Texas Instruments' cash acquisition of National Semiconductor will give it an even larger share of the fast-growing market for LED driver ICs.

And it doesn't stop there – thanks largely to China, the SEMI industry group is expecting LED fab investment to grow another 40% in 2011.

Global energy giant to inject major funds into CdTe solar development, providing some competition for market leader First Solar.

Capital equipment spending grew 143% last year, with lithography stepper specialist ASML showing the sharpest increase of all.

The manufacturer of novel high-performance LED chips expects sales to shrink further because of what it calls 'aggressive' pricing.

Parent company Siemens will spin off the giant lighting subsidiary later this year, raising cash to be invested in LED technology development.

Optical crystal and coating supplier is buoyed by stronger orders and a positive end to 2010, but defense spending remains weak.

Investors react badly to the thin-film solar company's change of CEO, staff cutbacks and a new focus on niche markets.

Expanding UK company acquires US firm with expertise in tellurium dioxide acousto-optics, in a deal valued at $13.75M.

The medical laser company reports a 5% sales increase in 2010, with double-digit growth in China, India and Latin America.

Universal Display Corporation boosts its balance sheet as it completes a public offering of 5.75 million shares.

Despite raising nearly $22 million three years ago, rooftop CPV system specialist Soliant Energy is sold for a reported $450k.