OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH of Regensburg is a wholly owned subsidiary of OSRAM, one of the world´s two leading lighting manufacturers in the world. It offers its customers solutions based on semiconductor technology for lighting, sensor and visualization applications. The company employs more than 3,500 people worldwide and operates sites in Regensburg (Germany), San Jose (USA) and Penang (Malaysia). Sales for the fiscal year ending September 2006 totaled more than EUR 500 million.

Market research companies remain confident about the continued dynamic development of opto-semiconductor products. OSRAM Opto Semiconductors believes that the medium term chances of growing faster than the market are good. In 2003 the company opened in Regensburg the worldwide most advanced opto chip factory.

The company produces opto-semiconductors for the lighting, sensor and visualisation sectors. Perhaps best known are the light emitting diodes (LED) – tiny components, only a few millimetres in length, that convert electrical energy directly into light. Their colour is determined by the semiconductor material used. Important advantages of LED technology include low power consumption, low thermal output, small dimensions and extremely long service life. Best summed up by the phrase "fit and forget".

© 2006 Plasmon Enhanced Photonics