LASR

Nlight, Inc.

A maker of high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers, nLIGHT builds the powerful beams used in defense systems like directed-energy weapons and range finding, plus industrial lasers that cut metal, weld EV batteries, and power 3D-printed parts. Founded in 2000 during the telecom boom in Vancouver, Washington, it started as nLight Photonics before shortening its name to nLIGHT in 2016. Its name plays on "light" — the company's entire business is shaping and aiming it.