The photonics industry focuses on the science and technology of light. Companies in this sector create products using lasers, optics, and imaging systems for applications in fields like telecommunications, medical devices, and manufacturing. As demands grow for faster data transfer and refined medical instruments, innovation drives advancements toward even more precise and efficient solutions. The industry steers towards sustainable technology and miniaturization, ensuring that both consumers and businesses benefit. Photonics holds promise for enhancing energy efficiency and expanding capabilities in areas like quantum computing and environmental monitoring, making it a critical component of modern technological progress.

This list profiles 21 prominent photonics industry companies, ranging in size from small innovators to large corporations. They come from diverse localities, including the United States, Germany, and Denmark. Established from 1954 to 2017, these companies specialize in various aspects of photonics, such as laser technology, imaging systems, and optical components, serving clients across multiple sectors, including defense, biomedical, and research. Their focus on innovation reflects their commitment to pushing the boundaries of what light technology can achieve in today’s rapidly evolving market.

Continue reading to discover the top photonics industry companies.

Top 21 Photonics Industry Companies

1. Thorlabs

• Website: thorlabs.com
• Ownership type: Family Owned
• Headquarters: Newton, New Jersey, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 69%, Germany 11%, United Kingdom (UK) 11%, Other 9%
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: thorlabs

Thorlabs, Inc. is an optical equipment manufacturer based in Newton, New Jersey, specializing in photonics solutions. Established in 1989, the company has grown to employ over 1,400 individuals and operates primarily as a B2B distributor. Thorlabs offers a wide range of products, including imaging systems, optomechanical components, and various light sources. Their offerings cater to a broad spectrum of customers in research, telecommunications, and education. The company is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, frequently introducing new products that address the evolving needs of the photonics industry. Thorlabs also emphasizes customer engagement and support, providing technical resources and customization options to enhance user experience. With a significant presence in the United States and a growing footprint in Europe and Asia, Thorlabs continues to play a vital role in advancing photonics technology.

2. NKT Photonics

• Website: nktphotonics.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
• Employee distribution: Denmark 65%, United Kingdom (UK) 12%, Switzerland 11%, Other 12%
• Latest funding: $225.0M, June 2022
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: nkt-photonics

NKT Photonics, founded in 2009 and based in Glostrup, Denmark, is a corporate entity specializing in laser technology and optical fiber solutions. The company offers a variety of products, including supercontinuum lasers and single-frequency fiber lasers, which are essential for applications in bio-imaging, semiconductor manufacturing, and scientific instrumentation. Their clientele includes innovative companies and research institutions that depend on high-performance laser technology for advanced applications. NKT Photonics has a significant presence in the industry, with a workforce of approximately 443 employees and a geographical distribution that spans Denmark, the UK, Switzerland, the USA, and Germany. In June 2022, the company secured $225 million in funding, underscoring its growth potential and the confidence investors have in its future. Recently, NKT Photonics became part of Hamamatsu Photonics, further solidifying its position in the photonics industry and enhancing its capabilities in fiber and laser development and manufacturing.

3. Excelitas Technologies Corp.

• Website: excelitas.com
• Ownership type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 36%, Indonesia 22%, Canada 18%, Other 24%
• Latest funding: October 2017
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: excelitas-technologies

Excelitas Technologies Corp. is a photonics technology company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2010. The company operates in the photonics sector, delivering innovative solutions and products that cater to a variety of industries, including biomedical, defense, and industrial manufacturing. Excelitas offers a comprehensive range of products, including cameras, sensors, and optical components, which are essential for high-performance photonic technologies. Their emphasis on custom solutions allows them to meet specific customer requirements effectively. With a workforce of approximately 3,400 employees, Excelitas has established a significant presence in the global market, serving clients across multiple sectors and contributing to advancements in photonics technology.

4. Spectra-Physics

• Website: spectra-physics.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Andover, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 53%, Austria 13%, Germany 9%, Other 24%
• Latest funding: July 2004
• Founded year: 1961
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: spectra-physics

Spectra-Physics, based in Andover, Massachusetts, is a high-tech company that has been at the forefront of laser technology since its inception in 1961. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of ultrafast laser systems, which are essential for a variety of applications across medicine, science, and industry. Their product range includes femtosecond lasers, pulsed lasers, fiber lasers, and continuous-wave lasers, catering to sectors such as industrial manufacturing, life sciences, and scientific research. Spectra-Physics serves a global clientele, including manufacturers and research institutions that require precision laser technology for tasks like micromachining and bio-imaging. The company operates under rigorous quality standards, ensuring that their products meet the high demands of their customers. In 2016, Spectra-Physics became part of MKS Instruments, a move that has further solidified its position in the photonics market and expanded its innovative capabilities.

5. Newport Corporation

• Website: newport.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Irvine, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 77%, China 8%, Germany 6%, Other 9%
• Latest funding: $980.0M, April 2016
• Founded year: 1969
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: newport-corporation

Newport Corporation, based in Irvine, California, is a prominent provider of photonics solutions. Established in 1969, the company specializes in manufacturing and distributing high-precision optical and measurement instruments. Newport's extensive product range includes motion control systems, optical components, lasers, and light analysis tools, catering to sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, life sciences, and scientific research. Their commitment to innovation is evident in their continuous development of advanced technologies that support various applications, from industrial processes to laboratory research. With a workforce of over 700 employees and a significant presence in international markets, Newport Corporation plays a vital role in the photonics industry, contributing to advancements in optical technologies and measurement solutions.

6. M Squared

• Website: m2lasers.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
• Employee distribution: United Kingdom (UK) 95%, United States (USA) 5%
• Latest funding: Other (Grant), $3.4M, October 2019
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: m-squared-lasers

M Squared Lasers Limited, founded in 2006 and based in Glasgow, Scotland, is a photonics and quantum technology company that develops advanced laser systems and solutions tailored for scientific research and industrial applications. With a workforce of around 74 employees, the company has carved out a niche in the photonics industry by focusing on areas such as quantum technology, biophotonics, and chemical sensing. Their products are utilized by universities and corporations alike, showcasing their commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration. M Squared has received notable recognition, including the Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation and International Trade, highlighting their contributions to the field. The company has also secured funding, with a reported amount of over £3 million in grants, which supports their ongoing research and development efforts. M Squared's mission is to harness the power of light to drive societal advancements, making them a significant player in the photonics sector.

7. Daylight Solutions

• Website: daylightsolutions.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: $150.0M, March 2017
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: daylight-solutions

Daylight Solutions, based in San Diego, California, is a technology company that specializes in photonics and laser technology. Established in 2005, the company has carved out a niche in the production of high-performance lasers and imaging solutions. Their offerings are utilized across scientific research, life sciences, and defense sectors, enabling advanced analysis and monitoring capabilities. Daylight Solutions is particularly recognized for its mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers, which are essential for applications such as chemical imaging, non-invasive glucose monitoring, and various defense-related technologies. The company has also received substantial funding, amounting to $150 million, which underscores its growth trajectory and commitment to innovation in the photonics field.

8. Menlo Systems

• Website: menlosystems.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Planegg, Bavaria, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 91%, United States (USA) 4%, Other 4%
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: menlo-systems

Menlo Systems, established in 2001 and based in Martinsried near Munich, Germany, is a technology company focused on precision metrology instrumentation. The firm specializes in products such as optical frequency combs, ultrastable lasers, terahertz systems, and femtosecond lasers. These products are essential for accurate measurements in various applications, including time and frequency metrology, high-resolution spectroscopy, and quantum technology. Menlo Systems collaborates closely with customers in both academia and industry, developing tailored solutions that push the boundaries of measurement capabilities. The company has a strong workforce, with many employees holding advanced degrees in physics or engineering, reflecting its commitment to expertise in photonics. Menlo Systems also maintains a global presence with subsidiaries in the United States, China, and Japan, ensuring they can support a wide range of clients effectively.

9. Photonics Media

• Website: photonics.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Pittsfield, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: $3.7M, June 2015
• Founded year: 1954
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: photonicsmedia

Photonics Media, based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is a specialized media company dedicated to the photonics industry. Founded in 1954, it has established itself as a vital resource for professionals in optics, lasers, and imaging technologies. The company publishes several magazines, including Photonics Spectra, BioPhotonics, and Vision Spectra, which provide insights into the latest developments and trends in the field. Additionally, Photonics Media organizes webinars and virtual events, such as the BioPhotonics Conference, to facilitate knowledge sharing among industry professionals. With a workforce of around 44 employees, the company has successfully built a community of over 100,000 engineers, scientists, and researchers who rely on its content for staying informed about advancements in photonics. In 2015, Photonics Media secured funding of $3.7 million, indicating investor confidence in its business model and relevance in the industry.

10. PicoQuant

• Website: picoquant.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 97%, Canada 3%
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: picoquant-gmbh

PicoQuant, founded in 1996 and based in Berlin, Germany, is a private company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of photonic components and instruments. With a workforce of around 70 employees, PicoQuant caters to the needs of academic researchers and industry partners alike. The company offers a range of products, including pulsed lasers, photon counting devices, fluorescence spectrometers, and fluorescence microscopes. These products are designed for high precision and reliability, making them suitable for applications in life sciences, materials science, and quantum optics. PicoQuant is also active in providing workshops, courses, and technical support, enhancing its role in the scientific community. Their commitment to innovation is evident in their continuous development of advanced solutions, such as the PicoHarp 330, which boasts outstanding timing precision. PicoQuant's focus on quality and customer support has earned them recognition in the photonics industry.

11. Ekspla

• Website: ekspla.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Vilnius, Vilnius, Lithuania
• Employee distribution: Lithuania 97%, South Korea 3%
• Founded year: 1992
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: ekspla

Ekspla, based in Vilnius, Lithuania, is a private company founded in 1992 that specializes in laser technology. With a workforce of around 116 employees, Ekspla develops and manufactures advanced laser systems tailored for various applications, including material processing, biomedical applications, and scientific research. Their product offerings include industrial femtosecond lasers, tunable wavelength lasers, and laser electronics, which serve a wide array of industries such as manufacturing and healthcare. Ekspla's innovative solutions are designed to deliver precise and efficient results, making them a valuable partner for customers seeking cutting-edge laser technology. The company has also gained recognition in the industry, evidenced by awards like the SPIE Prism Award for their FemtoLux series, underscoring their impact and relevance in the photonics field.

12. Coherent | Nufern

• Website: nufern.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: East Granby, Connecticut, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: June 2005
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: nufern

Coherent | Nufern, founded in 2000 and based in East Granby, Connecticut, is a company that specializes in laser technology and advanced materials. They provide a wide array of products and services, including lasers, optical components, and engineered materials. Their solutions cater to various sectors such as telecommunications, aerospace, and life sciences, where high-performance technology is essential. Coherent | Nufern is particularly noted for its innovative laser systems and optical solutions, which are integral to manufacturing processes and research applications. The company operates entirely within the United States and has established itself as a key player in the photonics industry, focusing on delivering advanced solutions that meet the evolving demands of its clients.

13. Electro-Optics Technology, Inc.

• Website: eotech.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Traverse City, Michigan, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: $29.3M, April 2021
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: electro-optics-technology-inc-

Electro-Optics Technology, Inc. is a Michigan-based company founded in 1987, specializing in laser technology and materials. The firm provides advanced solutions tailored for industries such as aerospace, defense, and life sciences. Their product range includes high-performance lasers, optical components, and engineered materials, catering to businesses that require precision and reliability in manufacturing and research applications. With a workforce of around 34 employees, the company maintains a strong presence in the U.S. market. In April 2021, they secured $29.3 million in funding, which underscores their ongoing relevance and potential for growth in the photonics sector. Electro-Optics Technology engages with its clientele through direct sales and an online shopping platform, reflecting their adaptability in a competitive landscape.

14. Coherent | Dilas

• Website: dilas.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: dilas

Coherent | Dilas, founded in 1994 and based in Mainz, Germany, is a private company that specializes in laser technology and materials. With a workforce of around 201-500 employees, they cater to a variety of industries, including aerospace, defense, industrial applications, electronics, and life sciences. Their extensive product line includes lasers, optical components, and engineered materials, all designed to meet the high-performance demands of manufacturing and research. Coherent | Dilas is particularly noted for its innovative solutions in laser cutting, marking, and welding, as well as its contributions to advanced optical systems and materials for electronics. The company is committed to addressing complex manufacturing challenges and has established itself as a reliable partner for businesses seeking cutting-edge photonic technologies.

15. nanoplus Nanosystems and Technologies GmbH

• Website: nanoplus.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Gerbrunn, Bavaria, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 100%
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: nanoplus-nanosystems-and-technologies-gmbh

nanoplus Nanosystems and Technologies GmbH, founded in 1998 and based in Gerbrunn, Bavaria, Germany, is a technology company that specializes in semiconductor lasers and related technologies. With a workforce of around 39 employees, nanoplus focuses on developing a range of products, including Distributed Feedback (DFB) lasers, Interband Cascade Lasers, and Mid-Infrared LEDs. These products are primarily utilized in industries such as oil and gas, environmental monitoring, and healthcare, where precision and reliability are crucial. The company emphasizes providing customized solutions and R&D services, allowing them to meet specific customer needs effectively. Their expertise in semiconductor processing and laser technology positions them as a notable entity within the photonics industry, contributing to advancements in high-precision gas analysis and other applications.

16. O/E Land Inc.

• Website: o-eland.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Lasalle, Ontario, Canada
• Employee distribution: Canada 100%
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: o-e-land-inc.

O/E Land Inc., founded in 1997 and based in Lasalle, Ontario, Canada, is a private manufacturer dedicated to the design, production, and marketing of advanced fiber optics and photonics products. The company specializes in a wide array of offerings, including fiber grating products, laser sources, and biophotonics solutions. Their clientele spans multiple sectors, including telecommunications, medical, and research, where they provide high-performance products essential for various applications. O/E Land Inc. holds a license agreement for fiber Bragg grating technologies, which underscores their capability in producing specialized optical components. The company actively engages in research and development, continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of their customers. Their recent product launches, such as low-cost pulsed laser sources and COVID-19 disinfection systems, highlight their responsiveness to market demands and commitment to advancing photonics technology.

17. IMRA America, Inc.

• Website: imra.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1990
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: imra-america-inc.

IMRA America, Inc., founded in 1990 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a technology company that specializes in the manufacturing of advanced laser systems, particularly femtosecond fiber lasers. The company serves a variety of sectors, including materials processing and biomedical applications, providing tailored high-performance solutions to meet specific industry needs. IMRA has established itself as a notable player in the photonics industry, focusing on innovation and quality in laser technology. Their product offerings include the FCPA series, Femtolite systems, and IMRA Scientific solutions, which are utilized in applications ranging from micromachining to medical device manufacturing. IMRA's commitment to research and development has led to significant advancements in laser technology, reinforcing their position in the market.

18. ALPhANOV

• Website: alphanov.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Talence, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
• Employee distribution: France 100%
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: alphanov

ALPhANOV, based in Talence, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, is a private company founded in 2007 that specializes in laser technology and photonics. With a workforce of approximately 109 employees, ALPhANOV offers a range of products and services, including custom laser sources, testing solutions for integrated circuits, and comprehensive training programs. Their expertise spans several critical areas such as laser processes, optical engineering, and optoelectronics. The company serves a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and cybersecurity, addressing the need for advanced laser technologies to enhance product performance and safety. ALPhANOV is also involved in collaborative research projects, contributing to innovation in the field and ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements in photonics.

19. Research Electro-Optics

• Website: reoinc.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Boulder, Colorado, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: research-electro-optics

Research Electro-Optics, known as Excelitas Technologies Corp., was founded in 1994 and is based in Boulder, Colorado. The company operates privately and employs around 73 individuals, focusing on delivering innovative photonic solutions. Excelitas specializes in high-performance products for various industries, including defense, aerospace, and medical sectors. Their offerings include a wide array of cameras, sensors, and optical components, catering to both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users. Excelitas is dedicated to enabling customer success through tailored photonic solutions, showcasing their advanced manufacturing capabilities and expertise in the field. Their commitment to innovation is evident in their extensive product lines, which address specific needs across multiple applications, from clinical diagnostics to industrial manufacturing.

20. Coherent | ROFIN: Rofin-Baasel Inc.

• Website: rofin.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Plymouth, Michigan, United States (USA)
• Latest funding: $942.0M, March 2016
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: rofin-baasel-inc.

Coherent | ROFIN: Rofin-Baasel Inc. is a technology firm based in Plymouth, Michigan, founded in 2000. The company specializes in lasers and optical solutions, providing a wide array of products and services tailored to various industries such as aerospace, defense, industrial manufacturing, and life sciences. Coherent is known for its advanced materials processing capabilities and communication solutions, which enhance operational efficiency for its clients. Their extensive product line includes CO₂ lasers, fiber lasers, and optical transceivers, among others. Coherent's involvement in the photonics industry is significant, as they address critical needs in manufacturing and scientific research, making them a key player in the sector.

21. INNOViON Corporation

• Website: innovioncorp.com
• Ownership type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: September 2014
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: innovion

INNOViON Corporation is a private equity-owned company founded in 2001, located in San Jose, California. The firm specializes in laser technology, providing advanced materials and laser solutions tailored for a variety of industries, including aerospace, defense, industrial manufacturing, and life sciences. Their product range includes a wide array of lasers, optical components, and engineered materials, which are crucial for businesses seeking high-performance technologies for both manufacturing and research applications. INNOViON's commitment to innovation and quality positions it as a notable player in the photonics industry, catering to the evolving needs of its clients.

Photonics Industry Insights: Key Companies

Company	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Ownership
Thorlabs	Newton, New Jersey, United States (USA)	1001-5000	1989	Family Owned
NKT Photonics	Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark	201-500	2009	Corporate
Excelitas Technologies Corp.	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)	5001-10000	2010	Private Equity
Spectra-Physics	Andover, Massachusetts, United States (USA)	5001-10000	1961	Corporate
Newport Corporation	Irvine, California, United States (USA)	1001-5000	1969	Corporate
M Squared	Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2006	Venture Capital
Daylight Solutions	San Diego, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2005	Corporate
Menlo Systems	Planegg, Bavaria, Germany	51-200	2001	Private
Photonics Media	Pittsfield, Massachusetts, United States (USA)	11-50	1954	Corporate
PicoQuant	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	51-200	1996	Private
Ekspla	Vilnius, Vilnius, Lithuania	51-200	1992	Private
Coherent | Nufern	East Granby, Connecticut, United States (USA)	51-200	2000	Venture Capital
Electro-Optics Technology, Inc.	Traverse City, Michigan, United States (USA)	51-200	1987	Corporate
Coherent | Dilas	Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany	201-500	1994	Private
nanoplus Nanosystems and Technologies GmbH	Gerbrunn, Bavaria, Germany	51-200	1998	Private
O/E Land Inc.	Lasalle, Ontario, Canada	11-50	1997	Private
IMRA America, Inc.	Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (USA)	51-200	1990	Private
ALPhANOV	Talence, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France	51-200	2007	Private
Research Electro-Optics	Boulder, Colorado, United States (USA)	201-500	1994	Private
Coherent | ROFIN: Rofin-Baasel Inc.	Plymouth, Michigan, United States (USA)	11-50	2000	Corporate
INNOViON Corporation	San Jose, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2001	Private Equity

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