An exclusive cooperative development project between Rofin-Sinar Inc. of Plymouth, Mich., and the Fraunhofer Institute of Laser Technology of Aachen, Germany, will focus on developing diode-pumped, high-power Nd:YAG lasers for industrial-processing applications such as cutting and welding. The three-year contract includes a $4.3 million budget. The team considers the solid-state technology essential to creating the next generation of Nd:YAG lasers. According to Rofin-Sinar, the diode-based multikilowatt power lasers would provide longer problem-free operation at faster processing speeds, allow for more compact system designs and improve operating efficiency.