SEATTLE, Jan. 29 -- nLight Photonics has raised $44 million in its second round of financing. This funding will accelerate the development of the company's pump lasers, which will provide increased transmission capacity to optical networks. In addition, the funding will facilitate the expansion of the company's manufacturing operations in Seattle and Vancouver, Wash.nLight's second round was led by Menlo Ventures and Oak Investment Partners. Also investing were Mohr, Davidow Ventures, Adams Capital Management, Cedar Grove Investments, and a number of individuals with backgrounds in the optics business. nLight raised $9 million six months ago in a first round led by early-stage investor Mohr, Davidow Ventures. Included in the investors' portfolios are a number of next-generation optical systems providers and infrastructure companies that can benefit from nLight's new technology.