Silicon Light Machines (SLM), located in Silicon Valley California, develops unique thin-film MEMS (Micro Electrical Mechanical Systems) technologies and markets optical MEMS products known as the Grating Light Valve™ (GLV™).
The company was founded in 1994 as Echelle Inc. by Stanford professor, David Bloom, to develop a range of products based on the GLV technology. Later, Echelle changed its name to Silicon Light Machines to better highlight the company’s unique concepts. Silicon reflects the reliable silicon basis of the GLV technology. Light refers to the principle of light diffraction used by the GLV, and Machines alludes to the microscopic moving parts inside the GLV MEMS. In 2008, after 10 years of partnership, the company was acquired by Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Silicon Light Machines has strong MEMS technical development capability and holds a broad optical IP portfolio. The highly-innovative team has developed products that service the industry in a variety of advanced applications:
High-performance Computer-to-Plate systems
The high-speed and high-pixel count GLV devices that can handle very high power laser have successfully enabled world-class CTP systems.
High-resolution digital display
SLM has reacquired the rights to market the GLV for display applications. A GLV-based projection display system features extremely high resolution, 8K x 4K or more.
High-speed laser lithography
The GLV can precisely and simultaneously control thousands of laser beams practically in analog fashion. With this feature, the GLV technology meets the needs of demanding applications.
