Toptica acquires eagleyard for laser diode capabilities

Feb. 6, 2013

Toptica Photonics has acquired majority ownership of laser diode manufacturer eagleyard Photonics (Berlin, Germany). eagleyard has an annual turnover of about $5 million and makes laser diodes of high spectral power and purity.

Conard Holton

Munich, Germany--Toptica Photonics has acquired majority ownership of laser diode manufacturer eagleyard Photonics (Berlin, Germany). eagleyard has an annual turnover of about $5 million and makes laser diodes of high spectral power and purity. Wilhelm Kaenders, president of Toptica, noted, "With this strategic acquisition we emphasize the technological leadership of both companies. eagleyard will continue to operate as an independent company in the market and maintain its successful sales and distribution organization as well as its recognized brand."

He said that Toptica and eagleyard have collaborated for many years, including in the manufacture of high power tapered diodes that have been conceived and jointly developed. The important technology transfer between eagleyard and the neighboring Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik (FBH) will be further enhanced with the acquisition. Günther Tränkle, head of the FBH institute, said, "The even closer collaboration of these two companies as technology drivers in the photonics arena is strengthening Berlin as a center hub for optical technologies."

About the Author

Conard Holton | Editor at Large

Conard Holton has 25 years of science and technology editing and writing experience. He was formerly a staff member and consultant for government agencies such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and engineering companies such as Bechtel. He joined Laser Focus World in 1997 as senior editor, becoming editor in chief of WDM Solutions, which he founded in 1999. In 2003 he joined Vision Systems Design as editor in chief, while continuing as contributing editor at Laser Focus World. Conard became editor in chief of Laser Focus World in August 2011, a role in which he served through August 2018. He then served as Editor at Large for Laser Focus World and Co-Chair of the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar from August 2018 through January 2022. He received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, with additional studies at the Colorado School of Mines and Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.