Coherent was founded in 1966 (originally as Coherent Radiation) in Palo Alto, California, when the founders led by James Hobart introduced one of the world's first commercial CO₂ lasers. Since going public in 1970, the company began a period of dynamic expansion, adding new technologies and markets, all on the solid foundation of its own laser manufacturing and development.

Coherent logo

History and major acquisition milestones

For decades, Coherent has been synonymous with cutting-edge laser solutions in industry, research, and medicine. Although its name is not yet as well known in Czechia and Slovakia as the brands of some of the companies it has acquired over the years, it is precisely the combination of these leaders that makes up the strength of the Coherent Group today.

Legacy of strong brands: Rofin, Dilas, Lasag, Lumera, Nufern, and II-VI

One of the pillars of Coherent's growth has been the acquisition of leading technology brands that have long been recognized names in the field of laser processing in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Today, these brands are part of one of the most comprehensive portfolios on the market:

1966
Physicists in Palo Alto (led by James Hobart) founded Coherent (originally Coherent Radiation) and launched one of the first commercial CO₂ lasers.
1970
The company went public (IPO); development continued with steady growth and diversification of the product portfolio. In 2003, acquisition of Lambda Physik, a pioneer in UV lasers.
2006
The acquisition of Excel Technology for USD 376 million expanded capabilities in the field of diode and solid-state lasers.
2012
Acquisition of German company Lumera Laser GmbH, a manufacturer of ultra-fast picosecond lasers for micro-machining and medical applications.
2015
The acquisition of Raydiance strengthened the offering for the automotive and healthcare industries.
2016
Agreement to acquire Rofin-Sinar for approximately USD 942 million (completed on November 7, 2016). Coherent thus acquired not only the Rofin brand, but also the technologies of the Dilas brand (diode lasers) and other companies such as Baasel, Z Laser, Corelase, and Optoskand. In the same year, Coherent also acquired Nufern, Inc., a supplier of high-power CW fiber lasers for industrial applications, including military and automotive OEM systems.
2018
Acquisition of the Swiss brand Lasag, specializing in precision micromachining and cutting. Coherent also acquired other brands this year, such as O.R. Lasertechnologie (lasers for additive manufacturing) and other smaller manufacturers.
2022
The merger with II-VI Incorporated created a global leader in laser, optical, and material technology with the broadest portfolio in optics, lasers, and their industrial applications.

Today's Coherent represents a family of brands that together form the broadest laser portfolio on the market – from CO₂ lasers, through diode, solid-state, and fiber lasers, to ultra-fast femtosecond and picosecond systems. Thanks to strategic acquisitions, the company maintains its technological lead, especially where competitors hesitate – higher performance, deeper welds, and precise micro-machining.

Local representation for Czechia and Slovakia – OptiXs

For customers in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, complete sales, application consulting, integration, and service support are provided by OptiXs, Coherent's exclusive partner for this region.

OptiXs offers:

  • expert consultations,
  • customer visits,
  • customized technical solutions,
  • integration with existing systems,
  • warranty and post-warranty service.

For more information about cooperation opportunities, testing, or consultations with application specialists, visit: www.optixs.cz