Luminar, a maker of LIDAR sensors for self-driving cars, has expanded its semiconductor business by acquiring the optoelectronic components and laser module business of UK-based Gooch & Housego (G&H), the company's CEO said.
Nasdaq-listed Luminar launched its semiconductor unit, Luminar Semi, last year after acquiring three companies: laser maker Freedom Photonics, custom chip design firm Black Forest Engineering and photodetector company Optogration.
Luminar CEO Austin Russell said Luminar Semi has broken even and will expand further into aerospace and defense with the acquisition of G&H division EM4.
In his first interview with Luminar's chip business, founder Austin Russell said, "We have over 100 active customers and projects with Luminar Semiconductor."
LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging, and it emits pulses of light reflected from objects, enabling autonomous driving systems and driver assistance software to obtain a three-dimensional map of the road. Many self-driving companies and experts consider it a key component, especially in low-light conditions.
Austin Russell declined to comment on the size of the deal struck in March this year, but G&H said that month that it had sold EM4 to a U.S. tech company in a deal worth up to $12 million, without naming the buyer.
