Laser Makers Form New Co.

The Trumpf Group and Jenoptik AG announced today they will expand their six-year partnership and form a joint venture company to create new laser components. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Ditzingen-based industrial laser maker Trumpf and Jenoptik of Jena, a manufacturer of lasers, optics and sensors, will each own 50 percent of JT Optical Engine GmbH + Co. KG, which will be based in Jena and have a staff of 20, the companies said.

Trumpf and Jenoptik have been working together for several years in the area of high-power diode lasers, which Jenoptik manufactures for use as "pump sources" in solid-state lasers. Trumpf owns 25 percent of Jenoptik Laserdiode GmbH, Jenoptik's laser diode group.

JT Optical Engine will manufacture optical modules known as "optical engines" for fiber-optic lasers. Next to pump diodes, control and beam management, the optical engine is an important component in fiber laser devices, the companies said. The joint-venture company will offer the modules to third parties worldwide and supply both Jenoptik and Trumpf.

According to the companies, the demand for fiber lasers with very high beam quality and power outputs below 1 kW is very promising but still small relative to the entire market. "We would like to unlock and expand the market for low-power fiber lasers with our joint venture company by offering industrial optical systems for a wide range of different fiber laser devices," said Peter Leibinger, vice chairman of the Trumpf Managing Board.

Both companies said this also means expanding the low-power side of their diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser product range.

"Both partners complement one another ideally: Trumpf's fiber-optic laser development strengthens the partnership; Jenoptik brings experience in the volume production of laser components and laser systems," said Jenoptik board member Dr. Michael Mertin.

The joint venture still requires antitrust approval.

For more information, visit: www.jenoptik.com