The ONLY real thing I'm sure of is, if BEAM does purchase another laser manufacturer, its technology WILL HAVE TO BE "SOLID STATE". From the mouths of Summit, the future is solid state. The only company (privately-held) I know of that produces a true all around solid state laser is Novatec with its Light-Blade 2. Im not sure if LASE's machine (LADAR, I believe) is a solid state or what or if it has the all around capabilities of a current excimer laser. Also, there is ATCI with its machine. Again, Im not sure of its capabilities. SNRS (Sunrise Technologies) has a machine (Holmium) that does LTK- However, it is somewhat currently limited in what it can do. Its machine performs the LTK procedure which is a non-contact simultaneous application for correction of hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia (loss of focus due to natural aging), and overcorrection resulting from PRK and LASIK treatments for myopia. The NON-CONTACT or NO-TOUCH is interesting, but enough for BEAM to purchase? Also, Summit currently is doing FDA clinical testing for Hyperopia.
So, the only thing for sure, is too look for a company that offers a true all around 2nd generation laser that is solid state and you'll probably find Summit snooping around.
Again: here is the web site for those interested:
novatec-laser.com
Remember, Palmisano stated that they are also looking into the possibility of the sale and/or disposal of part or all of the company. Thus, the possibility of a merger or outright sale. |
