About Us

A Brief History of JASCO

In the mid-1950's a group of scientists at the Japanese Institute of Optics, which later became Tsukuba University, required an infrared spectrophotometer for their research. Since at that time no commercial instrument was available, they undertook the challenge of developing their own. The result was a remarkable success: a reliable instrument with exceptional optical performance.

As other researchers heard about this new development they began requesting instruments for their own studies. In 1958, in response to this increasing demand, the Japan Spectroscopic Corporation (JASCO) was founded to provide the scientific community with optical spectroscopy products. Founding members include world-famous physicist Yoshio Fujioka and Nobel Prize winner Shinichiro Tomonaga.

Over many years, JASCO's spectroscopy product line has expanded extensively to include virtually every type of optical spectroscopy, including:

• Circular Dichroism Spectrometers
• FTIR Spectrometers
• UV/Visible and NIR Spectrophotometers
• Polarimeters
• Fluorescence Spectrophotometers
• Dispersive Raman Spectrometers
• Dissolution Systems
• Near Field Optical Micro-Spectrometers
• Ellipsometers

With the introduction of HPLC in the mid-1970's, JASCO's experience in optical systems resulted in the development of excellent chromatographic detection systems, and, over time, complete HPLC systems. In 1985, JASCO launched one of the first commercial packed-column supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) systems, including the renowned dynamic back-pressure regulator. In 2005, JASCO was one of the first companies to develop an ultra high performance LC system (UHPLC). The current range of chromatography products includes the following:

• Supercritical Fluid Chromatography and Extraction Systems (Analytical and Preparative)
• UHPLC - Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography Systems
• HPLC - Analytical, Semi-Preparative and Preparative
• Variable Wavelength/Scanning UV-Visible Detectors
• UV-Visible Diode-array Detectors
• Variable Wavelength/Scanning Fluorescence Detectors
• Refractive Index Detectors
• Chiral Detectors - Optical Rotation (ORD) and Circular Dichroism (CD) Detectors
• Chemiluminescence Detectors

2023 marked the 65th anniversary of the foundation of JASCO, and over its 60+ years of operation JASCO has established itself as a respected global supplier of high performance analytical instruments operating in 57 countries throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East. We continue to strive to develop the best technologies and solutions for the scientific community.