Oxford Lasers
Oxford Lasers is a UK-based, Oxford University spin-out founded in 1977 that designs and manufactures precision laser micromachining systems and high-speed imaging/particle characterisation equipment, serving semiconductor, pharmaceutical, aerospace/defence, quantum technology, and research customers globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1977
- HeadquartersDidcot, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Oxford Lasers does
Oxford Lasers Limited is a UK-based designer, developer, and manufacturer of precision laser systems, operating from its headquarters in Didcot, Oxfordshire with regional offices in Shirley, Massachusetts (USA) and Paris (France). Founded in 1977 as a spin-out of Oxford University by Andrew Kearsley and Professor Colin Webb, the company has accumulated nearly 50 years of expertise in photonics and laser technology and operates two principal divisions: a Micromachining Division producing integrated laser systems (A Series, C Series, J Series, SamplePrep, and T Series Trimmer) for cutting, drilling, milling, scribing, welding, and surface texturing; and an Imaging Division providing VisiSize image-based particle/droplet characterisation products (P15+, N60, N60maX) plus FireBIRD and FireFLY short-pulsed laser illumination systems for high-speed imaging applications.
The company's underlying technology stack includes ultrafast femtosecond and picosecond pulsed lasers, proprietary MHz burst-mode processing capable of 25-microsecond-per-hole drilling rates, 1000W short-pulsed illumination at up to 10 MHz, and laser-based through-glass via (TGV) fabrication for advanced semiconductor packaging. Oxford Lasers achieves ultra-high precision down to 2 micrometres for pharmaceutical container closure integrity testing (CCIT) and supports dissimilar material microwelding including glass-to-metal, glass-to-ceramic, and glass-to-silicon bonds. It serves customers across semiconductor wafer test, pharmaceutical and healthcare, aerospace and defence (NASA Europa Clipper, Leonardo MW, BAE Systems), quantum technology (ColdQuanta UK), agrochemical spray analysis, and academic R&D.
Oxford Lasers generates revenue through four streams: one-time capital sales of complete laser systems; subcontract laser micromachining and imaging services; after-sales installation, training, maintenance and parts; and usage-based rental of illumination and imaging systems. The company employs 11-50 staff and reaches global customers through enterprise field sales supplemented by distributors in Japan (Japan Laser Corporation), Australia and New Zealand (Warsash Scientific), Brazil (LABCONTROL for VisiSize, Tecno-How for micromachining), and India (SAI Impex). It has secured multiple UKRI and EU Framework Programme grants including INTERPOSE-UK (~£500,000) and LINQED, and holds UKAS ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications.
Oxford Lasers firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Oxford Lasers
- Legal name
- Oxford Lasers Limited
- Website
- https://oxfordlasers.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1977
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Oxford Lasers is a UK-based, Oxford University spin-out founded in 1977 that designs and manufactures precision laser micromachining systems and high-speed imaging/particle characterisation equipment, serving semiconductor, pharmaceutical, aerospace/defence, quantum technology, and research customers globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Oxford Lasers industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Laser Photonics Equipment and Precision Manufacturing Systems
- NAICS
- Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing (333242)
- SIC
- Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination) (IMAGAFAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Optoelectronic Emitters (LED/Laser/VCSEL) (HDAHALAL)
Keywords
Where Oxford Lasers is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Didcot
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Oxford Lasers business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Laser Systems Sales: Sale of complete laser-based systems including micromachining systems (A, C, J, SamplePrep, T Series), imaging systems (VisiSize), and laser illumination products (FireBIRD, FireFLY). Products are sold directly to customers for proof-of-concept through to full volume production.
- Contract Laser Services: Subcontract laser manufacturing services and contract imaging services. Includes laser micromachining contract services (drilling, cutting, milling, scribing, welding, surface texturing) and laser imaging contract services (particle sizing, spray analysis, high-speed imaging).
- After-Sales Services: Installation, training, maintenance, repair, parts, and upgrades for Oxford Lasers systems. Ongoing support services to maintain long-term system, process, and people performance.
- System Rental: Laser illumination and imaging systems are available for rental in addition to sale, providing flexibility for customers with intermittent or project-based needs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom system pricing based on configuration and specifications |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels5 records
Oxford Lasers product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Oxford Lasers designs, develops, and manufactures precision laser micromachining systems (A, C, J, SamplePrep, and T Series) for cutting, drilling, milling, scribing, welding, and surface texturing, alongside laser-based high-speed imaging products including the VisiSize particle/droplet sizing range and FireBIRD/FireFLY short-pulsed illumination systems. The company also delivers subcontract laser manufacturing and imaging services, R&D project collaborations, and after-sales installation, training, and support. Customers range from large semiconductor manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies to aerospace/defence contractors, quantum technology developers, and academic research institutions worldwide.
Product overview
Oxford Lasers operates two main divisions: Micromachining and Imaging. The Micromachining Division offers a portfolio of laser systems (A Series, C Series, J Series, SamplePrep, T Series Trimmer) along with contract services for precision laser cutting, drilling, milling, scribing, and surface texturing. The Imaging Division provides VisiSize particle sizing products (P15+, N60, N60maX) and FireBIRD/FireFLY laser illumination systems for high-speed imaging applications. The company also provides R&D project services and after-sales support.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- FireBIRD: 1000 W short-pulsed laser illumination system for advanced imaging techniques and high-speed imaging applications.
- FireFLY
- VisiSize
Products and services
- Laser System - A Series High-precision laser micromachining system for ultra-precise cutting, drilling, milling, scribing and patterning across various materials. Used by semiconductor manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions requiring micron-level tolerances.
- Laser System - C Series High-precision laser micromachining system for ultra-precise cutting, drilling, milling, scribing and patterning across various materials including glass, metals, and polymers. Used for proof-of-concept through to full volume production.
- Laser System - J Series High-precision laser micromachining system for ultra-precise cutting, drilling, milling, scribing and patterning across various materials. Part of the Micromachining Division portfolio sold to enterprise customers globally.
- Laser System - SamplePrep
Quantifiable outcome
- Precision down to 2µm achieved for pharmaceutical CCIT applications
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Oxford Lasers
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Oxford Lasers technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Oxford Lasers partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- BAE SystemscoreINTERPOSE-UK project partner for next generation semiconductor chip integration using glass interposers. Represents defense sector end-user perspective.
- University of SouthamptoncoreINTERPOSE-UK project partner providing academic research expertise for semiconductor packaging and interposer technology development.
- PRP OptoelectronicscoreINTERPOSE-UK project partner contributing optoelectronics expertise for glass interposer development in semiconductor advanced packaging.
- ColdQuanta UK LtdcoreLINQED project partner for quantum technology development. ColdQuanta UK specializes in quantum computing and sensing technologies requiring miniaturized ion traps.
- Oxford UniversitycoreLINQED project partner providing academic research expertise in quantum networking and ion trap technology. Oxford University is also the founding institution of Oxford Lasers.
- Labcontrol Instrumentos Cientificos LtdacoreDistributor agreement for VisiSize particle characterization products in Brazil. Labcontrol provides laboratory analytical instrumentation and technical support to agrochemical and other sectors.
- Japan Laser CorporationcoreLong-standing distributor covering both Laser Imaging and Laser Micromachining products in Japan with separate contacts for imaging and industrial applications.
- Heriot-Watt UniversitycoreResearch partner in UltraWELD project for photonic-based processes for dissimilar material joining. Heriot-Watt contributed expertise in glass to metal welding technology.
- Coherent Scotland LtdcoreTechnology partner in UltraWELD project providing ultrafast laser technology for dissimilar material joining research.
- Glass Technology Services LtdcoreProject partner in UltraWELD providing glass technology expertise for photonic-based material joining applications.
- Gooch & Housego (UK) LtdcoreProject partner in UltraWELD contributing optics and photonics expertise for laser welding research.
- Centre for Process Innovation LtdcoreProject partner in UltraWELD providing process innovation expertise for photonic manufacturing applications.
- Leonardo MW LtdcoreDefense and aerospace industry partner in UltraWELD project for electro optics devices manufacturing using photonic-based dissimilar material joining.
- EMBRACOcoreLASTEC project partner for laser surface texturing of compressor mechanical components. EMBRACO is a major compressor manufacturer.
- SENAI Innovation InstitutescoreLASTEC project partners (ISI-Laser, ISI-SM, ISI-Eng. Superficies) providing research and development expertise in laser surface texturing applications.
- Warsash Scientific Pty LtdcoreDistributor covering Laser Micromachining products in Australia and New Zealand.
- Tecno-How Engenharia Industrial e Comercio LtdacoreDistributor covering Laser Micromachining Products in Brazil.
- SAI ImpexcoreDistributor covering Laser Micromachining in India based in Surat, Gujarat.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Oxford Lasers competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- EdgeWave GmbH: German manufacturer of short and ultrashort pulsed (UV and femtosecond) lasers for precision micromachining, similar to Oxford Lasers' A/C/J series. Direct competitor in the precision-drilling and micro-machining OEM segment.
- Ekspla: Lithuanian manufacturer of industrial lasers including femtosecond, picosecond, and Q-switched sources used for precision micromachining and scientific applications. Comparable to Oxford Lasers in size, technology mix, and breadth of OEM/end-user customer base.
- Amplitude Laser: French ultrafast laser (femtosecond/picosecond) manufacturer offering both sources and micromachining workstations. Highly comparable to Oxford Lasers on ultrafast technology stack, micro-application focus, and similar mid-sized European private-company profile.
- Malvern Panalytical: Global leader in particle characterisation and sizing instrumentation. Directly comparable to Oxford Lasers' VisiSize product line (P15+, N60, N60maX) for pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and industrial spray/droplet analysis.
Broad incumbents
- Coherent Corp: Global photonics and laser-systems major with deep coverage of ultrafast (Monaco/Menlo families), excimer, and industrial laser platforms used in semiconductor packaging, display, and automotive. Competes with Oxford Lasers across multiple product lines but at a much larger scale.
- IPG Photonics: Largest fibre-laser specialist globally with growing presence in ultrafast and short-pulse processing. Comparable to Oxford Lasers on industrial-laser end markets but with incomparable R&D, manufacturing scale, and installed base.
- Jenoptik: German photonics group operating dedicated laser and micromachining divisions producing precision and ultrafast laser systems for semiconductor, medical, and industrial customers. Direct end-market overlap with Oxford Lasers' micromachining division at a larger group scale.
- Spectra-Physics (MKS Instruments): Established industrial and scientific laser division of MKS Instruments producing ultrafast, pulsed, and CW lasers used in micromachining, semiconductor, and imaging. Overlaps with Oxford Lasers across the ultrafast and laser-illumination categories but at vastly larger scale.
- TRUMPF: German industrial-laser and machine-tool major offering short- and ultrashort-pulse lasers for cutting, drilling, and micromachining. Closely comparable application footprint to Oxford Lasers, especially in automotive and electronics manufacturing.
- Lumentum: Diversified photonics platform with precision laser sources used in semiconductor manufacturing, biophotonics, and 3D sensing. Overlap with Oxford Lasers in laser-illumination/imaging and semiconductor laser micromachining, though much broader in telecom components.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Oxford Lasers social profiles
Digital presenceOxford Lasers compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Oxford Lasers financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Oxford Lasers leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Oxford Lasers funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Oxford Lasers M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Oxford Lasers
What does Oxford Lasers do?
Oxford Lasers designs, develops, and manufactures precision laser micromachining systems (A, C, J, SamplePrep, and T Series) for cutting, drilling, milling, scribing, welding, and surface texturing, alongside laser-based high-speed imaging products including the VisiSize particle/droplet sizing range and FireBIRD/FireFLY short-pulsed illumination systems. The company also delivers subcontract laser manufacturing and imaging services, R&D project collaborations, and after-sales installation, training, and support. Customers range from large semiconductor manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies to aerospace/defence contractors, quantum technology developers, and academic research institutions worldwide.
Is Oxford Lasers a public or private company?
Oxford Lasers is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Oxford Lasers founded?
Oxford Lasers was founded in 1977. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Oxford Lasers based?
Oxford Lasers is headquartered in Didcot, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Oxford Lasers make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Laser Systems Sales are the primary driver. The others are contract Laser Services, after-Sales Services and system Rental.
Who are Oxford Lasers's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are EdgeWave GmbH, Ekspla, Amplitude Laser and Malvern Panalytical. Broad incumbents are Coherent Corp, IPG Photonics, Jenoptik, Spectra-Physics (MKS Instruments), TRUMPF and Lumentum.
Does Oxford Lasers have an API?
No public API is recorded for Oxford Lasers.
What industry is Oxford Lasers in?
Oxford Lasers's product category is Laser Photonics Equipment and Precision Manufacturing Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAFAB, Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination), with a secondary code of HDAHALAL, Optoelectronic Emitters (LED/Laser/VCSEL). Its NAICS code is 333242 and its SIC code is 3827.