LightPath Technologies secures order for thermal imaging assemblies for tier-1 defense customer

LightPath Technologies, Inc., a leading global, vertically integrated provider of thermal imaging cores, custom optical assemblies, photonics and infrared solutions for the industrial, commercial, defense, telecommunications, and medical industries, announced receipt of a $0.5 million low-rate initial production order for thermal imaging assemblies with a new tier-1 defense customer.

The optical assemblies, which have already completed qualification with the customer, use the LightPath's BlackDiamond Chalcogenide material, among other materials, and will be utilized in next-generation thermal optics. LightPath's proprietary BlackDiamond material has been uniquely optimized for multi-spectral use in demanding military applications – including the ability to function in extreme temperatures while in a smaller, lighter form factor – providing a significant advantage over competing product offerings.

"This order represents a significant validation by the market and a significant tier-1 defense contractor, as until now LightPath and our proprietary BlackDiamond materials were not a source of optical assemblies for this customer," says Sam Rubin, President and CEO of LightPath. "Following extensive design and testing work in collaboration with our team, this customer realized our superior product and stable supply chain provided significant capability, reliability and pricing advantages to keep them competitive in the marketplace. We believe this initial order could be the first of many as the program evolves and is increasingly adopted by military forces in the U.S. and allied nations."