Ondax

Ondax, Inc. operates as a specialized manufacturer of holographic optical components and wavelength-stabilized laser systems. Founded in 2000, the company established a market position in the design and production of high-performance Volume Holographic Gratings (VHGs). These VHGs are critical optical filters made from a proprietary photosensitive glass that improves laser performance by stabilizing wavelength, increasing spectral brightness, and enhancing efficiency. The company was co-founded by Dr. Christophe Moser, who initially served as CEO. In 2010, Randy Heyler, a former executive from Newport Corporation with extensive experience in the photonics industry, was appointed President and CEO to guide the company's expansion, while Dr. Moser transitioned to the role of Chief Technology Officer.

Ondax's business model focused on providing these enabling components to a diverse client base across industrial, scientific, defense, and consumer applications. The company served as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to the laser industry and also integrated its components into its own branded products, such as stabilized lasers and THz-Raman spectroscopy systems. These systems offer advanced material characterization by combining chemical composition and structural analysis in a single instrument, serving markets like pharmaceuticals, materials science, and forensics. The company's products enable customers to build smaller, more robust, and efficient optical systems. Over its history, Ondax raised capital through several funding rounds, including a Series E round in 2010 that secured $2.2 million to fuel its growth.

A significant milestone in the company's history occurred on October 5, 2018, when it was acquired by Coherent, Inc. (now part of II-VI Incorporated), a major global player in lasers and laser-based technology, for approximately $12 million. This acquisition integrated Ondax's portfolio of VHGs and laser systems into Coherent's broader offerings, aiming to enhance capabilities, particularly in the Raman spectroscopy market. Following the acquisition, Ondax continued its operations from its Monrovia, California headquarters as a part of Coherent's Industrial Lasers & Systems segment.

Keywords: Volume Holographic Gratings, VHG, wavelength-stabilized lasers, THz-Raman spectroscopy, optical filters, laser components, photonics, Raman laser sources, Coherent acquisition, OEM laser components, laser diode stabilization, spectral control, holographic optics, materials characterization, photosensitive glass, narrow-linewidth lasers, spectroscopy systems, optical instrumentation, Christophe Moser, Randy Heyler