Technology for Polarization Measurement

Company Profile

Hinds Instruments develops and manufactures polarization measurement instrumentation for research and industry. We build photoelastic modulator-based systems and components that exploit the high sensitivity of PEM polarization analysis technology for a wide variety of applications including birefringence, stokes polarimetry, dichroism, optical rotation and others in research, metrology and on-line environments.  Founded in 1971 and located in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area between San Francisco and Seattle, we have grown to become the world's leading supplier of photoelastic modulators (PEMs) and systems.

We are organized into four teams: technical/engineering, sales & marketing, production, and finance & administration. Led by our technical team, with over 100 years combined experience in photoelastic modulation technology, we have introduced a number of notable advances recently, including three products that have been awarded “R&D100” recognition. Our development facilities include an applications spectroscopy lab and a birefringence measurement lab, as well as a well-instrumented engineering lab.

Our manufacturing team concentrates on in-house production of core technology modules, as well as on final system test and calibration and quality management. Our production processes incorporate SPC monitoring and conform to IPC/II standards.

We maintain an active, ongoing involvement in scientific, technical and industry conferences worldwide, presenting technical papers, exhibiting new models and systems, and participating in symposia. Our technical sales group is available for consultation and collaboration. A seasoned network of international representatives provides sales and service support in Europe, the Pacific Rim and other regions.

Quick Facts

Established: June 1, 1971
Organization: Oregon Corporation, private ownership
Plant address:
7245 NE Evergreen Parkway
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Plant size: 18,207 sq. ft. (1692 m2)
Bank: US Bank
North Hillsboro Branch
P.O. Box 189
Hillsboro, Oregon 97123
Dun & Bradstreet Acct. No.: 05-497-7731

Industry Affiliations

American Chemical Society
American Institute of Physics
Cascade Employers Association
Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Spectroscopy Societies (FACCS)
Hillsboro (OR) Chamber of Commerce
Optical Society of America, Corporate Member
Optical Society of America, Columbia Branch
The International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE)
Optics & Electro-Optics Standards Council (US Technical Advisory Group)
Society for Information Display (SID)
Institute for Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE)
TechAmerica
International SEMATECH