From 1989 to 1999, RPC developed brand-new accuracy optical surface-relief technology using federal government funding largely through the SBIR program and DARPA’s Technology Reinvestment (TRP) Program, and through commercial advancement agreements in conjunction with a number of large business and defense-related companies. By 1999, the innovation that RPC had developed was ready for commercial applications. Throughout the emerging optical telecom boom, RPC was acquired by Corning Incorporated in February 1999, relabelled Corning Rochester Photonics Corporation (CRPC) and was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corning. CRPC focused mostly on the advancement of new micro-optics parts and systems for optical telecommunication systems. CRPC likewise worked closely with other Corning departments to create and establish novel screen innovation for rear projection shows utilizing the new emerging micro-display gadgets. Unfortunately, in spite of the success of its innovation and procedure advancement, with the bursting of the optical telecom bubble in late 2001, CRPC was nearby Corning Incorporated on December 31, 2002. In an effort to preserve the unique and world-class technology, capabilities and engineering team created through RPC and CRPC, Dr. Morris successfully negotiated management buy-out agreements with Corning, and was able to spin-off 2 business from CRPC: Apollo Optical Systems and RPC Photonics. The buy-out contract for Apollo Optical Systems (AOS) was signed on December 31, 2002, and the buy-out agreement for RPC Photonics, Inc. was finished on May 8, 2003. AOS presently leases approximately 21,000 square feet of area. It includes in-house optical and mechanical design centers, single-point diamond turning centers, polymer injection molding facilities, an extensive optical metrology laboratory, optical system assembly areas, a well-equipped factory, and workplace.
