LabSmith builds laboratory tools that further the art of research experimentation. The company was founded by Dr. Eric Cummings, an active researcher in microfluidics, gas dynamics, and laser diagnostics. In 1995, after earning his Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Chemistry (as well as Caltech's esteemed Clauser prize for innovative research), Dr. Cummings embarked on a set of challenging pulsed gas dynamics experiments. The tests involved multiple lasers, a spark system, and an electric discharge diaphragm burster.

Hampered by a lack of basic control and integration products on the market, the research team spent hours cobbling together control logic and timing, and tracking down glitches caused by spikes in the noisy environment. Together with Kurt Kuhlmann, the researchers overcame these obstacles by developing the flexible controller that would evolve into the LC880.

Over the next few years, interest in the LC880 grew as researchers worldwide learned of its unique capabilities. The instrument has proved to be a trusted and essential piece of equipment in laboratories around the world.

LabSmith is now turning its attention to PIV, MEMS and microfluidics, where the limitations of available controls and power supplies present daily headaches for researchers. Look for more innovative solutions to these and other research problems coming soon from LabSmith.