About Us
From Pandemic Conversations to Industry Innovation
In 2020, when the Covid pandemic brought the world to a standstill and enforced at least a two-week shutdown for most, people turned to Zoom for virtual gatherings. Friends, unable to meet in person, began using video conferencing to stay connected. One such group included engineers from various fields—mechanical, electrical, and one pursuing an MBA—as well as one CFO of a manufacturing firm. They met regularly for camaraderie, to share experiences, and to support each other during these challenging times.
During one of these meetings, a photonic engineer expressed his frustration with the laborious task of aligning mirror mounts, a process that had remained largely unchanged for over 40 years. He described the painstaking effort required to achieve perfect alignment, only to have it disrupted by a single accidental bump. His account highlighted the challenges and frustrations faced by engineers even in an era of advanced technology.
The group empathized, each on contributing their own experiences and challenges. They discussed the industry’s demands for precision and reliability, and the frequent setbacks caused by even the slightest misalignment. The CFO, with her keen business background, pointed out the enormous potential in solving this common yet critical issue. “Time is money, “ She stated. “Saving time on labor could lead to huge cost savings which in turn lead to larger profit margins.
One engineer had a vision that he brough to fruition, “what if we used a ball type of mount that could easily roll to align. We could mount the mirror and still have an 11 degree yaw.” This idea sparked immediate interest and the team began to roll with ideas. Another engineer suggested an innovative solution: a non-influential locking mechanism within the rolling ball to lock it into place once alignment is in place, preventing any possible mishaps from an accidental bump or movement.
Their collaborative efforts and one engineer owning a machine shop led to the creation of the “Adjust-A-Ball”. This groundbreaking product not only simplified the alignment process but also proved to be exceptionally robust, an industry revelation per se. Rigorous testing showed the at the Adjust-A-Ball could withstand significant shake and vibration testing and temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, maintaining perfect alignment throughout. This innovation will take the Adjust-A-Ball to new heights with the ability to be used in so many different industries with lasers; photonics, optics, satellites, construction, manufacturing equipment, robotics, aerospace, space, and defense.
Driven by their diverse skills and a shared vision, the friends officially founded Photon Valley, Inc. United by their experiences and expertise, they embarked on a journey to transform the laser and photonics industry. The beginning they said, had just begun! Their innovative spirit led to the creation and patented products designed to enhance precision and efficiency, including the Adjust-A-Ball, which set a new standard for laser alignment.
Today, Photon Valley, Inc. stands as a beacon of innovation and reliability in the photonics, laser and optics industries. One product started the train moving and currently they have 3 patents and 2 more pending with new products being designed and introduced to this future world of photonics, lasers and optics. Their products are not just tools but solutions born from real-world challenges, engineered to make life easier for professionals in the field. Every product embodies the founders’ commitment to excellence and their determination to advance in the industry.
Photon Valley, Inc., understands the intricacies and demands of the photonics, laser and optics industry because we’ve lived them. Our journey from a casual conversation among friends to becoming industry leaders is a testament to our passion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality.
Join us in transforming the future of photonics, one beam at a time!
Photon Valley Inc.
Tomorrow’s designs—today’s solutions.
“NO PHOTON LEFT BEHIND”
