COHERENT INC
S-8, 1996-05-01
LABORATORY APPARATUS & FURNITURE
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<PAGE>


         As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 1, 1996
                                                 Registration No.
                                                                   ------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                               WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

                                       FORM S-8
                                REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                        UNDER
                              THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


                                    COHERENT, INC.
                (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


              Delaware                           94-1622541
              --------                           ----------
    (State or other jurisdiction of              (I.R.S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)            Identification Number)


                               5100 Patrick Henry Drive
                            Santa Clara, California 95056
                            ------------------------------
 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
  registrant's principal executive offices)

                          1990 DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
                                   1995 STOCK PLAN
                              (Full title of the plans)

                                 Robert J. Quillinan
                      Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
                                    Coherent, Inc.
                               5100 Patrick Henry Drive
                            Santa Clara, California 95056
                                    (408) 764-4000
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
  of agent for service)

                                       Copy to:
                               JUDITH M. O'BRIEN, ESQ.
                          WILSON, SONSINI, GOODRICH & ROSATI
                               Professional Corporation
                                  650 Page Mill Road
                           Palo Alto, California 94304-1050

                           CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Proposed       Proposed
                                       Maximum        Maximum
                        Amount        Offering      Aggregate       Amount of
Title of Securities     to be           Price        Offering     Registration
to be Registered     Registered (1)   Per Share       Price           Fee
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>            <C>          <C>               <C>
Common Stock,
$.01 par value        1,300,000      $52.75 (2)   $68,575,000.00    $23,646.55
</TABLE>


(1) Pursuant to Rule 420 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Act"),
    the prospectus contained herein with respect to the 1990 Directors' Stock
    Option Plan also relates to shares registered under the Form S-8
    Registration Statement No. 33-35609.

(2) Estimated in accordance with Rule 457(c) and (h) under the Act solely for
    the purpose of calculating the registration fee, based on the average of
    the high and low price of the Registrant's Common Stock as reported by
    Nasdaq NMS on April 29, 1996.

<PAGE>

                                    COHERENT, INC.
                          REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

                                       PART II

ITEM 3.  INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.

         There are hereby incorporated by reference into this Registration
Statement the following documents and information heretofore filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") by the Registrant:

    (a)  The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
         September 30, 1995, filed pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act");

    (b)  Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
         ended December 31, 1995, filed pursuant to Section 13(a) of the
         Exchange Act; and

    (c)  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 No. 33-35609, filed
         with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of
         registering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shares of
         the Registrant's Common Stock reserved for issuance under its 1990
         Directors' Stock Option Plan.

         All documents filed by Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date hereof, and prior to the filing
of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered
hereunder have been sold or which de-registers all securities then remaining
unsold under this registration statement, shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such
documents.

ITEM 4.  DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.

         Not applicable.

ITEM 5.  INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.

         The validity of the issuance of shares of Common Stock offered hereby
will be passed upon for the Registrant by Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati,
P.C., Palo Alto, California.

ITEM 6.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

         Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporations Law authorizes a
court to award, or a corporation's Board of Directors to grant, indemnification
to directors and officers in terms sufficiently broad to permit such
indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities (including
reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Act.  The Registrant's
Bylaws provides for the mandatory indemnification of its directors and officers
and permissible indemnification of employees and other agents to the maximum
extent permitted by Delaware General Corporation Law.  Registrant has entered
into an indemnification agreement with

                                          2

<PAGE>

each of its officers and directors which provide the Registrant's officers and
directors with indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware
General Corporation Law.  In addition, the Registrant's Certificate of
Incorporation provides that, pursuant to Delaware law, its directors shall not
be liable for monetary damages for a breach of the directors' fiduciary duty as
a director to Registrant and its stockholders, provided that such liability does
not arise from certain proscribed conduct.  Registrant also currently maintains
officer and director liability insurance.

ITEM 7.  EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.

         Not applicable.

ITEM 8.  INDEX TO EXHIBITS.

Exhibit
 Number                     Description of Document
- --------    ---------------------------------------------------------

   5.1      Opinion of Counsel as to legality of securities being registered.

  10.1      1990 Directors' Stock Option Plan, as amended, and form of option
            agreement thereunder.

  10.2      1995 Stock Plan and form of option agreement thereunder.

  23.1      Consent of Independent Auditors.

  23.2      Consent of Counsel (contained in Exhibit 5.1).

  24.1      Power of Attorney (see page 6).

                                          3

<PAGE>

ITEM 9.  UNDERTAKINGS.

         The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

         (a)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to include any
material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement.  That, for the purpose of determining
any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. To remove from
registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being
registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

         (b)  That, for purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant
to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and,
where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report
pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

         (c)  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the Registrant's Certificate of
Incorporation, Bylaws, indemnification agreements or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.

                                          4

<PAGE>

                                      SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Santa Clara, State of California, on this 30th day of
April, 1996.


                               COHERENT, INC.


                               By: /s/  Robert J. Quillinan
                                   ------------------------
                                   Robert J. Quillinan
                                   Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

                                          5

<PAGE>

                                  POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Robert J. Quillinan and Scott Miller
jointly and severally, his or her attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of
substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this
Registration Statement on Form S-8 and to file the same, with exhibits thereto
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorney-in-
fact, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.

     Signatures                          Title                       Date
- ------------------------   ----------------------------------   --------------

/s/ JAMES L. HOBART        Chairman of the Board and Chief      April 30, 1996
- ------------------------   Executive Officer (Principal
James L. Hobart            Executive Officer)

/s/ HENRY E. GAUTHIER      President, Chief Operating Officer   April 30, 1996
- ------------------------   and Director
Henry E. Gauthier

/s/ ROBERT J. QUILLINAN    Vice President and Chief Financial   April 30, 1996
- ------------------------   Officer (Principal Financial and
Robert J. Quillinan        Accounting Officer)

/s/ THOMAS SLOAN NELSEN    Director                             April 30, 1996
- ------------------------
Thomas Sloan Nelsen

/s/ FRANK P. CARRUBBA      Director                             April 30, 1996
- ------------------------
Frank P. Carrubba

/s/ CHARLES W. CANTONI     Director                             April 30, 1996
- ------------------------
Charles W. Cantoni

/s/ JERRY E. ROBERTSON     Director                             April 30, 1996
- ------------------------
Jerry E. Robertson

                                          6

<PAGE>

                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                                Washington, D.C. 20549


                ------------------------------------------------------
                ------------------------------------------------------

                                       EXHIBITS

                ------------------------------------------------------
                ------------------------------------------------------


                          Registration Statement on Form S-8

                                    COHERENT, INC.

                                    April 30, 1996

<PAGE>

                                  INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit                                                                   Page
Number                                                                     No.
- -------                                                                   ----

   5.1      Opinion of Counsel as to legality of securities being registered.

  10.1      1990 Directors' Stock Option Plan, as amended,  and form of option
            agreement thereunder.

  10.2      1995 Stock Plan and form of option agreement thereunder.

  23.1      Consent of Independent Auditors.

  23.2      Consent of Counsel (contained in Exhibit 5.1).

  24.1      Power of Attorney (see page 6).


<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 5.1



                                    April 30, 1996



Coherent, Inc.
5100 Patrick Henry Drive
Santa Clara, California 95056
Attn: Scott Miller, Esq.

    RE:  REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by you
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about April 30, 1996 (the
"Registration Statement") in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of a total of 50,000 shares of your Common
Stock reserved for issuance under the 1990 Directors' Stock Option Plan and
1,250,000 shares of your Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 1995 Stock
Plan (collectively, the "Shares") (collectively, the "Plans").  As legal counsel
for Coherent, Inc., we have examined the proceedings taken and are familiar with
the proceedings proposed to be taken by you in connection with the sale and
issuance of the Shares under the Plans.

    It is our opinion that, when issued and sold in the manner referred to in
the Plans and pursuant to the respective agreement which accompanies each grant
under the Plans, the Shares will be legally and validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

    We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of our name wherever it appears in the
Registration Statement and any amendments to it.

                              Very truly yours,

                              WILSON, SONSINI, GOODRICH & ROSATI
                              Professional Corporation


                             \s\ Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, P.C.
                             --------------------------------------------


<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.1

                                    COHERENT, INC.

                          1990 DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN

                             (AS AMENDED MARCH 20, 1996)


    1.   PURPOSES OF THE PLAN.  The purposes of this Directors' Stock Option
Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for service as
Directors of the Company, to provide additional incentive to the Outside
Directors of the Company to serve as Directors, and to encourage their continued
service on the Board.

         All options granted hereunder shall be "non-statutory stock options".

    2.   DEFINITIONS.  As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

         (a)  "BOARD"  shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

         (b)  "COMMON STOCK"  shall mean the Common Stock of the Company.

         (c)  "COMPANY"  shall mean Coherent, Inc., a California corporation.

         (d)  "CONTINUOUS STATUS AS A DIRECTOR" shall mean the absence of any
interruption or termination of service as a Director.

         (e)  "DIRECTOR" shall mean a member of the Board.

         (f)  "EMPLOYEE" shall mean any person, including officers and
Directors, employed by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.  The
payment of a director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient in and of
itself to constitute "employment" by the Company.

         (g)  "EXCHANGE ACT" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

         (h)  "OPTION"  shall mean a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

         (i)  "OPTIONED STOCK"  shall mean the Common Stock subject to an
Option.

         (j)  "OPTIONEE"  shall mean an Outside Director who receives an
Option.

         (k)  "OUTSIDE DIRECTOR" shall mean a Director who is not an Employee.

         (l)  "PARENT"  shall mean a "parent corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 425(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986.

<PAGE>

         (m)  "PLAN" shall mean this 1990 Directors' Stock Option Plan, as
amended.

         (n)  "SHARE" shall mean a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 11 of the Plan.

         (o)  "SUBSIDIARY" shall mean a "subsidiary corporation", whether now
or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 425(f) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986.

    3.   STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.  Subject to the provisions of Section 11 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 150,000 Shares (the "Pool") of Common Stock.  The Shares may
be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

         If an Option should expire or become unexercisable for any reason
without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject
thereto shall, unless the Plan shall have been terminated, become available for
future grant under the Plan. If Shares which were acquired upon exercise of an
Option are subsequently repurchased by the Company, such Shares shall not in any
event be returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future grant
under the Plan.

    4.   ADMINISTRATION OF AND GRANTS OF OPTIONS UNDER THE PLAN.

         (a)  ADMINISTRATOR.  Except as otherwise required herein, the Plan
shall be administered by the Board.

         (b)  PROCEDURE FOR GRANTS.  All grants of Options hereunder shall be
automatic and non-discretionary and shall be made strictly in accordance with
the following provisions:

              (i)  No person shall have any discretion to select which Outside
         Directors shall be granted Options or to determine the number of
         Shares to be covered by Options granted to Outside Directors.

              (ii) Each Outside Director shall be automatically granted an
         Option to purchase 10,000 Shares (the "First Option") upon the later
         to occur of (A) the effective date of this Plan, as determined in
         accordance with Section 6 hereof, or (B) the date on which such person
         first becomes a Director, whether through election by the Shareholders
         of the Company or appointment by the Board of Directors to fill a
         vacancy; provided, however, that no Option shall be issued under the
         Plan or become exercisable until Shareholder approval of the Plan has
         been obtained in accordance with Section 17 hereof.

             (iii) After the First Option has been granted to an Outside
         Director, such Outside Director shall thereafter be automatically
         granted an Option to purchase 2,500 Shares (a "Subsequent Option") on
         the date of and immediately following each Annual Meeting of
         Shareholders of the Company at which such Outside Director is
         reelected, if on such date, he shall have served on the Board for at
         least three (3) months.

                                         -2-

<PAGE>

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, no director who was granted a First
         Option on the effective date of this Plan shall be granted a
         Subsequent Option on the date of and immediately following the 1990
         Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

              (iv) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (ii) and (iii)
         hereof, in the event that a grant would cause the number of Shares
         subject to outstanding Options plus the number of Shares previously
         purchased upon exercise of Options to exceed the Pool, then each such
         automatic grant shall be for that number of Shares determined by
         dividing the total number of Shares remaining available for grant by
         the number of Outside Directors on the automatic grant date.  Any
         further grants shall then be deferred until such time, if any, as
         additional Shares become available for grant under the Plan through
         action of the Shareholders to increase the number of Shares which may
         be issued under the Plan or through cancellation or expiration of
         Options previously granted hereunder.

              (v)  The terms of an Option granted hereunder shall be as
         follows:

                   (A)  the term of the Option shall be six (6) years.

                   (B)  the Option shall be exercisable only while the Outside
              Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set forth
              in Section 9 hereof.

                   (C)  the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of the fair
              market value per Share on the date of grant of the Option.

                   (D)  the First Option shall become exercisable cumulatively
              to the extent of twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares subject
              to the Option on each of the first four anniversaries of the date
              of grant.

                   (E)  each Subsequent Option shall become exercisable in full
              on the fifth anniversary of the date of grant.

         (c)  POWERS OF THE BOARD.  Subject to the provisions and restrictions
of the Plan, the Board shall have the authority, in its discretion:  (i) to
determine, upon review of relevant information and in accordance with
Section 8(b) of the Plan, the fair market value of the Common Stock; (ii) to
determine the exercise price per share of Options to be granted, which exercise
price shall be determined in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Plan; (iii) to
interpret the Plan; (iv) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan; (v) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the
Company any instrument required to effectuate the grant of an Option previously
granted hereunder; and (vi) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
advisable for the administration of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
discretion concerning the administration of the Plan shall be afforded to a
person who is not a disinterested person within the meaning of Rule 16b-3
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), or any successor rule thereto ("Rule 16b-3").

                                         -3-

<PAGE>

         (d)  EFFECT OF BOARD'S DECISION.  All decisions, determinations and
interpretations of the Board shall be final and binding on all Optionees and any
other holders of any Options granted under the Plan.

         (e)  SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF OPTION.  If the Chief Executive
Officer or his designee reasonably believes that an Optionee has committed an
act of misconduct, the Chief Executive Officer may suspend the Optionee's right
to exercise any option pending a determination by the Board of Directors
(excluding the Outside Director accused of such misconduct).  If the Board of
Directors (excluding the Outside Director accused of such misconduct) determines
an Optionee has committed an act of embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty, nonpayment
of an obligation owed to the Company, breach of fiduciary duty or deliberate
disregard of the Company rules resulting in loss, damage or injury to the
Company, or if an Optionee makes an unauthorized disclosure of any Company trade
secret or confidential information, engages in any conduct constituting unfair
competition, induces any Company customer to breach a contract with the Company
or induces any principal for whom the Company acts as agent to terminate such
agency relationship, neither the Optionee nor his estate shall be entitled to
exercise any option whatsoever.  In making such determination, the Board of
Directors (excluding the Outside Director accused of such misconduct) shall act
fairly and shall give the Optionee an opportunity to appear and present evidence
on Optionee's behalf at a hearing before the Board or a committee of the Board.

    5.   ELIGIBILITY.  Options may be granted only to Outside Directors.  All
Options shall be automatically granted in accordance with the terms set forth in
Section 4(b) hereof.  An Outside Director who has been granted an Option may, if
he is otherwise eligible, be granted an additional Option or Options in
accordance with such provisions.

         The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to
continuation of service as a Director or nomination to serve as a Director, nor
shall it interfere in any way with any rights which the Director or the Company
may have to terminate his directorship at any time.

    6.   TERM OF PLAN.  The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the
Shareholders of the Company as described in Section 17 of the Plan.  It shall
continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under
Section 13 of the Plan.

    7.   TERM OF OPTION.  The term of each Option shall be six (6) years from
the date of grant thereof.

    8.   EXERCISE PRICE AND CONSIDERATION.

         (a)  EXERCISE PRICE.  The per Share exercise price for the Shares to
be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be 100% of the fair market
value per Share on the date of grant of the Option except for an Option granted
to an Employee who, at the time of the grant of such Option, owns stock
representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of
stock of the

                                         -4-

<PAGE>

Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, in which case the per Share exercise price
shall be no less than 110% of the fair market value per Share on the date of
grant.

         (b)  FAIR MARKET VALUE.  The fair market value shall be determined by
the Board in its discretion; provided, however, that where there is a public
market for the Common Stock, the fair market value per Share shall be the
closing bid price of the Common Stock in the over-the-counter market on the date
of grant, as reported in the Wall Street Journal (or, if not so reported, as
otherwise reported by the Nasdaq National Market or The Nasdaq Small Cap Market
of The Nasdaq Stock Market System) or, in the event the Common Stock is traded
on the NASDAQ National Market System or listed on a stock exchange, the fair
market value per Share shall be the closing price on such system or exchange on
the date of grant of the Option, as reported in the Wall Street Journal.

         (c)  FORM OF CONSIDERATION.  The consideration to be paid for the
Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option shall consist entirely of cash,
check, other Shares of Common Stock having a fair market value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised, or any combination of such methods of payment.

    9.   EXERCISE OF OPTION.

         (a)  PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE; RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times as are set forth in
Section 4(b) hereof; provided, however, that no Options shall be exercisable
until Shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 17 hereof has
been obtained.

         An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

         An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written notice of such
exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of the
Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full payment for the
Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been received by the
Company.  Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment
allowable under Section 8(c) of the Plan.  Until the issuance (as evidenced by
the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized
transfer agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares,
no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a Shareholder shall
exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the
Option.  A share certificate for the number of Shares so acquired shall be
issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option. No
adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date
is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in
Section 11 of the Plan.

         Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in the
number of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for purposes of the
Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the
Option is exercised.

         (b)  TERMINATION OF STATUS AS A DIRECTOR.  If an Outside Director
ceases to serve as a Director, he may, but only within two hundred and ten (210)
days after the date he ceases to be a

                                         -5-

<PAGE>

Director of the Company, exercise his Option to the extent that he was entitled
to exercise it at the date of such termination.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,
in no event may the Option be exercised after its six (6) year term has expired.
To the extent that he was not entitled to exercise an Option at the date of such
termination, or if he does not exercise such Option (which he was entitled to
exercise) within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

         (c)  DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE.  Notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 9(b) above, in the event a Director is unable to continue his service as
a Director with the Company as a result of his total and permanent disability
(as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code), he may, but only
within one (1) year from the date of termination, exercise his Option to the
extent he was entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the Option be exercised after its
six (6) year term has expired.  To the extent that he was not entitled to
exercise the Option at the date of termination, or if he does not exercise such
Option (which he was entitled to exercise) within the time specified herein,
the Option shall terminate.

         (d)  DEATH OF OPTIONEE.  In the event of the death of an Optionee:

              (i)  during the term of the Option who is, at the time of his
death, a Director of the Company and who shall have been in Continuous Status as
a Director since the date of grant of the Option, the Option may be exercised,
at any time within one (1) year following the date of death, by the Optionee's
estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest
or inheritance, but only to the extent of the right to exercise that would have
accrued had the Optionee continued living and remained in Continuous Status a
Director for six (6) months after the date of death. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in no event may the Option be exercised after its six (6) year term
has expired.

              (ii) within three (3) months after the termination of Continuous
Status as a Director, the Option may be exercised, at any time within one (1)
year following the date of death, by the Optionee's estate or by a person who
acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to
the extent of the right to exercise that had accrued at the date of termination.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the option be exercised after
its six (6) year term has expired.

    10.  NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS.  The Option may not be sold, pledged,
assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by
will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the
lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.

    11.  ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION OR MERGER.

         (a)  CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION.  Subject to any required action by the
Shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option, and the number of shares of Common Stock which have
been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options have yet
been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or
expiration of an Option, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered
by each such out standing Option, shall be proportionately adjusted for any
increase or decrease in the number of issued

                                         -6-

<PAGE>

shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock
dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other
increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected
without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that
conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to
have been "effected without receipt of consideration."  Such adjustment shall
be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final,
binding and conclusive.  Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the
Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares
of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall
be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject
to an Option.

         (b)  DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION.  In the event of a proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Option will terminate immediately
prior to the consummation of such proposed action, unless otherwise provided by
the Board.  The Board may, in the exercise of its sole discretion in such
instances, declare that any Option shall terminate as of a date fixed by the
Board and give each Optionee the right to exercise his Option as to all or any
part of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which the Option would not
otherwise be exercisable.

         (c)  MERGER OR ASSET SALE.  In the event of a proposed merger of the
Company with or into another corporation where following such merger the
stockholders of the Company prior to such merger own less than 50% of the voting
securities of the surviving corporation (a "change of control"), or the sale of
all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, each outstanding Option
shall be assumed or an equivalent option shall be substituted by such successor
corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation.  In the
event that such successor corporation refuses to assume the Option or to
substitute an equivalent option, the Board shall, in lieu of such assumption or
substitution, provide for the Optionee to have the right to exercise the Option
as to all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which the Option would
not otherwise be exercisable.  If an Option becomes fully exercisable in lieu of
assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the Board
shall notify the Optionee that the Option shall be fully exercisable for a
period of twenty (20) days from the date of such notice, and the Option will
terminate upon the expiration of such period.

    12.  TIME OF GRANTING OPTIONS.  The date of grant of an Option shall, for
all purposes, be the date determined in accordance with Section 4(b) hereof.
Notice of the determination shall be given to each Outside Director to whom an
Option is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

    13.  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.

         (a)  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.  The Board may amend or terminate the
Plan from time to time in such respects as the Board may deem advisable;
provided that, amendments to the Plan shall be approved by the Shareholders of
the Company in the manner described in Section 17 of the Plan to the extent
required by Rule 16b-3 as then in effect.  Any such amendments shall comply with
the requirements of Rule 16b-3 as then in effect.

                                         -7-

<PAGE>

         (b)  SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.  Shareholder approval of any amendment
requiring Shareholder approval under Section 13(a) of the Plan shall be
solicited as described in Section 17 of the Plan.

         (c)  EFFECT OF AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION.  Any such amendment or
termination of the Plan shall not affect Options already granted and such
Options shall remain in full force and effect as if this Plan had not been
amended or terminated, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and
the Board, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the
Company.

    14.  CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES.  Shares shall not be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the
issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all
relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, state securities laws, and the requirements of any stock exchange
upon which the Shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the
approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

         As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Company may require
the person exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any
such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and
without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares, if, in the
opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of
the aforementioned relevant provisions of law.

         Inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body
having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be
necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve
the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such
Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

    15.  RESERVATION OF SHARES.  The Company, during the term of this Plan,
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.


    16.  OPTION AGREEMENT.  Options shall be evidenced by written option
agreements in such form as the Board shall approve.

    17.  SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.

         (a)  Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to approval by the
Shareholders of the Company at the first annual meeting of Shareholders held
subsequent to the granting of an Option hereunder.  If such Shareholder
approval is obtained at a duly held Shareholders' meeting, it may be obtained by
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
the Company entitled to vote thereon.  If such Shareholder approval is obtained
by written consent, it may be obtained by the written consent of the holders of
a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company.

                                         -8-

<PAGE>

         (b)  Any required approval of the Shareholders of the Company shall be
solicited substantially in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

    18.  INFORMATION TO OPTIONEES.  The Company shall provide to each Optionee,
during the period for which such Optionee has one or more Options outstanding,
copies of all annual reports to Shareholders, proxy statements and other
information provided to all Shareholders of the Company.

                                         -9-

<PAGE>

                                    COHERENT, INC.

                    DIRECTOR'S NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT


    Coherent, Inc., a California corporation (the "Company"), has granted to
________________ (the "Optionee"), (X one) a [   ] First Option or a [   ]
Subsequent Option to purchase a total of 2,500 shares of the Company's Common
Stock, at the price determined as provided herein, and in all respects subject
to the terms, definitions and provisions of the 1990 Directors' Stock Option
Plan (the "Plan") adopted by the Company which is incorporated herein by
reference.  The terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings
herein.

    1.   NATURE OF THE OPTION.  This Option is a nonstatutory option and is not
intended to qualify for any special tax benefits to the Optionee.

    2.   EXERCISE PRICE.  The exercise price is $______ for each share of
Common Stock, which is 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the
date of grant of this Option.

    3.   EXERCISE OF OPTION.  This Option shall be exercisable during its term
in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of the Plan as follows:

         (i)  RIGHT TO EXERCISE.

              (a)  FIRST OPTION.  If this Option is a First Option, it shall
become exercisable cumulatively to the extent of twenty-five percent (25%) of
the Shares subject to the Option on each of the first four anniversaries of the
date of grant.

              (b)  SUBSEQUENT OPTION.  If this Option is a Subsequent Option,
it shall become exercisable in full on the fifth anniversary of the date of
grant.

              (c)  This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a share.

              (d)  In the event of Optionee's death, disability or other
termination of service as a Director, the exercisability of the Option is
governed by Sections 6, 7 and 8 of this Agreement.

         (ii) METHOD OF EXERCISE.  This Option shall be exercisable by written
notice which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of
Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised, and such other
representations and agreements as to the holder's investment intent with respect
to such Shares of Common Stock as may be required by the Company pursuant to the
provisions of the Plan.  Such written notice shall be signed by the Optionee and
shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the Secretary of the
Company.  The written notice shall be accompanied by payment of the exercise
price.

<PAGE>

    4.   METHOD OF PAYMENT.  Payment of the exercise price shall be by any of
the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

         (i)  cash;

         (ii) check; or

        (iii) surrender of other Shares of Common Stock of the Company having a
              fair market value equal to the exercise price of the Shares with
              respect to which the Option is being exercised.

    5.   RESTRICTIONS ON EXERCISE.  This Option may not be exercised if the
issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of
consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable
federal or state securities or other law or regulations, or if such issuance
would not comply with the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the
Shares may then be listed. As a condition to the exercise of this Option, the
Company may require Optionee to make any representation and warranty to the
Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation.

    6.   TERMINATION OF STATUS AS A DIRECTOR.  If Optionee ceases to serve as a
Director, he may, but only within two hundred and ten (210) days after the date
he ceases to be a Director of the Company, exercise this Option to the extent
that he was entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination.  To the
extent that he was not entitled to exercise this Option at the date of such
termination, or if he does not exercise this Option within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate.

    7.   DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6
above, if Optionee is unable to continue his service as a Director as a result
of his total and permanent disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code), he may, but only within one (l) year from the date of
termination, exercise this Option to the extent he was entitled to exercise it
at the date of such termination.  To the extent that he was not entitled to
exercise this Option at the date of termination, or if he does not exercise this
Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

    8.   DEATH OF OPTIONEE.  In the event of the death of Optionee:

         (i)  during the term of this Option and while a Director of the
Company and having been in Continuous Status as a Director since the date of
grant of this Option, the Option may be exercised, at any time within one (l)
year following the date of death, by Optionee's estate or by a person who
acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to
the extent of the right to exercise that would have accrued had Optionee
continued living and remained in Continuous Status as a Director for six (6)
months after the date of death; or

                                         -2-

<PAGE>

         (ii) within three (3) months after the termination of Optionee's
Continuous Status as a Director, this Option may be exercised, at any time
within one (l) year following the date of death, by Optionee's estate or by a
person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance,
but only to the extent of the right to exercise that had accrued at the date of
termination.

    9.   NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION.  This Option may not be transferred in
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by him.  The terms of this
Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors
and assigns of the Optionee.

    10.  TERM OF OPTION.  This Option may not be exercised more than six (6)
years from the date of grant of this Option, and may be exercised during such
term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option.

    ll.  TAXATION UPON EXERCISE OF OPTION.  Optionee understands that, upon
exercise of this Option, he will recognize income for tax purposes in an amount
equal to the excess of the then fair market value of the Shares purchased over
the exercise price paid for such Shares.  The Company may require the Optionee
to make a cash payment to cover any applicable withholding tax liability as a
condition of exercise of this Option.  Upon a resale of such Shares by the
Optionee, any difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the
Shares on the date of exercise of the Option will be treated as capital gain or
loss.


DATE OF GRANT:
              -------------------------

                                       COHERENT, INC.,
                                       a California corporation

                                       By:
                                           ----------------------------------

    Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, a copy of which is
annexed hereto, and represents that he is familiar with the terms and provisions
thereof, and hereby accepts this Option subject to all of the terms and
provisions thereof.  Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and
final all decisions or interpretations of the Board upon any questions arising
under the Plan.

Dated:
      -------------------------



                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Optionee

                                         -3-


<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT 10.2


                                 COHERENT, INC.

                                 1995 STOCK PLAN


     1.   PURPOSES OF THE PLAN.  The purposes of this Stock Plan are:

          -    to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions
               of substantial responsibility,

          -    to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants, and

          -    to promote the success of the Company's business.

Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory
Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant.  Stock
Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan.

     2.   DEFINITIONS.  As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

          (a)  "ADMINISTRATOR" means the Board or any of its Committees as shall
be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

          (b)  "APPLICABLE LAWS" means the legal requirements relating to the
administration of stock option plans under state corporate and securities laws
and the Code.

          (c)  "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

          (d)  "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          (e)  "COMMITTEE"  means a Committee appointed by the Board in
accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

          (f)  "COMMON STOCK" means the Common Stock of the Company.

          (g)  "COMPANY" means Coherent, Inc., a California corporation.

          (h)  "CONSULTANT" means any person, including an advisor, engaged by
the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services and who is compensated
for such services.  The term "Consultant" shall not include Directors who are
paid only a director's fee by the Company or who are not compensated by the
Company for their services as Directors.

          (i)  "CONTINUOUS STATUS AS AN EMPLOYEE OR CONSULTANT" means that the
employment or consulting relationship with the Company, any Parent, or
Subsidiary, is not interrupted or terminated. Continuous Status as an Employee
or Consultant shall not be considered interrupted in the case of

<PAGE>

(i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between
locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or
any successor.  A leave of absence approved by the Company shall include sick
leave, military leave, or any other personal leave approved by an authorized
representative of the Company.  For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such
leave may exceed ninety days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave
is guaranteed by statute or contract.  If reemployment upon expiration of a
leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day
of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be
treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a
Nonstatutory Stock Option.

          (j)  "DIRECTOR" means a member of the Board.

          (k)  "DISABILITY" means total and permanent disability as defined in
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

          (l)  "EMPLOYEE" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.  Neither
service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company shall be
sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

          (m)  "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

          (n)  "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the value of Common
Stock determined as follows:

               (i)  If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, the
Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the closing sales price
for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such
system or exchange (or the exchange with the greatest volume of trading in
Common Stock) on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination,
as reported in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL or such other source as the Administrator
deems reliable;

               (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of
a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked
prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior to the day of
determination, as reported in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL or such other source as
the Administrator deems reliable;

              (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator.


                                       -2-

<PAGE>

          (o)  "INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION" means an Option intended to qualify as
an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.

          (p)  "NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

          (q)  "NOTICE OF GRANT" means a written notice evidencing certain terms
and conditions of an individual Option or Stock Purchase Right grant.  The
Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement.

          (r)  "OFFICER" means a person who is an officer of the Company within
the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.

          (s)  "OPTION" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

          (t)  "OPTION AGREEMENT" means a written agreement between the Company
and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option
grant.  The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

          (u)  "OPTION EXCHANGE PROGRAM" means a program whereby outstanding
options are surrendered in exchange for options with a lower exercise price.

          (v)  "OPTIONED STOCK" means the Common Stock subject to an Option or
Stock Purchase Right.

          (w)  "OPTIONEE" means an Employee or Consultant who holds an
outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right.

          (x)  "PARENT" means a "parent corporation", whether now or hereafter
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

          (y)  "PLAN" means this 1995 Stock Plan.

          (z)  "RESTRICTED STOCK" means shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant
to a grant of Stock Purchase Rights under Section 11 below.

          (aa) "RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT" means a written agreement
between the Company and the Optionee evidencing the terms and restrictions
applying to stock purchased under a Stock Purchase Right.  The Restricted Stock
Purchase Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the
Notice of Grant.


                                       -3-

<PAGE>

          (bb) "RULE 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any
successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with
respect to the Plan.

          (cc) "SECTION 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended.

          (dd) "SHARE" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.

          (ee) "STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT" means the right to purchase Common Stock
pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan, as evidenced by a Notice of Grant.

          (ff) "SUBSIDIARY" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

     3.   STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.  Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is one million two hundred and fifty thousand (1,250,000) Shares.
The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

          If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes unexercisable
without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option
Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become
available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated); PROVIDED, however, that Shares that have actually been issued under
the Plan, whether upon exercise of an Option or Right, shall not be returned to
the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution under the Plan,
except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the Company at
their original purchase price, and the original purchaser of such Shares did not
receive any benefits of ownership of such Shares, such Shares shall become
available for future grant under the Plan.  For purposes of the preceding
sentence, voting rights shall not be considered a benefit of Share ownership.


     4.   ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.

          (a)  PROCEDURE.

               (i)  MULTIPLE ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES.  If permitted by Rule 16b-3,
the Plan may be administered by different bodies with respect to Directors,
Officers who are not Directors, and Employees who are neither Directors nor
Officers.

              (ii)  ADMINISTRATION WITH RESPECT TO DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
SUBJECT TO SECTION 16(b).  With respect to Option or Stock Purchase Right grants
made to Employees who are also Officers or Directors subject to Section 16(b) of
the Exchange Act, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board, if the Board
may administer the Plan in a manner complying with the rules under Rule

                                       -4-

<PAGE>

16b-3 relating to the disinterested administration of employee benefit plans
under which Section 16(b) exempt discretionary grants and awards of equity
securities are to be made, or (B) a committee designated by the Board to
administer the Plan, which committee shall be constituted to comply with the
rules under Rule 16b-3 relating to the disinterested administration of employee
benefit plans under which Section 16(b) exempt discretionary grants and awards
of equity securities are to be made. Once appointed, such Committee shall
continue to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the
Board.  From time to time the Board may increase the size of the Committee and
appoint additional members, remove members (with or without cause) and
substitute new members, fill vacancies (however caused), and remove all members
of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent
permitted by the rules under Rule 16b-3 relating to the disinterested
administration of employee benefit plans under which Section 16(b) exempt
discretionary grants and awards of equity securities are to be made.

             (iii)  ADMINISTRATION WITH RESPECT TO OTHER PERSONS.  With respect
to Option or Stock Purchase Right grants made to Employees or Consultants who
are neither Directors nor Officers of the Company, the Plan shall be
administered by (A) the Board or (B) a committee designated by the Board, which
committee shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.  Once appointed, such
Committee shall serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the
Board.  The Board may increase the size of the Committee and appoint additional
members, remove members (with or without cause) and substitute new members, fill
vacancies (however caused), and remove all members of the Committee and
thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by
Applicable Laws.

          (b)  POWERS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR.  Subject to the provisions of the
Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated
by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority, in
its discretion:

               (i)  to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock, in
accordance with Section 2(n) of the Plan;

              (ii)  to select the Consultants and Employees to whom Options and
Stock Purchase Rights may be granted hereunder;

             (iii)  to determine whether and to what extent Options and Stock
Purchase Rights or any combination thereof, are granted hereunder;

              (iv)  to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be
covered by each Option and Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder;

               (v)  to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

              (vi)  to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with
the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder.  Such terms and
conditions include, but are not limited to, the

                                       -5-

<PAGE>

exercise price, the time or times when Options or Stock Purchase Rights may be
exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration
or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation
regarding any Option or Stock Purchase Right or the shares of Common Stock
relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in
its sole discretion, shall determine;

             (vii)  to reduce the exercise price of any Option or Stock Purchase
Right to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the
Common Stock covered by such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall have declined
since the date the Option or Stock Purchase Right was granted;

            (viii)  to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and awards
granted pursuant to the Plan;

              (ix)  to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans
established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under
foreign tax laws;

               (x)  to modify or amend each Option or Stock Purchase Right
(subject to Section 15(c) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to
extend the post-termination exercisability period of Options longer than is
otherwise provided for in the Plan;

              (xi)  to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company
any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right
previously granted by the Administrator;

             (xii)  to institute an Option Exchange Program;

            (xiii)  to determine the terms and restrictions applicable to
Options and Stock Purchase Rights and any Restricted Stock; and

             (xiv)  to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
advisable for administering the Plan.

          (c)  EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATOR'S DECISION.  The Administrator's
decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all
Optionees and any other holders of Options or Stock Purchase Rights.

     5.   ELIGIBILITY.  Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may
be granted to Employees and Consultants.  Incentive Stock Options may be granted
only to Employees.  If otherwise eligible, an Employee or Consultant who has
been granted an Option or Stock Purchase Right may be granted additional Options
or Stock Purchase Rights.

                                       -6-

<PAGE>

     6.   LIMITATIONS.

          (a)  Each Option shall be designated in the written option agreement
as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.  However,
notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such
Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options.  For purposes of this
Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order
in which they were granted.  The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be
determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

          (b)  Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall
confer upon an Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's
employment or consulting relationship with the Company, nor shall they interfere
in any way with the Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate such
employment or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause.

          (c)  The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options and
Stock Purchase Rights to Employees:

               (i)  No Employee shall be granted, in any fiscal year of the
Company, Options and Stock Purchase Rights to purchase more than 250,000 Shares.

              (ii)  In connection with his or her initial employment, an
Employee may be granted Options and Stock Purchase Rights to purchase up to an
additional 250,000 Shares which shall not count against the limit set forth in
subsection (i) above.

             (iii)  The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted proportionately
in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as described in
Section 13.

              (iv)  If an Option or Stock Purchase Right is cancelled in the
same fiscal year of the Company in which it was granted (other than in
connection with a transaction described in Section 13), the cancelled Option or
Stock Purchase Right will be counted against the limits set forth in subsections
(i) and (ii) above.  For this purpose, if the exercise price of an Option or
Stock Purchase Right is reduced, the transaction will be treated as a
cancellation of the Option or Stock Purchase Right and the grant of a new Option
or Stock Purchase Right.

     7.   TERM OF PLAN.  Subject to Section 19 of the Plan, the Plan shall
become effective upon the earlier to occur of its adoption by the Board or its
approval by the shareholders of the Company as described in Section 19 of the
Plan.  It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless
terminated earlier under Section 15 of the Plan.

     8.   TERM OF OPTION.  The term of each Option shall be stated in the Notice
of Grant; provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the
term shall be ten (10) years

                                       -7-

<PAGE>

from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Notice of
Grant.  Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an
Optionee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock
representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of
stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive
Stock Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term
as may be provided in the Notice of Grant.

     9.   OPTION EXERCISE PRICE AND CONSIDERATION.

          (a)  EXERCISE PRICE.  The per share exercise price for the Shares to
be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
Administrator, subject to the following:

               (i)  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

                    (A)  granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive
Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of
the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

                    (B)  granted to any Employee other than an Employee
described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price shall
be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

              (ii)  In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share
exercise price shall be determined by the Administrator.

          (b)  WAITING PERIOD AND EXERCISE DATES.  At the time an Option is
granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may be
exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the
Option may be exercised.  In so doing, the Administrator may specify that an
Option may not be exercised until the completion of a service period.

          (c)  FORM OF CONSIDERATION.  The Administrator shall determine the
acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method
of payment.  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator shall
determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant.  Such
consideration may consist entirely of:

               (i)  cash;

              (ii)  check;

             (iii)  promissory note;


                                       -8-

<PAGE>

              (iv)  other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired upon
exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six months
on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised;

               (v)  delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together
with such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if
applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to
the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price;

              (vi)  a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to the
Optionee, including any liability attributable to the Optionee's participation
in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or arrangement;

             (vii)  any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or

            (viii)  such other consideration and method of payment for the
issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

     10.  EXERCISE OF OPTION.

          (a)  PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE; RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at
such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set
forth in the Option Agreement.

               An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

               An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives:
(i) written notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option Agreement) from
the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares
with respect to which the Option is exercised.  Full payment may consist of any
consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and
permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan.  Shares issued upon exercise of
an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if requested by the
Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.  Until the stock
certificate evidencing such Shares is issued (as evidenced by the appropriate
entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the
Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a
shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the
exercise of the Option.  The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such
stock certificate promptly after the Option is exercised.  No adjustment will be
made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the
date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 13 of the
Plan.


                                       -9-

<PAGE>

               Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number of
Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under
the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

          (b)  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTING RELATIONSHIP.  Upon
termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant,
other than upon the Optionee's death or Disability, the Optionee may exercise
his or her Option, but only within such period of time as is specified in the
Notice of Grant, and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to
exercise it at the date of termination (but in no event later than the
expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant).  In
the absence of a specified time in the Notice of Grant, the Option shall remain
exercisable for three (3) months following the Optionee's termination.  In the
case of an Incentive Stock Option, such period of time for exercise shall not
exceed three (3) months from the date of termination.  If, on the date of
termination, the Optionee is not entitled to exercise the Optionee's entire
Option, the Shares covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option shall
revert to the Plan.  If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his
or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall
terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

          Notwithstanding the above, in the event of an Optionee's change in
status from Consultant to Employee or Employee to Consultant, an Optionee's
Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant shall not automatically terminate
solely as a result of such change in status. However, in such event, an
Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an
Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory
Stock Option three months and one day following such change of status.


          (c)  DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE.  In the event that an Optionee's
Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant terminates as a result of the
Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option at any time
within twelve (12) months from the date of such termination, but only to the
extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it at the date of such
termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant).  If, at the date of termination,
the Optionee is not entitled to exercise his or her entire Option, the Shares
covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan.
If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within
the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by
such Option shall revert to the Plan.

          (d)  DEATH OF OPTIONEE.  In the event of the death of an Optionee, the
Option may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months following the date
of death (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option
as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's estate or by a person
who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but
only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option at the
date of death.  If, at the time of death, the Optionee was not entitled to
exercise his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unexercisable
portion of the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan.  If, after death,
the Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option
by bequest or inheritance

                                      -10-

<PAGE>

does not exercise the Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall
terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

          (e)  RULE 16b-3.  Options granted to individuals subject to Section 16
of the Exchange Act ("Insiders") must comply with the applicable provisions of
Rule 16b-3 and shall contain such additional conditions or restrictions as may
be required thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of
the Exchange Act with respect to Plan transactions.

     11.  STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS.

          (a)  RIGHTS TO PURCHASE.  Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either
alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan
and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan.  After the Administrator determines
that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall advise the
offeree in writing, by means of a Notice of Grant, of the terms, conditions and
restrictions related to the offer, including the number of Shares that the
offeree shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be paid, and the time within
which the offeree must accept such offer, which shall in no event exceed six (6)
months from the date upon which the Administrator made the determination to
grant the Stock Purchase Right.  The offer shall be accepted by execution of a
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement in the form determined by the Administrator.

          (b)  REPURCHASE OPTION.  Unless the Administrator determines
otherwise, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall grant the Company a
repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of
the purchaser's employment with the Company for any reason (including death or
Disability).  The purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the
Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall be the original price paid by the
purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser
to the Company.  The repurchase option shall lapse at a rate determined by the
Administrator.

          (c)  RULE 16b-3.  Stock Purchase Rights granted to Insiders, and
Shares purchased by Insiders in connection with Stock Purchase Rights, shall be
subject to any restrictions applicable thereto in compliance with Rule 16b-3.
An Insider may only purchase Shares pursuant to the grant of a Stock Purchase
Right, and may only sell Shares purchased pursuant to the grant of a Stock
Purchase Right, during such time or times as are permitted by Rule 16b-3.

          (d)  OTHER PROVISIONS.  The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall
contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the
Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.  In
addition, the provisions of Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements need not be the
same with respect to each purchaser.

          (e)  RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER.  Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
shareholder, and shall be a shareholder when his or her purchase is entered upon
the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company.


                                      -11-

<PAGE>

No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record
date is prior to the date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as
provided in Section 13 of the Plan.

     12.  NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS AND STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS.  An Option
or Stock Purchase Right may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated,
transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of
descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the
Optionee, only by the Optionee.

     13.  ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, DISSOLUTION, MERGER OR
          ASSET SALE.

          (a)  CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION.  Subject to any required action by the
shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of
Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to
which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which have
been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt
of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration."  Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of
stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to,
the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option or Stock
Purchase Right.

          (b)  DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION.  In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, to the extent that an Option or Stock
Purchase Right has not been previously exercised, it will terminate immediately
prior to the consummation of such proposed action.  The Board may, in the
exercise of its sole discretion in such instances, declare that any Option or
Stock Purchase Right shall terminate as of a date fixed by the Board and give
each Optionee the right to exercise his or her Option or Stock Purchase Right as
to all or any part of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which the
Option or Stock Purchase Right would not otherwise be exercisable.

          (c)  MERGER OR ASSET SALE.  In the event of a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets
of the Company, each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right shall be
assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor
corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation.  In the
event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the
Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Optionee shall have the right to exercise
the Option or Stock Purchase Right as to all of the Optioned Stock, including
Shares as to which it would not otherwise be exercisable.  If an Option or Stock


                                      -12-

<PAGE>

Purchase Right is exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event
of a merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee that
the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be fully exercisable for a period of
fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option or Stock Purchase
Right shall terminate upon the expiration of such period.  For the purposes of
this paragraph, the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be considered assumed
if, following the merger or sale of assets, the option or right confers the
right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the
Option or Stock Purchase Right immediately prior to the merger or sale of
assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property)
received in the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each
Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered
a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a
majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such
consideration received in the merger or sale of assets was not solely common
stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with
the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be
received upon the exercise of the Option or Stock Purchase Right, for each Share
of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right, to be solely
common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market
value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the
merger or sale of assets.

     14.  DATE OF GRANT.  The date of grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right
shall be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the
determination granting such Option or Stock Purchase Right, or such other later
date as is determined by the Administrator.  Notice of the determination shall
be provided to each Optionee within a reasonable time after the date of such
grant.

     15.  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.

          (a)  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.  The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.

          (b)  SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.  The Company shall obtain shareholder
approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Rule 16b-3 or with Section 422 of the Code (or any successor rule or
statute or other applicable law, rule or regulation, including the requirements
of any exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or
quoted). Such shareholder approval, if required, shall be obtained in such a
manner and to such a degree as is required by the applicable law, rule or
regulation.


          (c)  EFFECT OF AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION.  No amendment, alteration,
suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator,
which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.


                                      -13-

<PAGE>

     16.  CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES.

          (a)  LEGAL COMPLIANCE.  Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the exercise of such Option
or Stock Purchase Right and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall
comply with all relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, Applicable Laws, and the requirements of any stock
exchange or quotation system upon which the Shares may then be listed or quoted,
and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with
respect to such compliance.

          (b)  INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIONS.  As a condition to the exercise of an
Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Company may require the person exercising
such Option or Stock Purchase Right to represent and warrant at the time of any
such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and
without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the
opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.

     17.  LIABILITY OF COMPANY.

          (a)  INABILITY TO OBTAIN AUTHORITY.  The inability of the Company to
obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority
is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and
sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in
respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite
authority shall not have been obtained.

          (b)  GRANTS EXCEEDING ALLOTTED SHARES.  If the Optioned Stock covered
by an Option or Stock Purchase Right exceeds, as of the date of grant, the
number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan without additional
shareholder approval, such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be void with
respect to such excess Optioned Stock, unless shareholder approval of an
amendment sufficiently increasing the number of Shares subject to the Plan is
timely obtained in accordance with Section 15(b) of the Plan.

     18.  RESERVATION OF SHARES.  The Company, during the term of this Plan,
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

     19.  SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.  Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or
after the date the Plan is adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained
in the manner and to the degree required under applicable federal and state law.


                                      -14-

<PAGE>



                                 COHERENT, INC.

                                 1995 STOCK PLAN

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT


    Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have
the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.

I.  NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

[Optionee's Name and Address]

    You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the Company,
subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as
follows:

    Grant Number                        _________________________

    Date of Grant                       _________________________

    Vesting Commencement Date           _________________________

    Exercise Price per Share            $________________________

    Total Number of Shares Granted       ________________________

    Total Exercise Price                $_________________________

    Type of Option:                     ___  Incentive Stock Option

                                        ___  Nonstatutory Stock Option

    Term/Expiration Date:               _________________________


    VESTING SCHEDULE:

    This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the
following schedule:

    [25% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest twelve months after the
Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/48 of the Shares subject to the Option shall
vest each month thereafter].

<PAGE>

    TERMINATION PERIOD:

    This Option may be exercised for _____ [days/months] after termination of
the Optionee's employment or consulting relationship with the Company.  Upon the
death or Disability of the Optionee, this Option may be exercised for such
longer period as provided in the Plan.  In the event of the Optionee's change in
status from Employee to Consultant or Consultant to Employee, this Option
Agreement shall remain in effect.  In no event shall this Option be exercised
later than the Term/Expiration Date as provided above.

II.  AGREEMENT

    1.  GRANT OF OPTION.  The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby grants
to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of this
Agreement (the "Optionee") an option (the "Option") to purchase the number of
Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set
forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price"), subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference.  Subject to
Section 15(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and
conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement,
the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

        If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option
("ISO"), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under
Section 422 of the Code.  However, if this Option is intended to be an Incentive
Stock Option, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section
422(d) it shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option ("NSO").

    2.  EXERCISE OF OPTION.

        (a) RIGHT TO EXERCISE.  This Option is exercisable during its term in
accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and the
applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.  In the event of
Optionee's death, Disability or other termination of Optionee's employment or
consulting relationship, the exercisability of the Option is governed by the
applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.

        (b) METHOD OF EXERCISE.  This Option is exercisable by delivery of an
exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit A (the "Exercise Notice"),
which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in
respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised Shares"), and
such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company
pursuant to the provisions of the Plan.  The Exercise Notice shall be signed by
the Optionee and shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the
Secretary of the Company.  The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment
of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares.  This Option shall
be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed
Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate Exercise Price.


                                       -2-

<PAGE>

        No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option
unless such issuance and exercise complies with all relevant provisions of law
and the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation service upon which the
Shares are then listed.  Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the
Exercised Shares shall be considered transferred to the Optionee on the date the
Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.

    3.  METHOD OF PAYMENT.  Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by
any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

        (a) cash;

        (b) check;

        (c) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with such
other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if applicable, shall
require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the
sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price; or

        (d) surrender of other Shares which (i) in the case of Shares acquired
upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six
(6) months on the date of surrender, AND (ii) have a Fair Market Value on the
date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares.

    4.  NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION.  This Option may not be transferred in
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee.  The
terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors,
administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

    5.  TERM OF OPTION.  This Option may be exercised only within the term set
out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in
accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.

    6.  TAX CONSEQUENCES.  Some of the federal and California tax consequences
relating to this Option, as of the date of this Option, are set forth below.
THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING
THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.


        (a) EXERCISING THE OPTION.

            (i) NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION.  The Optionee may incur regular
federal income tax and California income tax liability upon exercise of a NSO.
The Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at
ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if


                                       -3-

<PAGE>

any, of the Fair Market Value of the Exercised Shares on the date of exercise
over their aggregate Exercise Price.  If the Optionee is an Employee or a former
Employee, the Company will be required to withhold from his or her compensation
or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount
in cash equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of
exercise, and may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if
such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.

            (ii)    INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION.  If this Option qualifies as an ISO,
the Optionee will have no regular federal income tax or California income tax
liability upon its exercise, although the excess, if any, of the Fair Market
Value of the Exercised Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate
Exercise Price will be treated as an adjustment to alternative minimum taxable
income for federal tax purposes and may subject the Optionee to alternative
minimum tax in the year of exercise. In the event that the Optionee undergoes a
change of status from Employee to Consultant, any Incentive Stock Option of the
Optionee that remains unexercised shall cease to qualify as an Incentive Stock
Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option on
the ninety-first (91st) day following such change of status.

        (b) DISPOSITION OF SHARES.

            (i)     NSO.  If the Optionee holds NSO Shares for at least one
year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-
term capital gain for federal income tax purposes.

            (ii)    ISO.  If the Optionee holds ISO Shares for at least one year
after exercise and two years after the grant date, any gain realized on
disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal
income tax purposes.  If the Optionee disposes of ISO Shares within one year
after exercise or two years after the grant date, any gain realized on such
disposition will be treated as compensation income (taxable at ordinary income
rates) to the extent of the excess, if any, of the lesser of (A) the difference
between the Fair Market Value of the Shares acquired on the date of exercise and
the aggregate Exercise Price, or (B) the difference between the sale price of
such Shares and the aggregate Exercise Price.

        (c) NOTICE OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION OF ISO SHARES.  If the Optionee
sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to an ISO on
or before the later of (i) two years after the grant date, or (ii) one year
after the exercise date, the Optionee shall immediately notify the Company in
writing of such disposition.  The Optionee agrees that he or she may be subject
to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized
from such early disposition of ISO Shares by payment in cash or out of the
current earnings paid to the Optionee.

    7.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT; GOVERNING LAW.  The Plan is incorporated herein by
reference.  The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement
of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their
entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely


                                       -4-

<PAGE>

to the Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company
and Optionee.  This agreement is governed by California law except for that body
of law pertaining to conflict of laws.

    By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative below,
you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the
terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.  Optionee has
reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an
opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option
Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement.
Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions
or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan
and Option Agreement.  Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any
change in the residence address indicated below.

OPTIONEE:                               COHERENT, INC.



____________________________________    By:____________________________________
Signature

____________________________________    Title:_________________________________
Print Name

____________________________________
Residence Address

____________________________________


                                       -5-

<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT A

                                 1995 STOCK PLAN


                                 EXERCISE NOTICE


Coherent, Inc.
5100 Patrick Henry Drive
P.O. Box 54980
Santa Clara, CA  95056-0980

Attention:  Secretary

    1.  EXERCISE OF OPTION.  Effective as of today, ________________, 199__,
the undersigned ("Purchaser") hereby elects to purchase ______________ shares
(the "Shares") of the Common Stock of Coherent, Inc. (the "Company") under and
pursuant to the 1995 Stock Plan (the "Plan") and the Stock Option Agreement
dated _____________, 19___ (the "Option Agreement").  The purchase price for the
Shares shall be $_____________, as required by the Option Agreement.

    2.  DELIVERY OF PAYMENT.  Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the
full purchase price for the Shares.

    3.  REPRESENTATIONS OF PURCHASER.  Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser
has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees
to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

    4.  RIGHTS AS SHAREHOLDER.  Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
A share certificate for the number of Shares so acquired shall be issued to the
Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option.  No adjustment
will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to
the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 13 of
the Plan.

    5.  TAX CONSULTATION.  Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer
adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or disposition of
the Shares.  Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted with any tax
consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

    6.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT; GOVERNING LAW.  The Plan and Option Agreement are
incorporated herein by reference.  This Agreement, the Plan and the Option
Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and
agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter

<PAGE>

hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser's interest except by
means of a writing signed by the Company and Purchaser.  This agreement is
governed by California law except for that body of law pertaining to conflict of
laws.


Submitted by:                      Accepted by:

PURCHASER:                         COHERENT, INC.


__________________________________ By: _________________________________

Signature


__________________________________ Its: ________________________________
Print Name


ADDRESS:                           ADDRESS:


___________________________        5100 Patrick Henry Drive
___________________________        P.O. Box 54980
                                   Santa Clara, CA  95056-0980


                                       -2-


<PAGE>

                                                                  Exhibit 23.1

                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



    We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
of Coherent, Inc. on Form S-8 of our reports dated October 31, 1995, appearing
in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Coherent, Inc. for the year ended September
30, 1995.



                                       /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
                                       ------------------------------

San Jose, California
April 26, 1996



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