Photon Kinetics Establishes Scholarship for Portland State University Physics Students

Since its’ founding in 1979, during early days of Portland’s “Silicon Forest”, Photon Kinetics has become the premier supplier of test instruments and test automation products to the optical fiber and cable manufacturing industry. The company credits much of its success to innovative and creative employees, many of whom came to the company with a foundation in undergraduate Physics. In recognition of the contributions of these employees, Photon Kinetics has decided to partner with the Physics Department of Portland State University to establish an initial 2-year, $20,000 scholarship fund for two, senior Physics students. The scholarships will be awarded to students who have demonstrated over the course of their undergraduate studies the intellectual and creative qualities that have made companies like Photon Kinetics successful.

“Our company was started here in Beaverton by a physicist with vision and a garage”, said Casey Shaar, Chief Technology Officer of Photon Kinetics. “He believed that fiber optic communications could be huge someday, but that acceptance of the technology and the prospects for growth would depend on simple and comprehensive testing of the fibers and cables in production to ensure their performance. It is clear that he was right. Almost 40 years later, with the assistance of our test and automation products, optical fibers are installed just about everywhere. It is our hope that this small gift to PSU will be of some assistance to the next generation of physicists to follow in the footsteps of our founders and help lay the groundwork for the next big thing.”

Applications for the Photon Kinetics/PSU Physics Scholarship will be accepted in April/May and awards will be made in June for the 2018/2019 academic year.