CVI Establishes European Manufacturing of Optically Contacted Beamsplitter Cubes.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. & ONCHAN, Isle of Man -- CVI Laser is pleased to announce the successful adoption of the PBSO optically contacted beamsplitter cube manufacturing technology at its subsidiary CVI Technical Optics, on the Isle of Man.

"Previously, manufacturing of the optically contacted beamsplitter cubes was limited to the Albuquerque facility," said Stuart Schoenmann, CEO of CVI. "This is part of our plan to increase manufacturing capacity of our popular products. We believe that we need to manufacture key components, such as the PBSO, in the production facilities in the geographic regions closest to our customers. Our recent acquisition of Optical Components inc has also increased our capabilities in this very successful product line."

The optical contacted beamsplitter cube is a high-energy polarizing beamsplitter which is used in applications ranging from laser material processing to laser research. Cemented cubes are limited in the laser energy they can withstand by the damage threshold of the cement.

"We are excited to be able to add this capability," stated Dr. Helmut Kessler, general manager of CVI Technical Optics. "It is important to have strong manufacturing capabilities on the Isle of Man to support our European customers."

CVI is a leading manufacturer of optical components, providing engineering, rapid prototype delivery, high-volume production and system integration for challenging optical requirements. Headquartered in Albuquerque, N.M., CVI operates manufacturing facilities in North America, the British Isles and South Korea, with sales representatives and distributors located worldwide.

For further information, please contact Lynore Abbott, marketing communications manager, 200 Dorado Place S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87123, by phone at 505-296-9541, by e-mail at [e-mail], or visit the CVI Web site at www.cvilaser.com.