Hamamatsu acquires BAE Systems Imaging [Update: Statement from Fairchild Imaging]

Press release: https://www.hamamatsu.com/us/en/news/announcements/2024/20241105000000.html

Acquisition of BAE Systems Imaging Solutions, Inc. Strengthening the Opto-semiconductor segment and accelerating value-added growth

2024/11/05

Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.

Photonics Management Corp. (Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA), a subsidiary of Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. (Hamamatsu City, Japan), has purchased the stock of BAE Systems Imaging Solutions, Inc. a subsidiary of BAE Systems, Inc. (Falls Church, Virginia, USA). In recognition of the company’s deep roots starting in 1920 as the Fairchild Aerial Camera Corporation, the company will return to the name first used in 2001, Fairchild Imaging.

Fairchild Imaging is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in high-performance CMOS image sensors in the visible to near-infrared and X-ray regions, and it has the world’s best low-noise CMOS image sensor design technology. Fairchild Imaging’s core products include scientific CMOS image sensors for scientific measurement applications that simultaneously realize high sensitivity, high-speed readout, and low noise, as well as X-ray CMOS image sensors for dental and medical diagnostic applications.

Fairchild Imaging’s core products are two-dimensional CMOS image sensors that take pictures in dark conditions where low noise is essential. These products complement Hamamatsu Photonics’ one-dimensional CMOS image sensors, which are used for analytical instruments and factory automation applications such as displacement meters and encoders. Therefore, Fairchild Imaging’s technologies will enhance Hamamatsu’s CMOS image sensor product line.

Through the acquisition of shares, we expect the following:

1. Promote sales activities of Fairchild Imaging’s products by utilizing the global sales network currently established by Hamamatsu Photonics Group.

2. While Hamamatsu Photonics’ dental business serves the European and the Asian regions including Japan, Fairchild Imaging serves North America. This will lead to the expansion and strengthening of our worldwide dental market share.

3. Fairchild Imaging will become Hamamatsu’s North American design center for 2D, low-noise image sensors. This will strengthen CMOS image sensor design resources and utilize our North American and Japanese locations to provide worldwide marketing and technical support.

4. Create new opportunities and products by combining Fairchild Imaging’s CMOS image sensor design technology with Hamamatsu Photonics’ MEMS technology to support a wider range of custom CMOS image sensors and provide higher value-added products.

BAE Systems is retaining the aerospace and defense segment of the BAE Systems Imaging Solution’s portfolio, which was transferred to the BAE Systems, Inc. Electronic Systems sector, prior to the closing of this stock purchase transaction.

Fairchild Imaging will continue their operating structure and focus on developing and providing superior products and solutions to their customers.

 

 

[Update Nov 6, 2024: statement from Fairchild Imaging]

 

We are very happy to announce a new chapter in the storied history of Fairchild Imaging! BAE Systems, Inc., which had owned the stock of Fairchild Imaging, Inc. for the past 13 years, has processed a stock sale to Photonics Management Corporation, a subsidiary of Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. Resuming the identity as Fairchild Imaging, Inc., we will operate as an independent, yet wholly owned, US entity.

Fairchild Imaging is a CMOS imaging sensor design and manufacturing company, specializing in high-performance image sensors. Our x-ray and visible spectrum sensors provide class leading performance in x-ray, and from ultraviolet through visible and into near-infrared wavelengths. Fairchild Imaging’s core products include medical x-ray sensors for superior diagnostics, as well as scientific CMOS (sCMOS) sensors for measurement applications that simultaneously realize high sensitivity, fast readout, high dynamic range, and ultra-low noise in 4K resolution.

 

Marc Thacher, CEO of Fairchild Imaging, said:
“Joining the Hamamatsu family represents a great opportunity for Fairchild Imaging. Building upon decades of imaging excellence, we look forward to bringing new innovations and technologies to challenging imaging applications like scientific, space, low-light, machine vision, inspection, and medical diagnostics. The acquisition by Hamamatsu will help drive growth and agility as we continue as a design leader for our customers, partners, and employees.”

 

As part of this new chapter, Fairchild Imaging is unveiling its latest evolution of sCMOS sensors: sCMOS 3.1. These patented, groundbreaking imagers redefine the limits of what is possible in CMOS sensors for the most demanding of imaging applications.