Gemfire Corporation combines an entrepreneurial atmosphere
with an extensive technology base. Founded in 1995, Gemfire
specializes in applying planar semi-conductor-type
processing technology to create optical solutions for system
integrators, through an innovative new family of high-
performance telecom and specialty components. Currently, the
company has primary operations in Livingston, Scotland (near
Edinburgh), as well as aerospace support operations (and
additional telecom manufacturing capabilities) in Fremont,
California. The Gemfire PhotonIC™ optical circuit technology
comprises a suite of materials, processing techniques and
packaging methods that enable the integration of multiple
optical functions on a single device. These capabilities
result in a fundamental shift in the way that fiber optic
components are manufactured. This large-scale, highly-
integrated, planar processing capability enables higher
functionality and performance, along with the ability to
scale production as in the semiconductor industry. This
integrated planar optics approach distinguishes Gemfire's
products from traditional manual-assembly optical component
manufacturers. The explosive growth of video over the
Internet, and the ever-increasing reliance by companies and
government agencies on high-speed global communication
networks for voice and data, creates a surge in demand for
optical data transport. Gemfire's approach is the best way
to feed this growing demand for high-performance optical
components.