As new capital fails to materialize, one of the pioneers of CIGS-based thin-film photovoltaics is running out of options to avoid bankruptcy.

Major supplier of solar cells and modules is looking for a more balanced geographical split in 2011, as the German PV market absorbs feed-in tariff cuts.

Additional capital needed to complete new 30 MW solar fab and cover operating costs ahead of production ramp.

The German laser and optics company sees a strong rise in orders, as the positive impact of earlier cost-cutting measures is felt on the bottom line.

After a depressed 2009, machine vision is benefiting from a buoyant German economy, a growing applications base and demand in Asia.

Strong demand for optical components used in communications and new games consoles pushes quarterly revenue up to $411.3 million.

While the market for image sensors has grown strongly in 2010, analysts say that CCDs are being increasingly eclipsed by CMOS technology.

Significant improvement in the macroeconomic environment and an expanding fiber laser portfolio prompts prediction of a 23% increase in sales next year.

Supplier of sapphire substrates sees average selling price jump 30% sequentially as LED manufacturers ramp capacity.

Laser giant Coherent expects its financial performance to remain strong throughout 2011 as it begins to capitalise on the flat-panel display opportunity.

With growing market penetration in cutting and deep-engraving applications, IPG Photonics moves to increase its manufacturing capacity.

Following a EUR60 million investment, the developer of CIGS solar cells plans to build a facility with 180 MW annual production capacity.