The CEO of BrightView Technologies explains how MLAs are an important factor in the future of lighting
Micro Lens Array (MLA) technologies are not a household term in the lighting industry. What does the typical lighting professional need to know?
MLAs consist of microscale lenses used to manage and shape light for various applications, including LED lighting, electronic display, automotive and aerospace, 3D sensing and AR/VR. Due to the flexibility in material choices from polymer film to rigid sheets to glass wafers, MLAs can take on a variety of shapes and sizes.
MLA components can be supplied in high volume, with different thicknesses and optical functions, using high-capacity, roll-to-roll manufacturing. MLA-based products are an attractive solution for applications where a cost-effective, customizable, and efficient light management solution is needed.
In an industry where the rapid pace of change can feel overwhelming, can it be a struggle to break through?
With its rapid prototyping capability, BrightView is well positioned to address markets undergoing disruption and transformation. With its quick turn, low-cost iterations, we are an ideal partner for co-development in emerging applications. By accelerating a customer’s time-to-market, we provide key differentiation and value for industry growth.
The good news is that change is a breeding ground for opportunity. With the increasing need for Visual Intelligence, for example, we have seen an increased demand across existing and emerging markets.
Is there a recent product you would like to highlight?
We are excited for the launch of our Gain Enhancement Films that increase the brightness for edge-lit applications. Our technology can offer up to a 30% improvement in brightness while still providing uniformity and high efficiency.
Can you discuss BrightView’s pivot to manufacturing PPE during the height of the pandemic?
During the onset of the pandemic, we realized that we had the raw materials, machines and equipment needed to be a resource for the community as a producer of face shields. Our relationships with organizations like the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership also gave us the ability to create connections with hospital groups and state agencies in need.
Within just a few days of our initial planning meeting, we were taking our first orders from the state. Serving in this role helped us stay in business, serve the public and make new hires during a time of uncertainty.
Where do you see BrightView positioned in the lighting industry within the next several years?
This is an exciting time for BrightView’s product innovation and market development, including geographic expansion into China, Southeast Asia and India. As a leader in the development of visual intelligence solutions, we expect to see significant growth and continued customer and application diversity thanks to ongoing product advancements in the lighting and optics space.
BrightView has been preparing for these growth opportunities, having completed a facility upgrade in 2022 at our Research Triangle Park headquarters. These expansions have helped to ensure we’re well positioned to continue our ascension into cutting-edge markets with the development and manufacturing capacity to meet demanding customer specifications.