SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 11 -- Coherent Inc. has acquired DeMaria ElectroOptics Systems Inc. (DEOS) -- based in Bloomfield, Conn. -- for $22.5 million in cash. DEOS, renamed Coherent/DEOS, designs and manufactures carbon dioxide lasers used in materials processing, electronics packaging and research applications. Coherent's interest in the acquisition stemmed from several factors, including DEOS' accomplished engineering and development staffs and a reliable product line of 25 to 100 W commercial CO2 lasers. In addition, DEOS' substantial intellectual property portfolio includes a number of unique technologies that could lead to new products beneficial to Coherent's key markets. One such technology is a Q-switched CO2 laser, complementary to Coherent's other high peak power options, and ideal for laser drilling and micro machining applications. "DEOS has an excellent engineering group that's developed some unique products, as well as a laser portfolio that fits very well with our current product line," said Stephen Lee, product line manager for Coherent's CO2 laser systems. "By adding the Coherent/DEOS LC-Series, renamed GEM, to our DIAMOND lasers, we are able to provide customers with an unparalleled range of solutions for a very broad range of applications. In fact, we are now the only manufacturer to offer a range of sealed CO2 lasers that extends from 25 to 500 W."