Coherent unveils AxioView assemblies and 300W germanium-free EOM for medical and semiconductor markets

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Coherent launched AxioView imaging assemblies for OCT, NIRS, and multimodal catheters at Photonics West, featuring ISO 13485-certified production and catheter-ready geometries for cardiovascular and neurovascular applications. It also unveiled a germanium-free electro-optic modulator delivering sub-1µs pulses at 300W for via drilling, mitigating germanium shortages with ultrafast switching capabilities.

1. Coherent Unveils AxioView™ Imaging Fiber Assemblies for Advanced Catheter-Based Procedures

Coherent today launched AxioView™ imaging fiber assemblies tailored for OCT, NIRS and multimodal catheter-based systems, debuting at Photonics West 2026. Engineered for cardiovascular, neurovascular and gastrointestinal interventions, these assemblies deliver sub–10 µm axial resolution and consistent optical performance from prototype through volumes exceeding 100,000 units annually. Vertically integrated manufacturing under ISO 13485 certification ensures supply continuity, while ball-tip, side-fire and chisel distal geometries accelerate OEM development timelines by up to 30%. The new product positions Coherent to capitalize on a medical photonics market projected to grow at 12% CAGR through 2029, driven by demand for image-guided and minimally invasive procedures.

2. Breakthrough Germanium-Free EOM Targets Semiconductor Via Drilling

Coherent introduced a germanium-free electro-optic modulator (EOM) capable of sub-1 µs pulse generation with rise/fall times below 200 ns at powers up to 300 W. This eliminates reliance on scarce germanium and undercuts traditional acousto-optic modulators on both cost and performance. With no direct market alternatives, the EOM addresses a semiconductor via-drilling segment exceeding $500 million annually. A 1,000 W alpha prototype is slated for Q2 testing, and the fully featured 300 W unit is available for order with standard lead times, reinforcing Coherent’s 50-year legacy in precision laser modulation.

3. Recognition on Forbes 2026 America’s Best Companies List

Coherent was named to Forbes’ 2026 America’s Best Companies, a ranking based on more than 100 metrics across financial performance, employee sentiment and corporate reputation. The honor underscores Coherent’s 14% revenue growth in its photonics segment year-over-year and a 92% employee engagement score. CEO Jim Anderson noted the accolade reflects strong execution and an inclusive culture, while Chief People Officer Grace Lee highlighted ongoing investments in talent development and diversity initiatives aimed at sustaining a sub-5% voluntary turnover rate.

4. Sapphire XT Sets New Standard in Compact Visible Lasers

Coherent launched Sapphire XT, a 1 W mid-power visible laser platform delivering wavelengths at 488 nm, 532 nm and 561 nm from a footprint under 100 cm². By leveraging optically pumped semiconductor (OPS) technology with intrinsic electrical modulation, Sapphire XT doubles output power and halves size compared to prior models, cutting system integration costs by up to 25%. The platform’s sub-0.1% power stability over 8 hours and optional fiber coupling support high-throughput applications in super-resolution microscopy and DNA sequencing. Demonstrations at BiOS Expo & Photonics West underscore Coherent’s strategy to capture growth in life science and semiconductor instrument markets projected to exceed $1 billion by 2027.

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