LightPath to offer BD6 as alternative raw material to germanium

LightPath Technologies provided an update on the impact of China’s recently announced restrictions on the export of gallium and germanium. “Germanium is the dominant material used in lenses for infrared imaging systems and China is the world’s largest supplier. China’s recent announcement limiting the export of Gallium and Germanium is one that we have anticipated and prepared for. LightPath’s family of chalcogenide glasses (branded as Black Diamond “BD”) are the leading alternative for germanium, and we are happy to help any potential customer that would look to transition away from using Germanium,” stated Sam Rubin, CEO. “Previously, our BD6 raw material would only be available in the form of finished optical lenses or integrated into our customized solutions. However, the time it takes to produce prototypes for new optical designs is one of the challenges to making a change. To aid the transition of the market from Germanium into these materials, we will make our most popular glass, BD6, available for purchase as raw material. We believe that doing so will help accelerate the transition away from Germanium. We are also mindful that export restrictions could have a short term adverse effect on sales of our products that currently use Germanium. Our belief is that the industry needs to work together to resolve such critical supply chain challenges. Our recent expansion in Orlando has significantly increased our manufacturing footprint and prepared the infrastructure for further expansion of glass manufacturing and processing capacity. LightPath currently has capacity to produce up to 10 tons a year of BD6. According to different public estimates, the US defense market consumes between 50 to 150 tons of Germanium a year for the use in optics alone. Our team stands ready to work with our customers and the entire industry to deliver our part to strengthen supply chains and are ready to add capacity as needed. The timing of the first phase completion of our manufacturing expansion aligns well with the increased demand we are experiencing in the US, particularly in support of the defense industry. We believe moving to the next phase of construction and facilities completion will allow LightPath to fully take advantage of the opportunities ahead. We anticipate completing construction during the second half of calendar year 2023.”