Ryan Sauer of 89 North Named to Prestigious 2025 Photonics100 List
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Williston, Vermont – October 30, 2024 – 89 North, a leader in optical engineering and photonics solutions, proudly announces that Ryan Sauer, Optical Systems Engineer, has been named to the 2025 Photonics100 by Electro Optics. The Photonics100 celebrates the field’s most influential thinkers and pioneers – those who redefine possibilities, challenge norms, and accelerate innovation in photonics technology. As an Optical Systems Engineer at 89 North, Sauer’s exceptional contributions to product innovation and photonics engineering are reflected in his selection for this prestigious list.
This year’s Photonics100 honorees represent the most forward-thinking Chief Technical Officers, Heads of R&D, Senior Engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other visionaries in the field of photonics. Selected from nominations worldwide, the list recognizes individuals who push boundaries in photonics and its applications across diverse fields including life sciences, defense, aerospace, and optical communications. Nominees were divided into four main categories: photonics vendors, OEMs using photonics, start-ups, and academia/research, and they represent both well-known innovators and emerging leaders.
At 89 North, Sauer has been instrumental in the development of the next generation of the company’s flagship Laser Diode Illumination (LDI) product line. Used in fluorescence imaging for life science research, the next generation LDI appears similar in form factor to its predecessor but boasts a complete internal redesign for enhanced performance. Sauer led an intensive in-house data collection and analysis exercise to characterize over 1,000 lasers across multiple dimensions, such as spectral output, beam structure, and power, setting new standards for laser integration in high-performance optics.
Sauer’s work required close collaboration with optical filter experts at Chroma Technology, 89 North’s partner company, to design more than 20 custom filters specifically tailored for the LDI product line. His dedication to precision and performance has set a new benchmark for optical systems in the industry, reflecting the visionary and boundary-pushing qualities celebrated by the Photonics100 list.
“Ryan’s recognition on the Photonics100 is a testament to his hard work, talent, and the innovation he brings to 89 North. We’re immensely proud of his achievements and the role he plays in advancing our company and the field of photonics,” said Julie Martin, Vice President at 89 North.
The 2025 Photonics100 print edition will be available at the end of November, with a first-ever Photonics100 event hosted in partnership with Chroma Technology in Manchester, U.K., alongside the Photonex exhibition this week. The event will celebrate the honorees and provide networking opportunities with some of the brightest minds in photonics.
89 North congratulates Ryan Sauer and all of this year’s Photonics100 honorees for their inspiring work in advancing photonics technologies and driving the industry forward.
About 89 North Inc.
Based in Williston, Vermont, 89 North specializes in optical engineering design and manufacturing, serving diverse sectors with high-performance optical systems. As a subsidiary of Chroma Technology, 89 North is dedicated to developing advanced solutions for scientific and industrial applications. For more information, visit www.89north.com.
About Electro Optics & the Photonics100 Award
Electro Optics provides informed commentary and analysis on topics of interest to the global photonics industry. Its content is aimed at engineers involved in photonics business, technology and applications, and covers the latest technological developments, trends and opinions in the photonics industry as well as independent, in-depth editorial content. For more information about its 2025 Photonics100 award, visit www.electrooptics.com/
###