Flanagan Announces State Grant For Stony Brook University

Senator John J. Flanagan (R,C-East Northport) today announced that New York state is providing $1.9 million to Stony Brook University’s Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) in Diagnostic Tools and Sensor Systems to enable the institution to expand high technology research and development activities that will lead to the creation of new products, innovations and jobs.

"This funding will help Stony Brook University’s CAT center accelerate the commercialization of new critical emerging technologies that are expected to become major high-tech growth areas," said Senator John J. Flanagan. "This is a part of our ongoing efforts to support university/industry collaborations in research, education and technology transfer with a strong focus on helping create new high-tech jobs and opportunities in New York State.

"It is essential that we continue to establish strong public-private partnerships that create real jobs. These efforts will contribute to a viable state economy, pay dividends to New Yorkers far into the future and give our residents the economic opportunity they deserve by creating good high-paying jobs," Flanagan said.

Flanagan said the $1.9 million to the Center for Advanced Technology in Diagnostic Tools and Sensor Systems at Stony Brook University will support the development of high-efficiency, high-power electrically pumped semiconductor lasers that can be used in a wide range of industries. The university will partner with and receive research support from Power Photonic, Northrop Grumman and EDO.

Stony Brook University has done pioneering work on these devices; the goal of the work is to increase the electrical-to-optical power conversion efficiency of these lasers. With improved efficiency there are many potential applications for these devices including communications, biomedical, materials processing, trace gas detection, and industrial controls. The most promising applications are in the area of homeland security and defense where the devices can be used for illumination for night vision systems, low probability of intercept communications, and most importantly, protecting aircraft against heat-seeking missiles.

The award is being made through the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR) CAT Development Program, an initiative that creates nationally recognized research centers and brings high-technology innovations to the marketplace. The research that will be conducted as a result of the investment will produce significant technological improvements that will lead to substantial future economic development in New York.

Dr. Bessette, Executive Director of NYSTAR said, "The CAT Development Program is one of many initiatives reflecting the vision and leadership of Governor Pataki and the Legislature to strengthen research and development in New York State. The huge response to the program is an indication of the incredibly dynamic nature of research and development in the State. We are absolutely thrilled to fund such economically worthwhile scientific endeavors."

Flanagan noted that since 1995, the State has fostered the growth of New York's high-tech and biotech industries by supporting the investment of more than $1 billion in the State's technology business sector and its world-class research laboratories and academic centers.