Micronor Lends Fiber Optic Expertise to the ITER - World’s Largest Fusion Experiment
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Photon Control Inc. (“Photon Control” or the “Company”) (TSX: PHO), a leading manufacturer of fiber optic measurement solutions, is pleased to announce its recently acquired business, Micronor LLC (“Micronor”), was recognized for its critical contribution to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (“ITER”), one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world today. The project aims to demonstrate magnetic fusion as a large scale and carbon-free source of energy to advance the science for future fusion power plants. Micronor is one of the many technology companies collaborating with Fusion For Energy (F4E), the European Union organization managing Europe’s contribution to ITER.
Micronor’s innovative technology and engineering expertise was required to develop an optical encoder solution beyond industry standards to measure accurate position in extreme conditions, enabling precise inspection of the ITER vacuum vessel using the In-Vessel Viewing System (IVVS).
“Micronor encoders record two of the three dimensions of the mapping of the ITER components, meaning they are key to the performance of the system. F4E has been hugely impressed by the in-depth technological expertise of the Micronor team, and their willingness to push beyond the minimum performance requirements. We look forward to integration of the encoders in a full-scale prototype in the coming months,” said the F4E team.
“We are very proud of being part of this ambitious endeavor,” said Robert Rickenbach, Chief Engineering at Micronor. “Though it is a small piece in the puzzle, being able to support such an important project with our unique technology acquired over two decades of hard work and dedication is extremely fulfilling.”
Micronor’s contribution to the project is highlighted in the March 17, 2021 news release by F4E.
About Micronor LLC
Micronor LLC (www.micronor.com) is a Photon Control company located in Camarillo, California. MICRONOR Inc. was founded in 2003 by Robert Rickenbach and Dennis Horwitz with the sole intention of solving the intricate problem of sensing motion by utilizing only light. This unique technological approach allows for the tracking and measurement of movements in environments where electrical sensors cannot otherwise function. Photon Control acquired the assets of the company and formed Micronor LLC in April 2020.
https://micronor.com/
About ITER
In 2006, seven parties signed an agreement establishing the ITER Organization. This one-of-a-kind scientific collaboration dates back to 1985. Premier Gorbachev (former Soviet Union), following discussions with President Mitterrand (France), proposed to President Reagan (United States) that an international project be set up to develop fusion energy for peaceful purposes. At that time, the Soviet Union, the United States, the European Union and Japan formed the parties that agreed to work together. The first design was completed in 2001. China, the Republic of Korea, and later on, India joined the project. On 24 October, 2007, they signed an international agreement to build ITER. Today, 35 nations are collaborating to build the world’s largest tokamak, a magnetic fusion device designed to prove the feasibility of fusion energy.
https://www.iter.org/
About Fusion For Energy
Fusion For Energy (F4E) is the European Union’s organization for Europe’s contribution to ITER. One of the main tasks of F4E is to work together with European industry, SMEs and research organizations to develop and provide a wide range of high technology components together with engineering, maintenance and support services for the ITER project. F4E supports fusion R&D initiatives through the Broader Approach Agreement signed with Japan and prepares for the construction of demonstration fusion reactors (DEMO).
https://www.fusionforenergy.europa.eu/
About Photon Control Inc.
Photon Control Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of optical sensors and systems to measure temperature and position. These products improve performance and enable innovation for our customers and are used in the semiconductor and other high-technology industries. Photon Control Inc.’s high-quality products provide industry-leading accuracy, reliability and quality in the most extreme conditions and are backed by a team of experts providing a variety of on-site and remote services including custom design, installation, training and support. The Company is headquartered in an ISO 9001:2015 manufacturing facility in Vancouver, BC, has manufacturing, sales and engineering offices in California and a sales distribution network around the globe. Photon Control Inc. is listed on TSX, trading under the symbol “PHO”. Additional information about the company can be found at
https://www.photoncontrol.com/investors/
Investor Relations Contact:
IR@photoncontrol.com
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