Wolfgang Schlichting

Wolfgang Schlichting has a leading role in new business development at Cutting Edge Optronics (CEO), where he focuses on laser diode arrays, gain modules, and diode-pumped solid-state lasers (DPSSL). He pairs a physics and optical-sciences education with commercial and business-development experience across the photonics and optics industry.

He studied physics at the University of Tübingen and earned an M.Sc. in Optical Sciences from the University of Arizona, followed by an MBA in Global Business from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Before joining CEO, Wolfgang managed U.S. sales of fused silica optical materials for science and research applications at Heraeus Covantics, and drove new business development for laser, Faraday, and other crystals, as well as optical coatings, at Northrop Grumman SYNOPTICS. Earlier in his career he founded Wolf Research LLC and held roles with IDC, NPD Solarbuzz, and Reveo Inc., working across optical data storage, photovoltaics, and cholesteric liquid crystals.

His background also includes military service, with active duty in an armored mortar unit and reserve duty training paratroopers as an officer in the German Bundeswehr.

• MBA, Global Business, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• M.Sc., Optical Sciences, University of Arizona.
• Physics, University of Tübingen.

• Laser diode arrays. High-power diode bars and packaged QCW and CW arrays.
• Gain modules and DPSS lasers. Diode-pumped solid-state laser modules and sources.
• New business development. Commercial strategy and customer development for CEO’s diode and DPSS product lines.
• Optical materials and components. Fused silica optics, laser and Faraday crystals, and optical coatings.

1. Heraeus Covantics. U.S. sales of fused silica optical materials for science and research applications.
2. Northrop Grumman SYNOPTICS. New business development for laser, Faraday, and other crystals, and optical coatings.
3. Wolf Research LLC. Founder.
4. IDC, NPD Solarbuzz, and Reveo Inc. Roles across optical data storage, photovoltaics, and cholesteric liquid crystals.