Growth in Maryland's photonics industry has clustered between Washington and Baltimore in Howard County. According to the state Dept. of Labor Licensing and Regulation, 1,150 manufacturing jobs located in Howard County from 1998 to 2000. Most of those jobs were in the photonics industry. Many of these firms have located in the county to service fiber-optic companies such as Ciena and Corvis.

      Although many optics and photonics firms eyeing the Howard County area may have put expansion plans on hold due to the downturn in the fiber market in 2001, development officials within the county are optimistic. Business analysts predict a stronger market this year. "The consensus is that we've bottomed out," says Paul Yazge, marketing director of Howard County-based Codeon Corp.
      Howard County development officials agree, and continue to endeavor to lure photonics firms. Executives with London-based Bookham Technology PLC announced in 2000 they would move its North American headquarters to a 150,000-sq.-ft. (13,935-sq.-m.) facility within the county. The firm provides integrated optical circuits to telecommunications and network system providers. Company officials note the move will continue, however, not as rapidly as first announced.
      Some firms, such as Israeli-based Trellis technologies, have put off expansion plans. "We see many of the photonics companies catching their breath," says Richard W. Story, executive director of Howard County's Economic Development Authority. "But, we are still positioned to have the primary cluster of photonics companies in the world."
      Photonics investment in Howard County and Greater Baltimore has spawned the creation of a venture capital firm and fiber-optic incubator, Optical Capital Group, (www.opticalcapitalgroup.com). Located in Columbia, the OGC operates a 60,000-sq.-ft. (5,574-sq.-m.) facility that acts as an incubator and plans to raise $500 million in funds. "We plan to make investments in all levels of the fiber-optic industry," says John Spirtos, vice chairman of Optical Capital.
      Optical Capital Group has had several success stories. Optinel Systems manufactures advanced optical components and systems for optical networks and is a spin-off from the incubator. Quantum Photonics, which employs 35 workers in Howard County, is another successful graduate from Optical Capital Group.