Awards ceremony will highlight Sensors Unlimited and Gregory Olsen, an advanced technology pioneer, entrepreneur, and the world's third private space explorer
Gregory Olsen of Sensors Unlimited (SUI) has been selected as the winner of the prestigious John H Martinson Technology Support Award by the New Jersey Technology Council.
The award will be given at a black tie ceremony on 4 November 2005 at a local venue.
Olsen is the co-founder of Sensors Unlimited, a manufacturer of shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging and imaging systems utilising indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) sensor technology.
The awards ceremony will highlight Sensors Unlimited and Olsen, an advanced technology pioneer, entrepreneur and space explorer.
Olsen, the world's third private space explorer and the first space tourist since the Columbia tragedy, recently returned from the Soyuz TMA-7 orbital spaceflight mission after spending eight days aboard the International Space Station.
Gregory Olsen began his career working at RCA Laboratories (now Sarnoff Corporation).
In 1984, he started his first company, Epitaxx, which sold six years later.
In 1991, Olsen co-founded Sensors Unlimited which was acquired by Finisar in 2000 and then reacquired in late 2002 as the result of a management buyback.
Sensors Unlimited began as a research and development startup and now claims to be the leading global supplier of highly sensitive near-infrared detectors, cameras and systems made with indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs).
On 6 September 2005, Sensors Unlimited agreed to merge with Goodrich by accepting a US$60 million cash offer.
The transaction, which has been approved by the boards of directors of Goodrich and Sensors Unlimited, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2005.
The company manufactures photodiodes, focal plane arrays and cameras that image in the shortwave infrared wavelength.
SWIR imaging applications include machine vision, infrared spectroscopy, night vision and covert surveillance.
Dr Olsen notes: "The New Jersey Technology Council has been an inspiration and enhancement to many area technology businesses, offering networking, business support, advocacy and educational programs.
"I am most honoured to be selected for the John H Martinson Technology Supporter Award and look forward to the NJTC Gala Awards dinner to join my esteemed colleagues and fellow honorees."
