Sustained demand gives laser vendors tentative optimism going into 2011, but political support for clean technologies is key, says Longbow Research.

Cymer's senior management says 2011 will be a growth year for lithography as the company posts increased revenues for Q3 2010.

Jim Hitchin resigns as CEO of the company, which has developed a fluorescence-based optical biopsy tool for cancer screening.

Key equipment supplier generated record net income of $91 million as orders continue to flood in from China and Taiwan.

Lithography and laser annealing system supplier anticipates rapid growth in sales of its stepper tool to LED manufacturers next year.

Acquisitions and strong US demand push revenues up, but concerns remain over future military spending patterns.

The German company returns wages to pre-crisis levels and predicts that the market for laser materials processing systems will grow 25% in 2010.

The two European companies are expanding a co-operation agreement focused on 3D surface metrology systems.

The LED manufacturer has once again posted record revenue figures, but expects them to level off in the coming quarter.

More powerful focusing optics doubles concentration ratio from 500x to 1000x for commercial rooftop installations, reducing the cost of solar electricity.

Cell manufacturing capacity added during the third quarter of 2010 broke all previous records, with more to come as further expansions are announced.

Strong results from the semiconductor and lithography giants suggest sustained demand – for now.