Coherent acquires Crystal Associates
"Crystal Associates is a key addition to the Coherent organization since crystals are enabling media for current and future generations of photonic devices, especially lasers," stated Bernard Couillaud, CEO and President of Coherent, Inc, "and is consistent with Coherent's practice of investing in core technologies to strengthen its market position." Dr. Couillaud cited the Company's recent investments in diodes and optics for telecommunications as other examples of this practice.
"There is short and long-term impact from our acquisition of CAI," said John Ambroseo, President of Coherent's Photonics Group. The acquisition enables Coherent to accelerate deliveries into several key sectors including FreD lasers for fiber Bragg manufacturing (i.e., telecommunications) and Avia lasers for the advanced packaging and interconnect markets (i.e., high-density packaging of printed circuit boards). Having an internal source of these non-linear materials should permit Coherent to more effectively manage the supply of these key laser components. Ambroseo added, "the potent combination of our design engineers and crystal growers will lead to unique product offerings in the future."
Coherent has retained the entire workforce at Crystal Associates, including Gabe Loiacono and John Zola, the two co-founders, who have signed multiyear employment contracts. CAI's business will continue to be operated out of its facility in East Hanover, New Jersey.
Edited by Maeve McKenna
Assistant Editor, Photonics Online