Latest news with #laser
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
US startup xLight raises $40 million in race against China for key chip-making laser
PALO ALTO, California, July 22 (Reuters) - Silicon Valley startup xLight has raised $40 million, aiming to build the first prototype of a new class of laser that could shake up the global chip industry and reclaim U.S. leadership in a field that China is aggressively investing in. XLight's laser - based on the same technologies as massive particle accelerators used by U.S. national labs in cutting-edge physics research - will sit at the heart of what are known as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines. EUV machines are the tools primarily responsible for the creation of smaller, faster chips. In a world where advances in fields such as AI are determined by how many chips Nvidia (NVDA.O), opens new tab and other chip companies can supply, xLight is aiming to help chip factories, called "fabs" in the industry, turn out more of the dinner-plate-sized silicon "wafers" that contain advanced chips more quickly and cheaply. "This is the most expensive tool in the fab. It's what drives the cost of the wafer more than any other tool in the fab, and it's what drives capacity more than any other tool in the fab," Nicholas Kelez, CEO of xLight, said at the company's Palo Alto headquarters. XLight declined to disclose its valuation. It expects to have an operational prototype in 2028. The EUV machines themselves took the chip industry decades to develop, and Europe's ASML ( opens new tab is currently the world's only supplier. ASML and xLight do not have a business partnership, but technical leaders at ASML have provided xLight with the requirements a laser must meet to be considered for use in ASML's machines. The U.S. government has worked across multiple presidential administrations to stop EUV machines from being sent to China, with one official calling it the "single most important export control" held by the U.S. and Europe. China has responded by pouring resources into the field, with a close manufacturing partner of national champion Huawei Technologies ( claiming breakthroughs in developing its own EUV laser and more than a dozen research papers appearing at international conferences chasing the same technological path as xLight. A U.S.-based firm named Cymer perfected the first EUV laser technology and was scooped up by ASML more than a decade ago for $2.5 billion, helping create ASML's dominant position in the market. "There was a terrible mistake made giving Cymer the ability to become a European-owned and controlled company," said Pat Gelsinger, former CEO of Intel (INTC.O), opens new tab who now serves as executive chairman of xLight's board and is a general partner at Playground Global, one of xLight's investors. Many of xLight's prototype components will come from U.S. national labs as xLight works to build a supply chain in the U.S. and allied countries. "We can build that here, or it can be built elsewhere. China is investing heavily in this space. There's an extraordinary backstory here that says, 'Let's get this one right,'" Gelsinger said. The financing round was led by Playground Global and joined by Boardman Bay Capital Management. Morpheus Ventures, Marvel Capital, and IAG Capital Partners also joined the round. (This July 22 story has been corrected to clarify that xLight and ASML do not have a formal business partnership, in paragraph 7)
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Laser Photonics Provides Update on Beamer Laser Marking Systems Transaction
Integration of Beamer into Laser Photonics' Florida operations has been completed and first orders are shipping from the facility Strategic Acquisition Will Further Diversify Laser Systems Offerings and Customer Base While Enhancing 'Made in America' Manufacturing Capabilities ORLANDO, FLORIDA / / July 24, 2025 / Laser Photonics Corporation(NASDAQ:LASE) ("LPC"), $LASE, a global leader in industrial laser systems for cleaning and other material processing applications, today announced the completion of the integration of Beamer Laser Marking Systems ("Beamer") assets into LPC's operations in Florida. According to ARCH Cutting Tools, Beamer's former owner, Beamer generated between $3 million and $5 million in unaudited revenue annually between 2022 and 2024. Per the transaction, Laser Photonics will acquire all assets related to Beamer from its parent company, Fonon Quantum Technologies, Inc. ("FQTI"), in an all stock transaction consisting of 3 million shares of LASE common stock and one warrant for 3 million shares of LASE common stock, with an exercise price of $4.34 per share. The deal includes: Beamer's laser manufacturing equipment and inventory All customer contracts and open purchase orders All Beamer intellectual property, including proprietary designs and software Existing relationships with distributors and service partners Transfer of key personnel needed to fulfill orders and maintain continuity The deal has been signed by both LPC and FQTI. LPC will next submit the deal for review to NASDAQ and anticipates closing the transaction once it is approved by NASDAQ. About Beamer Beamer's laser marking systems are relied on by manufacturers to permanently mark products for tracking, quality control and compliance. These systems are used in: General Industrial Manufacturing Aerospace and Defense for part traceability Automotive and EV manufacturing for component ID Medical devices for UDI (unique device identification) Industrial and consumer products for branding and decorative etching The systems and components are designed, built and sourced in the USA and feature infrared fiber and CO2 lasers tailored to processing a wide variety of materials with precise and permanent marking without damage to the part. Beamer's product line will complement LPC's existing specialized laser marking technologies, and LPC expects to realize synergies from the relocation of its manufacturing equipment to LPC's Orlando facility. Nationwide Distribution Channel and Showrooms Beamer's distribution network includes 19 authorized dealer locations, with 80 reps across the United States and Mexico. Of these, five locations serve as demonstration centers featuring live equipment for customer trials and training, while the remaining 14 focus primarily on sales and technical support. LPC believes it can create incremental synergies by enabling the dealer network to cross-sell LPC's broader laser solutions portfolio, including CleanTech systems, creating a comprehensive coast-to-coast distribution platform for the combined product portfolio. LPC plans to initiate discussions with these dealers to cross-sell and showcase its portfolio of laser solutions imminently. Diverse Customer Base LPC's acquisition of Beamer will add an impressive roster of clients, including Fortune 100 companies in aerospace/defense and pharmaceuticals. This varied customer base spans numerous fields, underscoring the caliber and versatility of Beamer's laser marking systems. Upon the closing of the transaction, both companies' customers will have access to a wider selection of high-precision laser solutions. Beamer's installed base is also expected to provide steady service revenue for LPC. For more information about Beamer, click here: About Laser Photonics Corporation Laser Photonics is a vertically integrated manufacturer and R&D Center of Excellence for industrial laser technologies and systems. Laser Photonics seeks to disrupt the $46 billion, centuries-old sand and abrasives blasting markets, focusing on surface cleaning, rust removal, corrosion control, de-painting and other laser-based industrial applications. Laser Photonics' new generation of leading-edge laser blasting technologies and equipment also addresses the numerous health, safety, environmental and regulatory issues associated with old methods. As a result, Laser Photonics quickly gained a reputation as an industry leader in industrial laser systems with a brand that stands for quality, technology and product innovation. Currently, world-renowned and Fortune 1000 manufacturers in the aviation, aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, maritime, nuclear and space-exploration industries are using Laser Photonics' "unique-to-industry" systems. For more information, visit Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), including statements regarding the Company's plans, prospects, potential results and use of proceeds. These statements are based on current expectations as of the date of this press release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which may cause results and uses of proceeds to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. These risks include, without limitation, those described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Registration Statement. Any reader of this press release is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release except as required by applicable laws or regulations. Investor Relations and Media Contact: Brian Siegel, IRC®, Managing DirectorHayden IR(346) 396-8696brian@ SOURCE: Laser Photonics Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Sun
22-07-2025
- The Sun
Watch world's first laser tank that can jam and fry drones in mid-air in eerie vision of the future of warfare
A WORLD first high-tech tank that can zap drones out of the sky with lasers has been unveiled. This new armoured vehicle offers a terrifying glimpse into the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare. 7 7 7 7 The ALKA-KAPLAN is being introduced by Turkey in a drive to have state-of-the-art tech ready to deploy on the battlefield. It is designed to take out dangerous flying drones while working alongside other tanks and infantry. As well as protecting troops from aerial threats, it can also tackle roadside bombs and other explosive devices. But unlike more conventional air defence systems, this new model uses futuristic tech to protect friendly forces from drone attacks. It can disable hostile drones using electromagnetic jamming tech and powerful lasers to eliminate threats. The vehicle also uses artificial intelligence-assisted tracking and threat identification. This allows it to quickly spot, identify and eliminate enemy drones and explosive devices. Its systems can also be used to help target helicopters and other flying threats. New footage has shown the high-tech tank in action, targeting a lone drone and rapidly zapping it out of the sky. The tank will use its jammers to disrupt the enemy drone before firing an intense laser blast to knock it out of action. Huge fleet of terrifying new Chinese 'tank boats' takes to water as Taiwan launches huge war drills With options for fixed, mobile, or portable settings, the tank can be deployed in versatile ways to protect urban areas, open spaces and convoys. Its design also removes the need for auxiliary power units - and makes stealthy operations easier. The tank is part of an effort by Turkey to reduce its reliance on foreign defence tech, website Interesting Engineering has reported. ALKA-KAPLAN is set to be officially shown at tech event IDEF 2025, the outlet added. It comes as the use of drones in modern warfare becomes increasingly widespread. Drones have been extensively used during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has repeatedly pounded the war-torn nation with swarms of deadly drones. Violent drone and missile strikes have intensely bombarded Ukrainian cities - killing and wounding large numbers of civilians. The brutal attacks even destroyed a Kyiv kindergarten in recent days. Subway stations have been turned into makeshift shelters as drones swarm through the skies. 7 7
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US startup xLight raises $40 million in race against China for key chipmaking laser
By Stephen Nellis PALO ALTO, California (Reuters) -Silicon Valley startup xLight has raised $40 million, aiming to build the first prototype of a new class of laser that could shake up the global chip industry and reclaim U.S. leadership in a field that China is aggressively investing in. XLight's laser - based on the same technologies as massive particle accelerators used by U.S. national labs in cutting-edge physics research - will sit at the heart of what are known as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines. EUV machines are the tools primarily responsible for the creation of smaller, faster chips. In a world where advances in fields such as AI are determined by how many chips Nvidia and other chip companies can supply, xLight is aiming to help chip factories, called "fabs" in the industry, turn out more of the dinner-plate-sized silicon "wafers" that contain advanced chips more quickly and cheaply. "This is the most expensive tool in the fab. It's what drives the cost of the wafer more than any other tool in the fab, and it's what drives capacity more than any other tool in the fab," Nicholas Kelez, CEO of xLight, said at the company's Palo Alto headquarters. XLight declined to disclose its valuation or precisely when the prototype will be launched. 'TERRIBLE MISTAKE' The EUV machines themselves took the chip industry decades to develop, and Europe's ASML, which xLight is partnering with on its prototype, is currently the world's only supplier. The U.S. government has worked across multiple presidential administrations to stop EUV machines from being sent to China, with one official calling it the "single most important export control" held by the U.S. and Europe. China has responded by pouring resources into the field, with a close manufacturing partner of national champion Huawei Technologies claiming breakthroughs in developing its own EUV laser and more than a dozen research papers appearing at international conferences chasing the same technological path as xLight. A U.S.-based firm named Cymer perfected the first EUV laser technology and was scooped up by ASML more than a decade ago for $2.5 billion, helping create ASML's dominant position in the market. "There was a terrible mistake made giving Cymer the ability to become a European-owned and controlled company," said Pat Gelsinger, former CEO of Intel who now serves as executive chairman of xLight's board and is a general partner at Playground Global, one of xLight's investors. Many of xLight's prototype components will come from U.S. national labs as xLight works to build a supply chain in the U.S. and allied countries. "We can build that here, or it can be built elsewhere. China is investing heavily in this space. There's an extraordinary backstory here that says, 'Let's get this one right,'" Gelsinger said. The financing round was led by Playground Global and joined by Boardman Bay Capital Management. Morpheus Ventures, Marvel Capital, and IAG Capital Partners also joined the round.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US startup xLight raises $40 million in race against China for key chipmaking laser
By Stephen Nellis PALO ALTO, California (Reuters) -Silicon Valley startup xLight has raised $40 million, aiming to build the first prototype of a new class of laser that could shake up the global chip industry and reclaim U.S. leadership in a field that China is aggressively investing in. XLight's laser - based on the same technologies as massive particle accelerators used by U.S. national labs in cutting-edge physics research - will sit at the heart of what are known as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines. EUV machines are the tools primarily responsible for the creation of smaller, faster chips. In a world where advances in fields such as AI are determined by how many chips Nvidia and other chip companies can supply, xLight is aiming to help chip factories, called "fabs" in the industry, turn out more of the dinner-plate-sized silicon "wafers" that contain advanced chips more quickly and cheaply. "This is the most expensive tool in the fab. It's what drives the cost of the wafer more than any other tool in the fab, and it's what drives capacity more than any other tool in the fab," Nicholas Kelez, CEO of xLight, said at the company's Palo Alto headquarters. XLight declined to disclose its valuation or precisely when the prototype will be launched. 'TERRIBLE MISTAKE' The EUV machines themselves took the chip industry decades to develop, and Europe's ASML, which xLight is partnering with on its prototype, is currently the world's only supplier. The U.S. government has worked across multiple presidential administrations to stop EUV machines from being sent to China, with one official calling it the "single most important export control" held by the U.S. and Europe. China has responded by pouring resources into the field, with a close manufacturing partner of national champion Huawei Technologies claiming breakthroughs in developing its own EUV laser and more than a dozen research papers appearing at international conferences chasing the same technological path as xLight. A U.S.-based firm named Cymer perfected the first EUV laser technology and was scooped up by ASML more than a decade ago for $2.5 billion, helping create ASML's dominant position in the market. "There was a terrible mistake made giving Cymer the ability to become a European-owned and controlled company," said Pat Gelsinger, former CEO of Intel who now serves as executive chairman of xLight's board and is a general partner at Playground Global, one of xLight's investors. Many of xLight's prototype components will come from U.S. national labs as xLight works to build a supply chain in the U.S. and allied countries. "We can build that here, or it can be built elsewhere. China is investing heavily in this space. There's an extraordinary backstory here that says, 'Let's get this one right,'" Gelsinger said. The financing round was led by Playground Global and joined by Boardman Bay Capital Management. Morpheus Ventures, Marvel Capital, and IAG Capital Partners also joined the round.
