Coherent Inc. announced today it has acquired Nuvonyx Inc., a St. Louis, Mo.-based provider of high-power (more than 1 kw) laser diode components, arrays and industrial laser systems for materials processing and defense applications. Nuvonyx produces the highest power arrays available with powers in excess of 50 Kilowatts through its proprietary cooling and stacking technologies, Coherent said in a statement. The industrial laser systems are used for cladding and hardening of metals, joining materials and other materials processing applications. Other near-term applications include plastics and direct-metal welding. "Combined with Coherent’s capability in laser diode bars, the acquisition represents both a vertically integrated and more cost-effective approach than fiber lasers for certain applications," Coherent said/ John Ambroseo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Coherent, said, “The addition of Nuvonyx marks Coherent’s entry into the high-power materials processing market, an area with potential for significant long-term growth. Nuvonyx’s product and technical capabilities are an excellent enhancement to our arrays and components product lines and provide the ability to pump our lasers at increasingly higher powers. We look forward to leveraging our worldwide distribution network, allowing our customers to benefit from the laser industry’s broadest selection of laser components and this new range of high-power industrial lasers." Mark Zediker, founder, president and CEO of Nuvonyx, said, “The employees at Nuvonyx are excited to be part of a global industry leader with Coherent’s scale and reputation. By combining with Coherent, Nuvonyx will be able to make an impact on the high-power laser systems and components market much faster than as a stand-alone entity.” For more information, visit: www.coherent.com