 it has provided advice to governments, research bodies, companies, universities, local authorities, venues, media and hospitals.
SERVICES
Laser Optical Engineering offers Research and Design services, including product development and safety testing, turning theoretical ideas into commercial products which can be used in real-life situations. LOE provides laser safety consultancy as well as a laser safety training course run jointly by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) and Loughborough University. LOE also provides laser power testing, offering a complete service from safety audits of complete systems to the testing of individual light emitting components. Companies who benefit from these services range from steel manufacturers to the entertainment sector
PRODUCTS
LOE has developed several pioneering technologies using lasers and optical technology:
Strain Mapper
LOE’s strain mapper instrument is a non-contact method of analysing changes in composite materials by using light reflected back from the surface using live camera pictures and specialist image processing software. The instrument detects surface strain, allowing engineers and designers to assess how an object responds to an induced force such as temperature deformation, strain and impact. This means damage can be prevented and weaknesses can be accounted for.
Vacuum Hood
The Vacuum Hood is an instrument used for Vacuum-induced strain testing of large composite structures. It is suitable for aerospace and marine applications and forms part of the RNLI’s current boat testing programme.
Intellilock
LOE’s intellilock system uses lasers to provide constant safety monitoring of work places. When the laser is disturbed a warning is triggered, pinpointing where it was disrupted.
Dtect
LOE has developed an infrared imaging system for detecting occupants in moving road vehicles in any weather conditions. Vehicle Occupancy Technology is now a company in its own right, used for congestion charging, road tolling, high occupancy vehicle lane enforcement and occupancy data gathering.
Diffractive Optical Elements (DOEs)
are computer-generated holographic devices that can be used for laser beam shaping. Laser Optical Engineering specialises in the production of highly efficient DOEs known as kinoforms for high power laser applications. These elements can be designed to generate laser intensity profiles that cannot be achieved using conventional lenses and mirrors. DOEs have commercial uses in a number of fields ranging from beam-shaping and splitting/monitoring to materials processing including laser hardening.
FORWARD STRATEGY
To commercialise existing technologies through independent companies, as well as providing R&D and testing services for customers.
COMPANY DATA
PO Box 6321
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3XZ
T: +44 (0)1509 228 733
F: +44 (0) 1509 223 948