In the early 90-ties Prof Lempicki established a Group conducting research on inorganic scintillators for g-rays, specifically for PET application. This work has been largely fundamental in nature, aimed at obtaining a better understanding of the physics of scintillation. During the decade several PhD-s were awarded and some 60 papers on scintillators have been published.

To take advantage of this fundamental knowledge and apply it to practical problems, Dr. Lempicki formed in 1989 ALEM Associates, a sole proprietorship business entity. ALEM Associates conducted research and development in the areas of luminescence, laser materials, optical spectroscopy, and scintillators, paralleling the university activities. ALEM has been an active participant in the development of new scintillator materials, having received support from DoE, DoT, and NIH.

A critical element for this research was provided by the 1993 addition of Prof. C. Brecher to both the BU faculty and ALEM Associates. Recognizing the untapped potential of optical ceramics for both fundamental understanding and practical applications, Prof. Brecher received a multiyear research grant from NIH, and has made important discoveries on the effect of grain boundaries on the energy transfer process. He brings to ALEM a vital level of experience in materials fabrication and characterization.

In January 2000, both Drs Lempicki and Brecher resigned from BU and relocated ALEM Assoc. to Watertown MA, where it shares premises with Radiation Monitoring Devices (RMD), a company with whom ALEM shares many interests and conducted many joint projects. We believe that the two entities complement each other very significantly and that the Allience is well positioned to expand its SBIR and related projects.

By special arrangement with government agencies which used to fund their work, they have been allowed to take possession of essentially all the equipment purchased over the years.

Since January 2000 ALEM has solidified a previous arrangement with Radiation Monitoring Devices (RMD Inc.) of Watertown, MA. The arrangement has resulted in an Alliance, which while preserving the financial and management separation, in the majority of cases operates as a Joint Venture. ALEM is located in the same building and provides RMD with specialized equipment and extensive experience in material preparation and evaluation. RMD provides an invaluable reservoir of knowledge of medical applications as well as ability to construct devices.

ALEM has been the recipient of some 20 SBIR grants. As of today ALEM has over $0.5 million receivables for the remainder of calendar 2003, with more in the pipeline.