Corporate Background

Applied Spectra, Inc. was founded in 2004 by Dr. Richard E. Russo. While consulting with numerous biomedical, semiconductor, environmental, and defense companies, Dr. Russo realized that laser ablation/spectroscopy technology could add tremendous value for any business engaged in chemical analysis.

Two hurdles prevented industry from effectively using laser ablation/spectroscopy technology: (1) limited understanding of laser material interactions, and (2) difficulty selecting appropriate laser processing/ detection parameters. Applied Spectra, Inc. began with a commitment to providing highly customized, robust, analytical sensor and film deposition products based on a deep understanding of laser material interaction fundamentals.

Applied Spectra began at the UC Berkeley Thermal Lab incubator facility in 2004. Over the years, we’ve assembled a talented team of scientists, each with exceptional knowledge of LIBS and laser material interactions.

Applied Spectra is a growing company. We opened our application laboratory in Fremont, California in January of 2006. Since its inception, the company has been awarded seven SBIR/STTR contracts from the United States Army and Air Force. Applied Spectra recently established a sister company,
A3 Technologies, LLC, in Aberdeen, Maryland to better serve our many customers in the defense industry.

In late 2007, the company launched its first commercial products based on LIBS technology – the RT-100 series of analytical measurement instruments. By May 2008, we shipped our first standalone LIBS product to a major flash memory manufacturer, which uses the tool to monitor Pb in plated lead frames.