Olis, Inc. (On-Line Instrument Systems, Inc.)

Olis, Inc. specializes in sophisticated computer control of kinetic and spectrophotometric instruments. We manufacture and computer control research-grade stopped-flow, rapid-scanning monochromators, UV/Vis and NIR spectrophotometers, and circular dichroism spectrometers. Every project is handled on an individual basis. Our highly innovative bench has spawned specialized and exclusive instruments. We offer the only circular dichroism spectrometer in the world capable of simultaneous collection of dual beam CD spectra and true dual-beam absorbance spectra. We offer the only rapid-scanning monochromator system capable of high-resolution data collection (and generation) at speeds of 1,000 scans/second. The prices of these instruments compare with those of conventional design and utility. In 1996, we introduced a time-resolved polarization of fluorescence system, along with other exciting variations on-a-theme.

The president and founder of the company, Dr. Richard J. DeSa, left a tenured University of Georgia faculty position in the Department of Biochemistry in 1980 to commit himself full-time to his fledgling company. His post-doctoral years introduced him to computer control; his doctoral project was the computerization of the first Gibson/Durrum stopped-flow in Dr. Quentin Gibson's lab at Cornell University. From this single instrument in 1970 to over 70 instruments spanning 35 brand-names in 1997, the Olis repertoire of successful software and hardware installations continues to expand.

Projected Activities: Emphasis will remain on the exploitation of the DeSa rapid-scanning monochromator. Absorbance, fluorescence, polarization of fluorescence, luminescence, circular dichroism (CD), linear dichroism (LD), and related optical spectroscopy configurations are continuously under development. Product expansion is spurred by client requests and in-house R&D.