American Science and Engineering

In 1958, a group of scientists led by founder Dr. Martin Annis established American Science and Engineering (AS&E). Initially, the company focused on scientific instruments for NASA, with early work in X-ray astronomy. A pivotal moment came with the invention of backscatter X-ray technology, which became the core of their business. This technology could detect low atomic number materials, like those found in explosives and drugs, changing the landscape of security screening. The company's journey included developing the first personnel body scanner and creating mobile X-ray vans, like the Z Backscatter® Van (ZBV®), for versatile threat detection at ports and borders. AS&E went public in 1975, gaining a listing on the American Stock Exchange, and later moved to the NASDAQ in 2005. The firm's innovations provided critical security solutions for government and corporate clients worldwide. A significant chapter in AS&E's story concluded in 2016 when the company was acquired by OSI Systems, Inc. The all-cash transaction was valued at approximately $269 million. This acquisition integrated AS&E's pioneering backscatter technology into OSI Systems' broader portfolio of security and inspection solutions, marking the end of its run as an independent public company but ensuring its technological legacy continued.