Coherent Introduces 532 nm HyperRapid NXT Picosecond Laser for Ultraprecision Manufacturing of Thin-Film Solar Cells
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Insights
The introduction of Coherent Corp.'s HyperRapid NXT industrial picosecond laser represents a significant advancement in the manufacturing of thin-film solar cells. This innovation is likely to strengthen Coherent's position in the laser market, particularly within the renewable energy sector, which is experiencing rapid growth due to global energy transition efforts. The ability of the new laser to improve precision and efficiency in solar cell production could lead to increased adoption by manufacturers, potentially boosting Coherent's sales and market share.
The demand for higher energy efficiency and lower manufacturing costs in the solar industry is a key driver for technological advancements. Coherent's new laser technology, which promises smoother and cleaner scribes with minimal heat-affected zones, addresses this demand directly. If the company successfully captures a significant portion of the market for second-generation solar cells, it could see a positive impact on its financial performance, reflected in future earnings reports and potentially its stock price.
The development and deployment of second-generation solar cells, such as those based on perovskite materials, are crucial for the evolution of the solar power industry. Coherent's HyperRapid NXT laser, operating at 532 nm with 100 W average power, is optimized for the precision required in manufacturing these advanced materials. The ultraprecision scribing and grooving capabilities that the new laser offers could accelerate the adoption of these more efficient solar technologies.
From a technical perspective, the high beam quality and output pulsed energy of the HyperRapid NXT are essential for maintaining the integrity of thin-film materials during processing. This could lead to higher-quality solar panels with improved energy conversion rates, which is a significant benefit for the renewable energy sector. The long-term impact of this could be a reduction in the cost of solar energy, making it more competitive with traditional energy sources and potentially increasing the market size for solar products.
Investors will be interested in the potential revenue growth associated with Coherent Corp.'s new laser technology. The company's in-house manufacturing of differentiated optics and crystals could provide a cost advantage and higher margins, which are critical factors for profitability. Additionally, the established service agreements and global service network suggest a sustainable business model that not only sells equipment but also generates ongoing revenue through support and maintenance.
It's important to monitor Coherent's quarterly financials following the Q3 2024 general availability of the new laser to assess the immediate market response and adoption rates. The company's investment in Coherent Labs also indicates a commitment to innovation and customer collaboration, which could lead to future products and revenue streams. However, investors should consider the capital expenditures associated with the development of new technologies and the time required for market penetration when evaluating the short-term and long-term financial impacts.
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a leader in industrial lasers for materials processing, today announced the introduction of its new HyperRapid NXT industrial picosecond laser operating at 532 nm with 100 W average power that enables ultraprecision manufacturing of thin-film solar cells.
Second-generation solar cells, which promise to achieve a leap in energy efficiency, are mostly based on thin-film materials such as perovskite or new technologies such as interdigitated back contact panels. These new solar cell technologies are driving the demand for ultraprecision scribing and grooving tools that produce both electric contacts within the cells and isolation between them, with very high throughput and in a manner that is consistent, reliable, and cost-effective. Coherent is introducing a new picosecond industrial green laser based on the field-proven HyperRapid NXT platform, with 100 µJ of output pulsed energy and high beam quality. This new laser enables manufacturers of second-generation solar panels to meet their production ramp while maintaining high quality and low cost.
“We really look forward to taking a giant step in this new, exciting, and rapidly growing laser market for processing thin-film solar cells,” said Dr. Torsten Rauch, Senior Vice President, Solid-State Lasers Europe Business Unit. “Our new high-power 532 nm HyperRapid NXT laser answers the market demand for higher process quality and throughput compared to what can be achieved with existing nanosecond lasers or lower-power ultrashort-pulse lasers. Our green lasers produce significantly smoother and cleaner scribes with minimal heat-affected zones. What’s more, the lasers are built on the same HyperRapid NXT platform that has demonstrated many times over its dependability, with its field-proven record of nonstop operation in high-volume manufacturing environments.”
The new HyperRapid NXT leverages Coherent’s highly differentiated optics and crystals that are manufactured in-house. The new laser includes all the standard functionality of the HyperRapid NXT platform, including stable power modulation, pulse on demand, and variable repetition rate. Lasers are available with wavelengths ranging from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared, including 266 nm, 355 nm, and 1064 nm. The new 532 nm laser will be generally available in the calendar Q3 2024.
Coherent supports its customers through customized service agreements that are backed by a global service network staffed with factory-trained service engineers. Through Coherent Labs, Coherent collaborates with its customers to anticipate and solve their most difficult manufacturing challenges.
Coherent will showcase its broad range of products and innovations for materials processing at Photonics West 2024 in San Francisco, Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, Booth #4805, and at SEMICON Korea in Seoul, Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, Booth #C668.
About Coherent
Coherent empowers market innovators to define the future through breakthrough technologies, from materials to systems. We deliver innovations that resonate with our customers in diversified applications for the industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation markets. Headquartered in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, Coherent has research and development, manufacturing, sales, service, and distribution facilities worldwide. For more information, please visit us at coherent.com.
Contact
Mark Lourie
Vice President, Corporate Communications
corporate.communications@coherent.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3a9db0d2-b33b-4a68-b100-310f9de54d74
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