Vista Photonics was established in 2003 by Dr. Jeffrey S. Pilgrim for the purpose of research and development of laser based trace gas sensors. Vista Photonics has developed world-class laser sensing techniques and incorporates them into commercial instrumentation for high-performance optical detection technologies. We develop technologies in markets where we can offer a clear competitive advantage and through strategic partnerships with established instrumentation manufacturers. The research staff has extensive experience in the development of optical trace gas detection instrumentation. The Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) program has provided numerous opportunities for Vista Photonics to work with government agencies to grow its research and manufacturing business. In addition to NASA, customers include the Department of Energy, EPA, USDA, and the Department of Defense (Navy).  In May 2018, the Company received ISO 9001:2015 and AS 9100 D certification, demonstrating its commitment to quality and excellence in its products and procedures.

The hard work of our staff was rewarded when NASA announced during a press conference televised on NASA TV on May 22, 2013 that Vista Photonics had been selected to design and build a multi-gas analyzer to be sent to the International Space Station via the Soyuz on November 6, 2013. The analyzer was turned on February 3, 2014 and functioned perfectly! The original press release can be read here.  Since then, we have continued to grow as a NASA contractor and continue to be part of present and emerging developments in the human exploration of space. In addition to serving as a Prime Contractor developing an Anomaly Gas Analyzer for detecting combustion products for NASA, Vista Photonics is developing a scalable AGA-based architecture for the Navy that expands the target gases to include formaldehyde, ethylene, nitrous oxide, nitrogen dioxide, R12/R134a Freon, and acrolein. The core technology was developed by Vista Photonics through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and expanded using NASA program funding.  Vista Photonics is developing a scalable AGA-based architecture for the Navy that expands the target gases to include formaldehyde, ethylene, nitrous oxide, nitrogen dioxide, R12/R134a Freon, and acrolein. The core technology was developed by Vista Photonics through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and expanded using NASA program funding. Vista Photonics is developing a scalable AGA-based architecture for the Navy that expands the target gases to include formaldehyde, ethylene, nitrous oxide, nitrogen dioxide, R12/R134a Freon, and acrolein. The core technology was developed by Vista Photonics through the Small BusinessInnovation Research (SBIR) program and expanded using NASA program funding. Vista Photonics is developing a scalable AGA-based architecture for the Navy that expands the target gases to include formaldehyde, ethylene, nitrous oxide, nitrogen dioxide, R12/R134a Freon, andacrolein. The core technology was developed by Vista Photonics through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and expanded using NASA program funding. Vista Photonics is developing a scalable AGA-based sensor for the Navy as an update to current submarine environmental monitoring equipment. The core technology for this sensor was developed by Vista Photonics through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and expanded using NASA program funding.

Vista Photonics has also been recognized as a growth and technology leader. In November 2015, Vista Photonics was selected to be on the New Mexico Private 100 list of top privately owned business in New Mexico for the fourth year in a row. The company was chosen as one of only 10 to be profiled at the annual luncheon. In 2010, 2011, and 2012, Vista Photonics was chosen by the University of Georgia Alumni Association Bulldog 100 - Fastest Growing Bulldog Businesses in recognition of its ownership by UGA alumni and its rate of growth for three years. The New Mexico Technology Flying 40 recognizes the state's largest and fastest growing companies in the technology sector. Companies are ranked according to revenues and percentage growth in revenues. Vista Photonics, Inc. has been on the list seven times since 2010. On June 10, 2010, Vista Photonics was selected as one of three Business Excellence Award winners. The award is sponsored by Century Bank and presented at the annual Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Awards event. Winners are chosen according to company size and excellence in four areas: business growth, significant accomplishments during the year, excellence in customer service and unique or visionary business practices.