Coherent this month launched its AxioView™ imaging fiber assemblies, targeting OCT, NIRS and multimodal catheter-based imaging systems for cardiovascular, neurovascular and gastrointestinal applications. Manufactured in its ISO 13485-certified facility, the assemblies feature specialty fiber designs optimized for high-resolution imaging and catheter-ready geometries (ball tip, side-fire, chisel). Coherent reports that early customer evaluations show integration timelines shortened by up to 30% and consistent optical performance from prototype to high-volume production. The product debut at Photonics West strengthens Coherent’s footprint in the growing medical photonics segment, which the company estimates will exceed $3 billion by 2028.

In response to germanium shortages, Coherent introduced a germanium-free electro-optic modulator (EOM) for CO₂ laser via drilling in semiconductor fabs. The new EOM delivers sub-microsecond pulses (rise/fall times below 200 ns) at powers up to 300 W, and a 1,000 W alpha-prototype version is under development. By eliminating diffractive beam angles inherent to acousto-optic modulators, the design simplifies system alignment and reduces total cost of ownership. Coherent asserts there is currently no competing germanium-free EOM offering on the market. With semiconductor via drilling accounting for roughly 15% of its industrial photonics revenue, management expects this launch to bolster unit growth by mid-2026.

Coherent’s new Sapphire XT platform delivers 1 W output at 488 nm, 532 nm and 561 nm in a one-box unit with integrated controller and direct electrical modulation. The footprint, comparable to a smartphone, is over 50% smaller than previous models while doubling output power. Customers in super-resolution microscopy and DNA sequencing report that intrinsic OPS-based modulation eliminates external acousto-optic components, reducing integration costs by up to 20%. Coherent will showcase Sapphire XT at BiOS Expo & Photonics West, targeting a ramp in OEM orders in Q2 2026.

Coherent was named to Forbes’ 2026 America’s Best Companies list, an accolade based on 100+ metrics spanning financial performance, employee sentiment and corporate reputation. The listing follows Coherent’s fiscal 2025 growth, where revenues rose approximately 12% year-over-year and adjusted operating margin expanded by 150 basis points. CEO Jim Anderson cited the award as validation of the company’s inclusive culture and operational excellence. With over 4,000 employees in 20 countries, Coherent aims to leverage this recognition to recruit talent and drive further innovation.