nLIGHT: the history behind its technology business

nLIGHT was founded in 2000 in Vancouver, Washington, initially producing high-power semiconductor lasers, pump diodes and speciality optical fibres.

How nLIGHT developed

It moved into complete fibre-laser systems during the 2010s, launching its first fibre laser in 2015, and later expanded high-energy laser work for industrial and defence applications. The company became publicly traded in 2018.

nLIGHT in 2026

By 2026, nLIGHT designed high-power semiconductor and fibre lasers used in industrial processing and directed-energy or defence-related systems.

Why the history matters

Its history shows how advances in semiconductor laser sources and optical fibres have increased the power and efficiency of solid-state laser systems used far beyond telecommunications.