Custom laser diode developer Lasertel has received a $5 million capital investment from parent company Leonardo to increase manufacturing capacity and advance its efforts in developing high-power laser diodes.

The investment, which includes $3.5 million in capital equipment, will increase manufacturing capacity for low size, weight, and power (SWaP) laser diode pump modules in support of high-volume directed-energy programs; advance VCSEL and edge-emitter brightness for lidar and material-processing applications; and accelerate development of advanced thermal management and laser diode driver technologies.

“This investment by our parent company, Leonardo, demonstrates the commitment by Leonardo to supporting the continued growth of Lasertel,” said Mark McElhinney, president of Lasertel.

Lasertel develops complex custom solutions for a broad range of laser applications, including defense, automotive lidar, medical, industrial, and R&D.