Foundation and Xenon Light Technology (1964–1970s)
1964
SAN-EI Electric Co., Ltd. was founded in Osaka, Japan.
The company successfully developed the world’s first horizontal short-arc xenon lamp system and commercialized xenon light sources for motion picture projection and laboratory applications.
At the same time, SAN-EI began manufacturing halogen stage lighting equipment and obtained multiple patents related to lighting technologies.
1966
Sales of xenon and halogen light source systems expanded through distribution partnerships, establishing SAN-EI in professional lighting markets.
1970
SAN-EI’s projection and lighting systems contributed to the success of Expo ’70 in Osaka.
Following the event, SAN-EI began exporting light sources for film projection, industrial use, and broadcasting applications.
1973
Standardized xenon lamp housings for motion picture projection were developed and mass production began.
1977–1978
SAN-EI expanded into industrial light and heat technologies, developing infrared heating systems and high-intensity xenon light sources used for high-speed camera illumination and industrial applications.
Optical and Industrial Light Source Technologies (1980s–1990s)
During the 1980s and 1990s, SAN-EI expanded its expertise into optoelectronics and fiber-optic illumination systems.
The company developed xenon and halogen light sources for fiber-optic light guides, UV irradiation systems, and optical inspection equipment used in scientific research, industrial measurement, and imaging systems.
High-intensity xenon fiber-optic light sources (Super Bright Series) and advanced UV fiber illumination systems with feedback control were introduced and widely adopted in microscopy, inspection, and optical measurement fields.
These technologies established SAN-EI as a specialized manufacturer of high-intensity precision light sources.
1981
1982
1983
1987
1988
1991
1995
1998
Solar Simulation and Advanced Research Systems (2000–Present)
2000
SAN-EI began developing high-uniformity parallel UV exposure systems for industrial and research applications.
2001
Development of a xenon solar simulator (JIS Class A), marking SAN-EI’s entry into solar simulation technology.
2010
Development of a high spectral fidelity dual-lamp solar simulator with a 220 mm irradiation area for photovoltaic research.
2013
Development of a compact high spectral fidelity solar simulator with a 50 mm irradiation area, delivered to leading research institutions.
2015
Development of a compact high spectral fidelity solar simulator with a 50 mm irradiation area, delivered to leading research institutions.
2016
2017
Development of a large-area high-uniformity exposure system with a 520 mm irradiation area.
2018
2019
Development of a 600 W LED pin-spot lighting system, expanding SAN-EI’s technology into high-power LED lighting.
2020
Development of UV sterilization equipment for infection control applications.
Today, SAN-EI continues to develop high-precision light source technologies, including advanced solar simulators used in photovoltaic research, materials science, and optical engineering.