Reflections and scattering of certain wavelengths of light create the iridescent colors in butterfly wings and peacock feathers. The wings and feathers act like optical filters, letting only some of the light pass all the way through. Manmade optical filters use the same principle in instruments such as those for blood analysis and pest identification. Intor CEO Stanley Bryn has been manufacturing optical, soft-coated thin-film filters for 50 years using technology developed in the 1960s, while also seeking the best ways to remain competitive and grow his company. Mr. Bryn decided to collaborate with Frank Reinow, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management at New Mexico Tech.
Through NMSBA assistance, Professor Reinow and his students— Gavin Torres, Byron Whitehorse, Cody Winclechter, and Natalie Earthman—used a combination of engineering and business expertise to analyze Intor’s current technology, market position, and growth potential. This included assessment of the company’s soft-coated thin-film technology, the state of the current optical filter market, and future market trends. The team identified Intor’s biggest strength as high production efficiency resulting in high-quality softcoated thin-film filters that could be offered at a competitive price. However, a technical market analysis indicated that hard-coated thin-film filters (which are more impervious to scratches and humidity than the soft-coated variety) might be becoming more popular with end users.
These results helped the company recognize the need to invest time in further research to identify potential end users and opportunities to incorporate hard-coated thin films into their manufacturing process. Currently, Intor has identified a potential partner who manufactures hard-coated thin films that Intor can customize and market to open up a new product line and remain competitive if the market shifts. In Spring 2010, New Mexico Tech will recognize Stanley Bryn for his engineering contributions to optical thin-film technology and his success as a local entrepreneur by awarding him an honorary doctorate in engineering.
