Powerlase in solid state

, the Crawley-based manufacturer of Q-switched, diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) lasers, has announced significant business growth for the year ending 31 December 2008.

A 90 per cent increase in company bookings at year-end has led Powerlase to predict a potential revenue increase of 250 per cent during 2009.

Company revenues in 2008 matched those of the previous year, but net operating performance was significantly better than previous years as a direct result of cost controls and improved operating efficiencies.

During 2008, Powerlase strengthened its business position by developing innovative lasers and processes for emerging markets.

A slowdown in the flat-panel display (FPD) marketplace, where Powerlase supplies lasers for 60 per cent of global plasma television production, led to research into photovoltaic (PV) and AMOLED display sectors.

A new range of green lasers, designed to address solar cell edge deletion, laser micro-machining in automotive and laser annealing in AMOLED manufacture, has resulted in increased sales revenue projections for 2009.

‘By the end of 2007 we saw a significant slowdown in the global FPD market, which was one of our main revenue streams,’ said Les Lockwood, chief executive officer at Powerlase. ‘As such, we’ve consolidated our FPD strengths, while designing applications for the photovoltaic, laser micro-machining in automotive and OLED display markets. Positive reaction from our customers has resulted in record bookings in 2008.’