More Galleries
5 startups that are reimagining the world Bricks that grow from microorganisms, household garbage turned into art, three-wheeled bike-cars -- these startups are redefining urban living. More
Blue collar entrepreneurs These five entrepreneurs took their blue collar experience and used it to launch innovative businesses. More
7 lifehacks to eliminate your holiday hassle Whether curating the perfect gift or finding a pet-sitter, these startups offer time-saving services that might just seem like holiday magic. More
Special Offer
7 of 8
BACK NEXT
ADvR
ADvR
Technology: Ultra-Fast Electro Optically Tuned Laser
Location: Bozeman, MT
Amount of grant: $99,774 (Phase I)
From: National Science Foundation
Employees: 21

Last summer, ADvR began work on a laser like no other. It has a tuning element, a so-called electro-optic prism, that allows the laser to readjust rapidly and accurately to different wavelengths. While a conventional laser can be tuned only mechanically, this new technology involves no moving parts and will tune itself entirely by voltages, reducing the likelihood that the laser will malfunction. "If we can make it, it will really allow for a much improved laser," says Tony Roberts, a senior laser physicist with ADvR.

Although the project is still in an early stage of development, the company expects to have a working prototype ready by July - in time to apply for another SBIR grant.

The company was started with SBIR sponsorship back in late 1998, when ADvR was working on a blue laser. Since then the company built on the initial research, dealing chiefly with applications of non-linear optical materials. The current grant has allowed ADvR to expand its research across the board. - Konstantin Shishkin

NEXT: CFD Research Corp.

Last updated April 11 2008: 4:34 PM ET

Most stock quote data provided by BATS. Market indices are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Chicago Mercantile Association: Certain market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. Standard & Poor's and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. All content of the Dow Jones branded indices © S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates.