High-precision optical metrology, interferometric systems and custom precision optics.
Zygo Corporation
Middlefield, CT (US) · Richmond, CA (US)New on Amplifa
About Zygo
Founded in 1970, Zygo Corporation develops and manufactures precision metrology and optical solutions: laser Fizeau interferometers, 3D measuring microscopes based on coherence scanning interferometry, laser displacement interferometers, optical profilers, nano-positioning sensors, and heterodyne optical encoders for position measurement. In addition, the company manufactures custom optics and complex optical assemblies for medical devices, national research laboratories, and industrial applications. A particular focus is the production of components and systems for high-energy lasers under very tight manufacturing tolerances. Since its acquisition in 2014, Zygo has been part of the Ultra Precision Technologies Division of AMETEK, Inc. Its customer base includes semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, defense, medical technology, and the advanced manufacturing industry. The company employs more than 500 people worldwide, is headquartered in Middlefield, Connecticut, and serves the European market through a branch office in Germany as well as an office in Italy opened in 2022.
- Site
- -1291 Middlefield, CT
- Processes
- Manufacture of high-precision optics and optical assemblies (custom optics, optical assemblies), Optical metrology / interferometry (laser interferometers, 3D optical profilers), Optical metrology (interferometry), Optical profilometry, Nano-positioning sensors, Custom optical components, Optical assemblies, Electro-optical system designs
- Materials
- High-precision planar optics, Laser interferometers, Metrology lasers and position sensors
- Certificates
- Quality inspection by interferometry
- Founded
- 1970
- Employees
- 500+
- Industries
- Semiconductor, Aerospace, Defense, Medical Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Defense/Military
- 01
Optical design and engineering
- 02
Precision optics manufacturing
- 03
Optical assembly integration
- 04
Interferometric quality inspection
- 05
Sales and support of metrology systems
Products and Processes
High-precision planar optics
Surfaces and angles of the highest precision for interferometric applications and high-energy laser systems.
Laser interferometers
Fizeau interferometers and 3D measuring microscopes for testing optical components and surface profiles.
Metrology lasers and position sensors
Displacement interferometers and heterodyne optical encoders for position metrology in precision machines.
Locations
Middlefield, CT
USWorld Headquarters
- Materials
- Optics, metrology systems
Richmond, CA
USManufacturing (ZYGO Extreme Precision Optics)
- Materials
- Extreme Precision Optics
Industries
Processes & technical limits
| Processes | Tolerance | Max. part | Weight | Lot size | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacture of high-precision optics and optical assemblies (custom optics, optical assemblies)Optics manufacturing | – | – | – | – | – |
| Optical metrology / interferometry (laser interferometers, 3D optical profilers)Testing | Nanometer precision (surface profiles) | – | – | – | – |
Additional services
Quality and Patents
Zygo manufactures under extremely tight tolerances and holds over 750 patents since its founding; quality control is performed using in-house developed interferometric measurement systems with nanometer precision.
| Evidence | Middlefield, CT | Richmond, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Quality inspection by interferometry |
History
- 1970
Founded by Paul Forman, Carl Zanoni, and Sol Laufer with financial support from Canon Inc. and Wesleyan University.
- 1972
Development of the Model GH interferometer, which later became the first commercial product.
- 1976
The Mark II interferometer becomes a breakthrough in the market.
- 1990er
Expansion to include software for personal computers and market launch of the ZMI metrology lasers.
- 2000
Successful patent lawsuit against Wyko Corp for infringement of an interferometer-based patent registered in 1978.
- 2008
ESI attempted to acquire Zygo for approximately USD 174 million; the plan failed at the board level.
- 2014
Acquired by AMETEK, Inc.; Zygo becomes part of the Ultra Precision Technologies Division.
- 2016
Two Zygo researchers received the Rudolf Kinglake Medal for optical engineering work.
- 2022
Expansion into Europe with a new office in Italy to support the European customer base.