nLIGHT bolsters presence in semiconductor laser market with acquisition of Optotools

VANCOUVER, Wash., 2 Sept. 2008. Laser specialist nLIGHT Corp. in Vancouver, Wash., is acquiring a majority interest in semiconductor laser supplier Optotools GmbH in Heilbronn, Germany.

"This acquisition further enhances our portfolio of products for the industrial laser market", says Scott Keeney, nLIGHT's president and chief executive officer.

Executives at nLIGHT improved their profile in the optical fiber laser market earlier this year by acquiring optical fiber manufacturer Liekki Corp. in Lohja, Finland.

"The market for high-power semiconductor lasers continues to grow," points out Frank Pfeffer, managing director of Optotools. "In order to deliver the best technical solutions and support for industrial customers, it is critical to integrate all core competencies."

Officials of nLIGHT will retain the established Optotools product line, and say they will introduce integrated tools within the next year.

Experts at nLIGHT specialize in high-power semiconductor lasers and fibers for military, industrial, medical, and consumer applications. Optotools, meanwhile, makes industrial fiber-coupled high-power semiconductor lasers.

For more information contact nLIGHT online at www.nlight.net, or Optotools at www.optotools.de.