Coherent Inc. and SiOnyx to develop black silicon for solar applications

Santa Clara, CA -- Coherent Inc. has entered into a joint development agreement with SiOnyx Inc. for solar cell manufacturing using black silicon processing, which is based upon the interaction of ultrafast laser light and silicon in a controlled environment. Black silicon based materials and processes offer a number of potential advantages over currently deployed technologies, including cost reductions, an increase in conversion efficiencies and an increase in manufacturing yields.

"We are excited that this agreement brings together SiOnyx's unique process expertise with Coherent ultrafast laser technology to increase the pace of development in this exciting area," said John Ambroseo, Coherent’s president and CEO. "Together with our rapidly growing solar tools business, it will position both companies to capture new opportunities in the photovoltaic industry as it continues to expand towards grid parity."

"Partnering with Coherent gives SiOnyx access to the industry’s most advanced ultrafast laser technology and allows us to continue the rapid pace of advancement of the black silicon platform," said Stephen Saylor, president and CEO of SiOnyx. "With this collaboration, we look forward to demonstrating the scalability of our process beyond the initial applications of photodetection and imaging and exploit the compelling benefits of Black Silicon’s enhanced quantum efficiency in the solar industry."

Founded in 1966, Coherent Inc. provides laser-based solutions to the commercial and scientific research markets.

Please direct any questions to Leen Simonet, Chief Financial Officer at 408-764-4161.