Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for High-Performance Spectrophotometers
Founded in 1974, OLIS (OLIS) has established itself as a pioneer in the design and manufacture of advanced spectrophotometry systems. Our company was built on the vision of Dr. Richard J. DeSa, whose groundbreaking work in bioluminescence and computerized kinetic spectrometers laid the foundation for our innovative approach. Over five decades, we have specialized in creating high-precision UV/Vis, NIR, and IR spectrophotometers that cater to the demanding needs of researchers worldwide. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our upcycled spectrophotometry systems, which reduce waste while maintaining exceptional performance. We prioritize software-driven solutions over hardware limitations, ensuring our instruments remain adaptable to evolving scientific requirements.Our team combines technical expertise with personalized service, offering systems that support both routine analysis and cutting-edge research. From our early days modernizing legacy spectrometers to developing proprietary models like the OLIS RSM 1000 and CLARiTY, we have consistently delivered instruments that facilitate scientific breakthroughs. Our B Corp certification reflects our dedication to balancing profit with environmental responsibility and social impact. Today, under the leadership of Julie DeSa Lorenz, we continue to innovate while maintaining the family-owned values that have defined our company since its inception.
Services
Spectrophotometer sales
Instrument modernization
Technical support
Custom configurations
Scientific software
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer spectrophotometers with designed-in upgradability for decades-long use
- Our systems handle clear, turbid, and chiral samples with equal precision
- We provide software-driven reliability with digital data acquisition methods
- Our B Corp certification demonstrates commitment to sustainable practices
- We combine family-owned service with 50 years of spectrophotometry expertise
Associations and certifications
- B Corp
What people say
Groundbreaking technology
Exceptional technical support
Sustainable practices
Personalized service
Long-term reliability
Services
Spectrophotometer Sales
We provide high-precision UV/Vis, NIR, and IR spectrophotometers designed for scientific research. Our systems handle clear, turbid, and chiral samples with equal accuracy. Researchers benefit from software-driven operation and modular designs that allow future upgrades.
Instrument Modernization
We specialize in upgrading legacy spectrophotometers from brands like HP, Cary, and PerkinElmer. Our modernization process replaces outdated electronics and software while preserving optical components. This extends instrument lifespan while maintaining compatibility with current computer systems.
Technical Support
We offer comprehensive technical support for all our spectrophotometry systems. Our services include software troubleshooting, hardware maintenance, and performance optimization. Customers receive direct access to our engineering team with decades of spectrophotometry expertise.
Custom Configurations
We design spectrophotometry systems tailored to specific research requirements. Our modular approach allows integration of accessories for temperature control, stopped-flow experiments, and magnetic field alignment. Systems can be configured for absorbance, fluorescence, CD, and CPL measurements.
Scientific Software
We develop specialized software for spectrophotometry data acquisition and analysis. Our OlisWorks platform provides digital control and advanced processing capabilities. Software solutions support rapid spectral acquisition, 3D analysis, and compatibility with modern operating systems.
People
Dr. Richard J. DeSa
Founder
Dr. DeSa founded OLIS in 1974 after his academic career in biochemistry. He pioneered computerized spectrophotometry systems and developed the company's first products. His 50-year career includes groundbreaking work in bioluminescence and rapid-scanning monochromators.
Julie DeSa Lorenz
Owner and CEO
Julie continues her father's legacy as CEO, overseeing operations and strategic direction. With decades of experience in the company, she maintains the commitment to innovation and customer-focused solutions that define OLIS's approach to scientific instrumentation.
Elisabeth Millsap
Customer Support Engineer
Elisabeth leads technical support operations, providing expert assistance to researchers worldwide. Her engineering background and deep product knowledge ensure customers receive effective solutions for their spectrophotometry challenges.
Questions
What spectrophotometer models does OLIS offer?
We offer UV/Vis, NIR, and IR spectrophotometers including the CLARiTY series for turbid samples, CPL Solo for circularly polarized luminescence, and upcycled legacy systems. Our modular designs allow customization for specific research needs.
Can OLIS systems measure turbid samples?
Yes, our CLARiTY series uses integrating cavity technology to accurately measure turbid samples like living cells and nanoparticle suspensions. This patented approach eliminates scattering interference while maintaining quantitative accuracy.
Do you support legacy spectrophotometer models?
Yes, we modernize legacy systems from HP, Cary, and PerkinElmer by replacing outdated electronics with our digital solutions. This extends instrument lifespan while maintaining optical performance and adding modern software capabilities.
What software options are available?
Our OlisWorks platform provides comprehensive control and data analysis for all systems. The software suite includes SpectralWorks for spectral analysis and GlobalWorks for multi-instrument integration, all designed for modern operating systems.
How does OLIS support sustainability?
We design systems for longevity with modular components that allow upgrades rather than replacement. Our upcycling program extends life for legacy instruments, reducing electronic waste while maintaining research capabilities at lower cost.
What technical support options exist?
We provide direct technical support from our engineering team, including software troubleshooting, hardware maintenance, and system optimization. Customers receive personalized assistance through email, phone, and remote diagnostics.
