LASER POWER CORP/FA
SB-2/A, 1997-06-10
OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS & LENSES
Previous: OCWEN FINANCIAL CORP, S-1, 1997-06-10
Next: OAKHURST CO INC, 4, 1997-06-10



<PAGE>   1
 
   
           AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 10, 1997
    
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-24421
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 3
    
                                       TO
 
                                   FORM SB-2
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
                 (NAME OF SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                               <C>                               <C>
             DELAWARE                            3827                           95-3423358
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION      (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL            (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)    CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)           IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
 
                             12777 HIGH BLUFF DRIVE
                              SAN DIEGO, CA 92130
                                 (619) 755-0700
          (ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER, OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                            ------------------------
 
                             12777 HIGH BLUFF DRIVE
                              SAN DIEGO, CA 92130
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS OR INTENDED PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS)
                            ------------------------
 
                            GLENN H. SHERMAN, PH.D.
               CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
                             12777 HIGH BLUFF DRIVE
                              SAN DIEGO, CA 92130
                                 (619) 755-0700
             (NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                            ------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
               D. BRADLEY PECK, ESQ.                              PAUL E. KREUTZ, ESQ.
              EDWARD C. Y. YIP, ESQ.                              REBECCA SCHMITT, ESQ.
          ALEXANDER A. FITZPATRICK, ESQ.                           MARK LEHBERG, ESQ.
                COOLEY GODWARD LLP                            GRAY CARY WARE & FREIDENRICH
         4365 EXECUTIVE DRIVE, SUITE 1100                   4365 EXECUTIVE DRIVE, SUITE 1600
                SAN DIEGO, CA 92121                                SAN DIEGO, CA 92121
                  (619) 550-6000                                     (619) 677-1400
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
    APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as practicable
after the Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]
                            ------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>               <C>                     <C>                     <C>
                                                  CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
==============================================================================================================================
                                                                            PROPOSED                PROPOSED
                                                                            MAXIMUM                 MAXIMUM            AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES TO BE              AMOUNT TO BE        OFFERING PRICE            AGGREGATE         REGISTRATION
  REGISTERED                                        REGISTERED(1)         PER SHARE(2)         OFFERING PRICE(2)          FEE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, $0.001 par value...................     2,760,000              $8.50                $23,460,000           $7,109
==============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1) Includes 360,000 shares that the Underwriters have the option to purchase
    solely to cover over-allotments, if any.
    
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the
    registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act of
    1933.
                            ------------------------
 
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
   
                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 10, 1997
    
PROSPECTUS
 
   
                                2,400,000 SHARES
    
 
                                      LOGO
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                            ------------------------
 
   
     Of the 2,400,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby, 2,050,000 shares
are being sold by Laser Power Corporation ("Laser Power" or the "Company") and
350,000 shares are being sold by certain stockholders of the Company (the
"Selling Stockholders"). The Company will not receive any portion of the
proceeds from the sale of shares by the Selling Stockholders. See "Principal and
Selling Stockholders."
    
 
     Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock of the Company. It is estimated that the initial public offering price
will be between $6.50 and $8.50 per share. See "Underwriting" for a discussion
of the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering
price. The Company has applied for quotation of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq
National Market under the symbol "LPWR."
                            ------------------------
 
             SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 5 FOR INFORMATION
                     PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER.
                            ------------------------
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
                               CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                               <C>             <C>                  <C>             <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      UNDERWRITING                       PROCEEDS TO
                                                        DISCOUNTS        PROCEEDS TO       SELLING
                                  PRICE TO PUBLIC  AND COMMISSIONS(1)     COMPANY(2)     STOCKHOLDERS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Share.........................        $                 $                 $               $
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3)..........................        $                 $                 $               $
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
   
(1) The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
    Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
    Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"). The Company has also agreed
    to sell to the Representatives of the Underwriters warrants to purchase up
    to 205,000 shares of Common Stock exercisable at 130% of the initial public
    offering price per share (the "Representatives' Warrants"). See
    "Underwriting."
    
 
   
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $966,000,
    including the Representatives' non-accountable expense allowance.
    
 
   
(3) The Company has granted to the Underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up
    to 360,000 additional shares of Common Stock solely to cover
    over-allotments, if any. If such option is exercised in full, the total
    Price to Public, Underwriting Discounts and Commissions and Proceeds to
    Company will be $          , $          and $          , respectively. See
    "Underwriting."
    
                            ------------------------
 
     The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters, when,
as and if delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters and subject to various
prior conditions, including their right to reject any orders in whole or in
part. It is expected that delivery of share certificates will be made against
payment therefor at the offices of Cruttenden Roth Incorporated in Irvine,
California, or through the facilities of Depository Trust Company, on or about
              , 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                 <C>
CRUTTENDEN ROTH      L.H. FRIEND, WEINRESS,
  INCORPORATED      FRANKSON & PRESSON, INC.
</TABLE>
 
              THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS                , 1997
<PAGE>   3
 
A WORLD OF APPLICATIONS
 
HIGH PERFORMANCE OPTICS
 
[photographs of various types of high performance laser optics]
 
Laser Power provides high performance precision optics for a wide range of
demanding industrial, medical and military applications.
 
INDUSTRIAL FABRICATION
 
[photograph of high power laser cutting sheet metal]
 
Thousands of high power CO(2) laser systems employing the Company's optics
operate throughout the world precisely cutting metal and other materials. With
laser cutting, there is rarely any need for further finishing of the edges
before these parts are assembled in an increasing number of products such as
automobiles, recreational vehicles, farm equipment, office furniture and
construction equipment.
 
 . . . OPTICS FOR TODAY
 
HIGH POWER TECHNOLOGY
 
[photograph of a transmission gear ]
 
Growing acceptance of laser material processing is rapidly increasing the number
of high power applications, for example in the automated CO(2) laser welding of
transmission gears.
 
LASER BEAM
 
[drawing of the focusing optic of a laser]
 
Laser Power's patented Turbo-Cooled technology allows focusing optics to handle
the power of multikilowatt CO(2) lasers for deep-penetration welding and
thick-section cutting in a wide range of metals.
 
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, CERTAIN UNDERWRITERS (AND SELLING GROUP
MEMBERS) MAY ENGAGE IN PASSIVE MARKET MAKING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK ON
NASDAQ IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 103 OF REGULATION M. SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS THAT
STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK,
INCLUDING BY ENTERING STABILIZING BIDS, EFFECTING SYNDICATE COVERING
TRANSACTIONS OR IMPOSING PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES,
SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 
The Company intends to furnish annual reports to stockholders containing audited
financial statements, quarterly reports and such other periodic reports as it
may determine to be appropriate or as may be required by law.
 
Turbo-Cooled(R), Laser Power (stylized)(R), and the Laser Power logo are
registered trademarks, and MP-5 is a trademark of the Company. All other
trademarks or service marks used in this Prospectus are the property of their
respective holders.
<PAGE>   4
 
PROJECTION DISPLAY
 
Laser Power believes that projectors based on its microlasers will be superior
to existing electronic projectors in color accuracy, color range, brightness,
uniformity, operating efficiency and lifetime performance. These advantages will
be important, in the emerging application of electronic cinema. Laser Power also
anticipates that both front and rear microlaser-based projectors will gain
acceptance and use for a wide range of applications, including location based
entertainment, auditoriums, control rooms, video walls, simulators and technical
conferencing.
 
[Photograph of dermatological procedure performed using a laser]
 
[Photograph of dental procedure performed using a laser]
 
[Photograph of laser use in a medical operating room]
 
 . . . MICROLASERS FOR TOMORROW
 
[Drawing of a microlaser and a photograph of a movie theater]
 
ADVANCED MEDICINE
 
   
Laser Power believes that several applications now addressed by conventional
lasers of substantially larger size and lower operating efficiencies represent
immediate opportunities for its green and blue microlasers. The Company believes
that microlasers can be used in the existing markets for ophthalmology,
biomedical analysis, vein, lesion and tattoo removal and the emerging market for
teeth whitening and curing of fillings.
    
<PAGE>   5
 
[continuation of photograph of movie theater]
 
FIBER OPTIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS
 
Fiber optic based telecommunications systems provide significant performance
advantages over traditional systems which use copper wire and cable, including
longer distances before amplification, greater bandwidth and information
handling capacity and higher resistance to electronic interference. Laser
Power's tunable 1550 nanometer microlasers currently under development are
designed for use in head-end and dense WDM fiber optic telecommunications
applications for CATV and telephone use. The Company anticipates that its 1550
nanometer microlasers will deliver higher quality voice, video and data
information at a lower cost than existing technologies.
 
[Depiction of a fiber optic based telecommunications network]
<PAGE>   6
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     This Prospectus contains forward-looking statements which involve risks and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors,
including those set forth under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Prospectus.
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and the consolidated financial statements, including the notes
thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Except as otherwise noted, all
information in this Prospectus (i) assumes no exercise of the Underwriters'
over-allotment option, the Representatives' Warrants, other warrants outstanding
as of the date of this Prospectus, or options granted or reserved under the
Company's stock option plans, (ii) assumes no conversion of the outstanding
Series A Convertible Subordinated Debentures (the "Debentures"), (iii) reflects
the 1-for-1.5 reverse stock split of the Common Stock effected on April 25,
1997, and (iv) reflects the exchange of all outstanding shares of the Company's
Preferred Stock for 1,193,252 shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the
closing of this offering. See "Certain Transactions," "Principal and Selling
Stockholders," "Description of Capital Stock," "Underwriting" and Note 5 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
   
     Laser Power Corporation ("Laser Power" or the "Company") designs,
manufactures and markets high performance laser optics for industrial, medical
and military lasers and laser systems. Laser optics are precision lenses,
reflectors and mirrors used to reflect, collect and focus laser beams. The
Company's products are sold to laser system OEMs and end users as original and
replacement components in high power CO(2) and other lasers. The Company's core
competencies lie in its surface finishing and thin film coatings, which are key
elements involved in all high performance laser optics. The Company believes
that its expertise in these areas provides it with a significant competitive
advantage.
    
 
     The Company's customers use high power CO(2) lasers in a variety of
industrial processing applications, such as sheet metal cutting, automobile body
welding, surface hardening for engine components and scribing and drilling
delicate ceramic circuits. The Company also sells high performance laser optics
to medical equipment OEMs for lower power CO(2) lasers used in certain
therapeutic and cosmetic procedures, including surgery and skin wrinkle removal.
In addition, the Company has developed very low absorption thin film coatings
for optics for laser anti-missile systems. The Company also conducts contract
research in the development and applications of advanced solid state lasers.
Substantially all of the Company's product revenues to date are attributable to
the sale of laser optics products for the industrial processing and medical
industries.
 
   
     The Company has leveraged its expertise in thin film coatings, surface
finishing and solid state lasers to develop proprietary miniature solid state
lasers that are excited or "pumped" by diode lasers. These "microlasers" have
significant size advantages and are generally 100 times more energy efficient
than conventional gas and solid state lasers. Further, they have longer
estimated lifetimes than conventional gas and lamp pumped solid state lasers.
Laser Power shipped the first microlaser evaluation units in March 1997, and
expects to begin commercial deliveries of microlasers to a medical equipment OEM
to replace gas lasers in dermatology systems by the end of fiscal 1997. The
Company believes that microlasers can replace other lasers in additional medical
equipment. The Company is also developing microlasers for projection display and
telecommunications applications.
    
 
     The Company's strategy is to expand its existing high performance laser
optics business through a continual improvement in quality and customer service
while introducing new products, such as the Company's low absorption,
non-radioactive MP-5 thin film coatings and Turbo-Cooled optics. The Company
also plans to leverage its optics expertise to enter new high margin markets for
high performance optics for yttrium aluminum garnet and visible lasers and thin
film filters for dense wavelength division multiplexers. In addition, to
increase margins on optics sales, the Company plans to increase manufacturing
automation and transfer additional labor intensive operations to its facility in
Mexico.
 
     The Company's strategy is also to build its microlaser infrastructure by
entering lower volume medical, biotechnology and industrial markets where the
Company's blue and green microlasers can replace other lasers. This
infrastructure will then serve as the platform for launching microlasers in
higher volumes for projection display applications. In addition, the Company has
developed prototypes of microlaser based projectors for the high end, high
resolution projector market. The Company also is developing a microlaser for
fiber optic telecommunications applications. The Company's strategy is to use
this microlaser as a platform to build a family of telecommunications products.
 
     The Company was incorporated in California in August 1979 and
reincorporated in Delaware in July 1983. The Company's executive offices are
located at 12777 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, California 92130, and its
telephone number is (619) 755-0700.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   7
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
Common Stock offered by the Company..........  2,050,000 shares
Common Stock offered by Selling                350,000 shares
  Stockholders...............................
Common Stock outstanding after the             6,252,354 shares(1)
  offering...................................
Use of Proceeds..............................  Additions to plant and equipment, repayment of
                                               debt, working capital and other general
                                               corporate purposes. See "Use of Proceeds."
Proposed Nasdaq National Market symbol.......  LPWR
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) Excludes: (i) 1,291,619 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon
    exercise of options outstanding as of March 31, 1997; (ii) 386,660 shares of
    Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants outstanding as of March 31,
    1997; (iii) 205,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
    Representatives' Warrants; (iv) up to 368,888 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon conversion of the Debentures; and (v) an aggregate of
    1,250,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for future issuance under the
    Company's 1997 Equity Incentive Plan (the "1997 Plan") and Employee Stock
    Purchase Plan.
    
 
                   SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,             FEBRUARY 29/28,
                                              ---------------------------------------------   -----------------
                                               1992     1993     1994      1995      1996      1996      1997
                                              ------   ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                           <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
  Product sales.............................  $8,622   $8,720   $10,158   $11,859   $15,194   $ 6,880   $ 7,995
  Contract research and development.........   1,149      963     1,727     2,714     3,713     1,682     3,129
                                              ------   ------   -------   -------   -------   -------    ------
         Total revenues.....................   9,771    9,683    11,885    14,573    18,907     8,562    11,124
Cost of revenues:
  Product sales.............................   5,125    5,392     6,550     7,994     9,888     4,601     5,475
  Contract research and development.........     941      766     1,308     2,059     2,942     1,262     2,502
                                              ------   ------   -------   -------   -------   -------    ------
         Total cost of revenues.............   6,066    6,158     7,858    10,053    12,830     5,863     7,977
Gross profit:
  Product sales.............................   3,497    3,328     3,608     3,865     5,306     2,279     2,520
  Contract research and development.........     208      197       419       655       771       420       627
                                              ------   ------   -------   -------   -------   -------    ------
         Total gross profit.................   3,705    3,525     4,027     4,520     6,077     2,699     3,147
Income (loss) from operations...............     485     (629)     (745)   (1,920)     (918)     (845)      480
Net income (loss)...........................  $  312   $ (816)  $(1,013)  $(2,269)  $(1,231)  $(1,004)  $   313
Pro forma net income (loss) per share(1)....                                        $ (0.29)            $  0.06
Shares used in per share computations(1)....                                          4,311               4,887
OTHER DATA:
  Effect of microlaser operations on income
    (loss) from operations(2)...............  $   --   $ (294)  $  (983)  $(2,104)  $(2,035)  $(1,161)  $  (164)
</TABLE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   FEBRUARY 28, 1997
                                                                               --------------------------
                                                                                             PRO FORMA
                                                                                ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED(3)
                                                                               --------    --------------
<S>                                                                            <C>         <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DATA:
  Cash and cash equivalents..................................................  $    128       $ 12,251
  Working capital............................................................     1,992         14,412
  Total assets...............................................................    12,728         24,851
  Long-term debt, net of current portion.....................................       687            582
  Subordinated convertible debentures........................................     1,660          1,660
  Total stockholders' equity.................................................     5,557         18,857
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description
    of the computation of the pro forma net income (loss) per share and the
    number of shares used in the pro forma per share calculation.
 
(2) The Company's investment in microlaser technology and product development
    has had a material effect on the Company's results of operations. Because of
    its materiality, the effect of microlaser operations on income (loss) from
    operations is presented separately. The effect of microlaser operations on
    income (loss) from operations includes gross profit (loss), research and
    development expenses and incremental selling, general and administrative
    expenses. It does not include any allocations of corporate expenses,
    interest or taxes.
 
   
(3) As adjusted to reflect the exchange of all outstanding convertible Preferred
    Stock for 1,193,252 shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the closing
    of this offering and to give effect to the sale of 2,050,000 shares of
    Common Stock to be sold in the offering by the Company hereby at an assumed
    initial public offering price of $7.50 and after deducting estimated
    underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses and the
    application of the net proceeds from the sale of such shares. See "Use of
    Proceeds" and "Capitalization."
    
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   8
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     In addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus, the
following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating the Company
and its business before purchasing shares of the Common Stock offered hereby.
This Prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results may differ materially from the
results discussed in such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause
such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and "Business" as well as those discussed elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
 
HISTORY OF OPERATING LOSSES AND ACCUMULATED DEFICIT
 
     As a result of substantial investments in research and development, the
Company incurred operating losses in each of the last three fiscal years and, at
February 28, 1997, had an accumulated deficit of $4.9 million. The development,
sales, marketing and support of new products will require continued substantial
expenditures for the foreseeable future, which could result in additional
operating losses. The Company has funded a substantial portion of its product
development efforts through development contracts. Any failure by the Company to
maintain its external funding sources could result in increased operating
losses. There can be no assurance that the Company will maintain its external
funding sources or be profitable in the future or that the net proceeds of this
offering, together with any funds provided by operations and present capital,
will be sufficient to fund the Company's future capital requirements. See "Use
of Proceeds," "Selected Consolidated Financial Information," "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
"Business -- Research and Development."
 
COMPETITION
 
     The industries in which the Company sells its products, and will sell its
products under development, are highly competitive. In each of the markets it
serves, the Company faces intense competition from established competitors, many
of which have substantially greater financial, engineering, research and
development, manufacturing, sales, marketing, service and support resources,
including greater name recognition, a larger installed base of products and
longer standing customer relationships. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to compete successfully in the laser optics, laser and
laser systems industries in the future, that the Company will be able to make
the technological advances necessary to maintain its competitive position or
that its new products will receive market acceptance. In addition, there can be
no assurance that technological changes or development efforts by the Company's
competitors will not render the Company's products or technologies obsolete or
uncompetitive. See "Business -- Competition."
 
DEVELOPMENT RISKS RELATING TO MICROLASER TECHNOLOGIES
 
     The Company has devoted substantial resources to developing its microlasers
and future microlaser based products. To date, sales of the Company's
microlasers have been limited to customer evaluation sales. Other microlasers
and microlaser based products are still in the early stages of development.
There can be no assurance that the Company will successfully develop any
microlaser or microlaser based products. There also can be no assurance that the
Company's microlasers will be successfully designed into customers' products or
that the Company's products under development will achieve commercial sales
volumes. The Company believes that it will be necessary to continue to reduce
the cost of manufacturing and to broaden the variety of wavelengths provided by
its microlaser to achieve commercial acceptance. If the Company is unable to
successfully gain market acceptance of its microlasers and microlaser based
products, its business, operating results and financial condition will be
materially and adversely affected. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Business -- Products and
Products under Development," "-- Laser Power's Strategy" and "-- Research and
Development."
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   9
 
DEPENDENCE ON SOLE AND LIMITED SOURCE SUPPLIERS
 
     Certain materials and components used in the manufacture of the Company's
products are currently obtained from single or limited source suppliers. The
Company purchases all of its zinc selenide (a critical raw material used in the
manufacture of the Company's optics) from Morton International, Inc. ("Morton").
In addition, the Company believes that Cerac Incorporated ("Cerac"), from which
the Company purchases all of its thorium fluoride for use in its low absorption
thin film coatings, is the sole source for high quality thorium fluoride. Any
interruption or cessation of supply by Morton or Cerac would have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations. The Company does not have long term or volume purchase agreements
with its suppliers, and there can be no assurance that materials and components
needed by the Company will be available in the quantities required by the
Company, if at all. See "Business -- Manufacturing."
 
DEPENDENCE ON NEW PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES
 
     To meet its strategic objectives, the Company must continue to develop,
manufacture and market new products, develop new processes and improve its
existing processes. As a result, the Company expects to continue to make
significant investments in research and development and to consider from time to
time the strategic acquisition of businesses, products, or technologies
complementary to the Company's business. The success of the Company in
developing, introducing and selling new and enhanced products depends upon a
variety of factors, including product selection, timely and efficient completion
of product design and development, timely and efficient implementation of
manufacturing and assembly processes, effective sales and marketing and product
performance in the field. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to develop and introduce new products or enhancements to its existing
products and processes in a manner that satisfies customer needs or achieves
market acceptance. The failure to do so would have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See
"Business -- Laser Power's Strategy" and "-- Research and Development."
 
DEPENDENCE ON PATENTS AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
 
     The Company's success will depend in large part on the Company's ability,
and the ability of its licensees and licensors, to obtain patents for its
technologies and any products resulting from the application of such
technologies, to defend such patents once obtained and to maintain trade
secrets, both in the United States and in foreign countries. The commercial
success of the Company will also depend upon avoiding the infringement of
patents issued to others and maintaining the technology licenses upon which
certain of the Company's current products are, or any future products might be,
based.
 
     The Company owns certain U.S. patents and has filed additional patent
applications in the United States and foreign jurisdictions. There can be no
assurance that other patents will be issued to the Company or its licensors as a
result of pending or future patent applications or that, if issued, such patents
will contain claims sufficiently broad to afford protection against competitors
with similar technology. Although the Company may file additional patent
applications outside the United States, the Company believes that obtaining
foreign patents may be more difficult than obtaining U.S. patents because of
differences in patent laws and believes the protection provided by foreign
patents, if obtained, and any other foreign intellectual property protection may
be weaker than that provided in the United States. There can be no assurance
that any patents issued to the Company or for which the Company has license
rights, will not be challenged, narrowed, invalidated or circumvented, or that
the rights granted under such patents will provide competitive advantages to the
Company. Litigation, which could result in substantial cost to the Company, may
be necessary to enforce the Company's patent and license rights, to enforce or
defend an infringement claim, or to determine the scope and validity of others'
proprietary rights. Some of the Company's competitors have, or are affiliated
with companies having, substantially greater resources than the Company, and
such competitors may be able to sustain the costs of complex patent litigation
to a greater degree and for longer periods of time than the Company.
Uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of any patent or
related litigation could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. If others file patent
applications that claim technology also claimed by the Company, the Company may
have to
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   10
 
participate in interference proceedings declared by the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office (the "USPTO") to determine the priority of invention, or
opposition proceedings in a foreign patent office, either of which could result
in substantial cost to the Company, even if the outcome is favorable to the
Company. An adverse outcome could subject the Company to significant liabilities
to third parties and require the Company to cease using the technology or to
license disputed rights from third parties, which licenses may not be available
at reasonable cost, if at all.
 
     The Company has acquired a license to a Leland Stanford Junior University
("Stanford") owned patent covering certain technology used in its blue
microlaser from ATx Telecom Systems, Inc. ("ATx Telecom"). The Company has
received a letter from a third party claiming that the Company's license was
transferred improperly by Stanford and ATx Telecom. While the Company believes
that such license was properly transferred, there can be no assurance that the
Company's license would not be voided if subjected to a legal challenge. In such
an event, there can be no assurance that the Company would be able to obtain a
replacement license on favorable terms, if at all. Failure to obtain such a
license would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
 
   
     The Company is aware of patents held by other parties that may relate to
the Company's microlaser technology. The Company believes that it does not
infringe such patents or believes that it has adequate design-arounds if it is
held to infringe such patents. The Company may, however, decide to enter into
license agreements with such patent holders to avoid costly litigation. There
can be no assurance that the Company will obtain any licenses that it might seek
on favorable terms, if at all. If it is determined that the patents held by
these other laser companies cover the Company's technology, the Company's
inability to obtain licenses for such technology could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
    
 
   
     The Company has developed certain of its proprietary technology pursuant to
development contracts, including contracts with federal government agencies.
Under standard provisions in government contracts, the government may retain
certain rights in technology developed under such contracts. In addition, the
Company has granted significant rights to the other parties under such
contracts. The Company's strategy is to continue to develop a significant
portion of its proprietary technology pursuant to funding received from
development contracts. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to continue to obtain funding for the development of its proprietary technology,
or that, if received, the Company will obtain rights to such technology
sufficient to permit the Company to develop and market new products or to
prevent third parties from using such technology to compete with the Company.
    
 
     The Company relies substantially on certain technologies that are not
patentable or proprietary and are therefore available to the Company's
competitors. The Company also relies on certain proprietary trade secrets and
know-how that are not patentable. Although the Company has taken steps to
protect its unpatented trade secrets and know-how, in part through the use of
confidentiality agreements with its employees, consultants and certain of its
contractors, there can be no assurance that such agreements will not be
breached, that the Company would have adequate remedies for any breach, or that
the Company's trade secrets will not otherwise become known or be independently
developed or discovered by competitors.
 
     The Company's academic collaborators have certain rights to publish data
and information in which the Company has rights. There is considerable pressure
on academic institutions to publish discoveries in the high technology and
physics fields. There can be no assurance that such publication would not
adversely affect the Company's ability to obtain patent protection for certain
technologies in which the Company may have a commercial interest. See
"Business -- Patents and Proprietary Rights."
 
LIMITED MICROLASER MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE; SCALE-UP RISK
 
     The Company has no experience in producing microlasers other than in small
developmental quantities. The Company's microlasers are assembled from component
parts at the Company's San Diego facility. The Company purchases component parts
for its microlasers, including laser crystals, nonlinear crystals and diode
lasers, from various sources around the world. However, none of the Company's
suppliers of microlaser component parts has experience in supplying components
with the Company's specifications at increased volumes. The Company does not
have long term or volume purchase agreements with any of its
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   11
 
suppliers and currently purchases components on a purchase order basis. There
can be no assurance that these suppliers will be able to provide components to
the Company in the quantities, with the quality or at the prices necessary for
production quantities of the Company's products under development. The Company
must increase its manufacturing capacity to polish and coat crystals and to
perform the required complex assembly steps. Such an increase in its
manufacturing capacity will require significant scale-up expenditures and
additions to the Company's facilities. See "Use of Proceeds." In the event the
Company is unable to locate sufficient sources of microlaser component parts, or
is unable to expand its manufacturing capacity to produce microlasers and
microlaser based products, the Company will not be able to manufacture its
products on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, which would have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. See "Business -- Manufacturing."
 
LIMITED MICROLASER SALES, MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION EXPERIENCE
 
     The Company has only limited experience marketing and selling its
microlasers, and does not have experience marketing and selling such products in
commercial quantities. The Company intends to sell its microlasers and
microlaser based products through a direct sales force in North America and a
direct sales force and distributors in Europe. In Asia, the Company intends to
sell its microlasers and microlaser based products primarily through agreements
with distributors or representatives, although the Company has not entered into
any such agreements or arrangements to date. To the extent that the Company
enters into distribution or representation arrangements for the sale of its
microlasers and microlaser based products, the Company will be dependent upon
the efforts of third parties. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to build a direct sales force or marketing organization for microlasers or
microlaser based products, that establishing such a direct sales force or
marketing organization will be cost effective, or that the Company's sales and
marketing efforts will be successful. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to enter into agreements with distributors or representation
arrangements on a timely basis, if at all, or that such distributors or
representatives will devote adequate resources to selling the Company's
microlasers and microlaser-based products. Failure to build an effective sales
and marketing organization or to establish effective distribution or
representation arrangements for the Company's microlaser products would have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. See "Business -- Sales and Marketing."
 
FUTURE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
 
     Although the Company believes that the net proceeds from the sale by the
Company of Common Stock in this offering, together with existing cash balances,
cash flow from operations and available lines of credit, will be sufficient to
meet its capital requirements for at least the next 12 months, the Company may
seek additional equity or debt financing to compete effectively in the markets
it serves. The timing and amount of the Company's capital requirements cannot be
precisely determined at this time and will depend on a number of factors,
including the demand for the Company's products and products under development.
There can be no assurance that such additional financing will be available when
needed, or, if available, will be on terms satisfactory to the Company. If
additional funds are raised by issuing equity securities, further dilution to
the then existing stockholders will result. See "Use of Proceeds" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
FLUCTUATION IN QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE
 
     The Company has experienced and expects to continue to experience
significant fluctuations in its quarterly results. The Company may incur
significant losses in the future due to product design, development,
manufacturing and marketing expenditures, especially in connection with its
microlasers and microlaser based products. If significant variations were to
occur between forecasts and actual orders with respect to its laser optics
business or microlasers and microlaser based products, the Company may not be
able to reduce its expenses proportionately and in a timely manner, and
operating results could be adversely affected. Such variations have occurred in
the past and could occur again in the future as a result of increases in
development expenditures for proposed new products, product introductions by
competitors, changes in customer ordering
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   12
 
patterns and other factors. In addition, the Company's ability to fill orders in
a timely and responsive manner is dependent upon maintaining adequate
manufacturing capacity and significant inventories of raw material and finished
optics for replacement orders. The Company has experienced capacity constraints
in the past which have resulted in delays in order fulfillment and reduced gross
margins. Future delays in order fulfillment could lead to declines in product
sales. If product sales or prices were to decline substantially, inventory
writedowns could occur. Price reductions or increases in material costs could
also have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations -- Results of Operations."
 
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNATIONAL SALES
 
   
     International sales accounted for approximately 43%, 45%, 44%, 43% and 48%
of the Company's total revenues in fiscal years 1994, 1995, 1996 and the six
months ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1997, respectively, and the
Company expects that international sales will continue to account for a
substantial portion of total revenues. Sales to Europe, including sales to the
Company's Belgium subsidiary, and the Asia Pacific region accounted for 25%,
26%, 26%, 25% and 34% and 12%, 14%, 13%, 14% and 10%, respectively, of the
Company's total international sales for fiscal years 1994, 1995, 1996 and the
six months ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1997, respectively. The
Company may continue to expand its operations outside of the United States and
to enter additional international markets, both of which will require
significant management attention and financial resources. International sales
are subject to inherent risks, including unexpected changes in regulatory
requirements, tariffs and other trade barriers, political and economic
instability in foreign markets, difficulties in staffing and management and
integration of foreign operations, longer payment cycles, greater difficulty in
accounts receivable collection, currency fluctuations and potentially adverse
tax consequences. Since substantially all of the Company's foreign sales are
denominated in U.S. dollars, the Company's products may also become less price
competitive in countries in which local currencies decline in value relative to
the U.S. dollar. The Company's business and operating results may also be
materially and adversely affected by lower sales levels which typically occur
during the summer months and the calendar year end in Europe and certain other
overseas markets. The sales of many of the Company's OEM customers are dependent
on international sales, which increases the Company's exposure to the risks
associated with international sales. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations," "Business -- Sales and
Marketing" and "-- Competition."
    
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
     The Company is highly dependent upon the experience and continuing services
of certain scientists, engineers and production and management personnel.
Competition for the services of these personnel is intense, and there can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to retain or attract the personnel
necessary for the Company's success. The loss of the services of the Company's
key personnel would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. See "Business -- Employees,"
"Management -- Executive Officers and Directors" and "-- Other Key Employees."
 
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS
 
   
     The Company is subject to a variety of federal, state and local
governmental regulations related to the storage, use and disposal of hazardous
materials used by the Company in connection with the manufacture of laser
optics. Both the governmental regulations and the costs associated with
complying with such regulations are subject to change in the future. There can
be no assurance that any such change will not have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. The
Company makes investments in protective equipment, and continually reviews and
monitors process controls, manufacturing procedures and training to minimize the
risks to employees, surrounding communities and the environment due to the
presence and handling of such hazardous materials. The failure to properly
handle such materials could lead to harmful exposure to employees or to the
improper discharge of hazardous materials. Since the Company does not carry
environmental impairment insurance, such a failure could result in a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations. See "Business -- Environmental, Health and Safety Matters."
    
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   13
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
   
     Future sales of shares by existing security holders could have an adverse
effect on the market price of the Company's Common Stock. Upon completion of
this offering, the Company will have outstanding 6,252,354 shares of Common
Stock. In addition to the 2,400,000 shares sold in this offering, which are
freely tradable, approximately 233,000 shares, which are currently outstanding,
will be eligible for immediate sale on the date of this Prospectus. In addition,
upon the expiration of lock-up agreements, 180 days after the effective date of
the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part (the "Effective
Date"), an aggregate of approximately 3,619,000 shares will be eligible for sale
subject to compliance in some cases with Rule 144 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Approximately an additional 1,427,000
shares issuable upon exercise or conversion of outstanding vested options,
warrants and Debentures will also be eligible for sale upon expiration of the
lock-up agreements, 180 days after the Effective Date, subject in some cases to
compliance with Rule 144. Commencing one year after the completion of this
offering, Proxima Corporation ("Proxima") and Union Miniere Inc. ("Union
Miniere"), which beneficially own an aggregate of approximately 2,200,000 shares
of Common Stock (including up to 368,888 shares issuable upon conversion of
outstanding Debentures), will be entitled to certain registration rights with
respect to such shares. The exercise of such rights by either Proxima or Union
Miniere could result in a large number of shares being sold in the public market
after one year from the closing of this offering. Future sales of shares by
existing stockholders could have an adverse effect on the market price of the
Common Stock or otherwise impair the Company's ability to raise additional
capital. See "Certain Transactions," "Description of Capital Stock" and "Shares
Eligible for Future Sale."
    
 
RIGHTS TO ACQUIRE SHARES
 
   
     As of the date of this Prospectus, options to purchase 950,290 shares under
the Company's option plans, additional options to purchase 341,329 shares and
warrants to purchase 386,660 shares of Common Stock are outstanding. In
addition, the Debentures will remain outstanding following the offering and will
be convertible into up to 368,888 shares of Common Stock. At the completion of
this offering, the Representatives will receive the Representatives' Warrants to
purchase up to 200,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to 130%
of the initial public offering price per share. The Representatives' Warrants
will be exercisable during a period of four years commencing one year from the
date of this Prospectus. During the terms of the outstanding options, warrants,
Debentures and the Representatives' Warrants, the holders are given the
opportunity to profit from a rise in the market price of the Common Stock, and
their exercise or conversion of such options, warrants, Debentures or
Representatives' Warrants will dilute the ownership interest of existing
stockholders, including investors in this offering. The existence of the
options, warrants, Debentures and Representatives' Warrants may adversely affect
the market price of the Common Stock or otherwise impair the Company's ability
to raise additional capital. See "Management -- Stock Option Plans," "Certain
Transactions," "Description of Capital Stock -- Debentures" and "Underwriting."
    
 
CONTROL BY EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND AFFILIATED ENTITIES
 
   
     Upon completion of this offering, the Company's executive officers and
directors and their affiliated entities will, in the aggregate, beneficially own
approximately 55.9% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. As a result,
these stockholders will be able to exercise control over matters requiring
stockholder approval, including the election of directors, mergers,
consolidations and sales of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company. This control may prevent or discourage tender offers for the Company's
Common Stock unless the terms are approved by such stockholders. See
"Management" and "Principal and Selling Stockholders."
    
 
IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION
 
   
     Investors participating in this offering will incur immediate, substantial
dilution of $4.64 per share, assuming an initial public offering price of $7.50
per share. To the extent options or warrants to purchase
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   14
 
Common Stock are exercised or the Debentures are converted into Common Stock,
there will be further dilution. See "Dilution" and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and
Capital Resources."
 
EFFECT OF CERTAIN CHARTER AND BYLAW PROVISIONS
 
     Certain provisions of the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation (the "Restated Certificate") and Bylaws, including the inability
of stockholders to effect actions by written consent or to remove directors
without cause, may have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party
to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, control
of the Company. Such provisions could limit the price that certain investors
might be willing to pay in the future for shares of the Common Stock. Certain
provisions of the Restated Certificate allow the Company to issue Preferred
Stock without any vote or further action by the stockholders. These provisions
may make it more difficult for stockholders to take certain corporate actions
and could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the
Company. See "Management" and "Description of Capital Stock."
 
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
 
   
     The Restated Certificate limits, to the maximum extent permitted by the
Delaware General Corporation Law ("Delaware Law"), the personal liability of
directors for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director.
The Company's Bylaws provide that the Company shall indemnify its executive
officers and directors and may indemnify its other officers, employees and
agents to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Company will enter into
indemnification agreements with its directors and certain officers containing
provisions which are in some respects broader than the specific indemnification
provisions contained in Delaware Law. The indemnification agreements may require
the Company, among other things, to indemnify such officers and directors
against certain liabilities arising by reason of their status or service as
directors or officers (other than liabilities arising from willful misconduct of
a culpable nature) and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any
proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. The Company has
purchased directors' and officers' liability insurance in the amount of $5
million of coverage, however, there can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to obtain such liability insurance in the future. Section 145 of the
Delaware Law provides that a corporation may indemnify a director, officer,
employee or agent made or threatened to be made a party to an action by reason
of the fact that he was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation or was serving at the request of the corporation against expenses
actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action if he acted in
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, if he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
Delaware Law does not permit a corporation to eliminate a director's duty of
care, and the provisions of the Restated Certificate have no effect on the
availability of equitable remedies, such as injunction or rescission, for a
director's breach of the duty of care. See "Management -- Limitations of
Directors Liability and Indemnification."
    
 
NO PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK; VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
   
     Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock, and there can be no assurance that an active public market for the Common
Stock will develop or be sustained after the offering. The initial public
offering price has been determined by negotiations between the Company and the
Representatives. See "Underwriting" for a discussion of the factors to be
considered in determining the initial public offering price. The trading price
of the Common Stock could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to
variations in quarterly operating results, the gain or loss of significant
orders, changes in earning estimates by analysts, announcements of technological
innovations or new products by the Company or its competitors, general
conditions in the laser optics and laser industries and other events or factors.
In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and
volume fluctuations that have affected the market price for many companies in
industries similar or related to that of the Company and that have been
unrelated to the operating performance of those companies. These market
fluctuations may materially and adversely affect the market price of the Common
Stock.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   15
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
     The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the 2,050,000 shares of
Common Stock offered by the Company hereby at an assumed public offering price
of $7.50 per share, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and
commissions and initial offering expenses payable by the Company, are estimated
to be approximately $13.3 million (approximately $15.7 million if the
Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full). The Company will not
receive any proceeds of the sale of the shares of Common Stock offered by the
Selling Stockholders.
    
 
     The Company anticipates that it will use approximately $4.7 million in net
proceeds of this offering for expansion of its manufacturing, research and
administrative facilities and additions to its equipment for
production of its current products, microlasers and microlaser based products
under development. The Company intends to use approximately $1.0 million in net
proceeds for prepayment of its term loan and repayment of amounts outstanding
under its line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank N.A. used for working capital,
and approximately $0.2 million in net proceeds for payment of certain promissory
notes issued to Proxima in connection with the financing of certain equipment
used to develop microlasers. At March 31, 1997, the term loan, the line of
credit and the Proxima promissory notes bore interest at the annual rates of
10.50%, 9.75% and 10.00%, respectively, and have due dates of December 31, 1997,
March 1, 1998 and May 30, 1999, respectively. The Company intends to use the
remaining net proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes. The
Company may use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire other businesses,
products or technologies; the Company currently has no plans, agreements or
commitments, oral or written, with respect to any such transaction. Pending such
uses, the net proceeds will be invested in interest bearing investment grade
securities. Although the Company believes that the net proceeds from the sale of
the Common Stock in this offering, together with existing cash balances, cash
flow from operations and available lines of credit, will be sufficient to meet
its capital requirements for at least the next 12 months, the Company may be
required to seek additional equity or debt financing. There can be no assurance
that such additional financing will be available when needed, or, if available,
will be on terms satisfactory to the Company.
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
     To date, the Company has not declared nor paid any cash dividends on its
Common Stock. The Company currently intends to retain any future earnings to
finance the growth and development of its business and therefore does not
anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, the
Company's credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank prohibits the payment of cash
dividends on its capital stock without the consent of the bank, and the
Debentures restrict payment of cash dividends in accordance with certain
financial covenants. See "Description of Capital Stock -- Convertible
Subordinated Debentures."
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   16
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
   
     The following table sets forth as of February 28, 1997 (i) the actual
capitalization of the Company and (ii) the pro forma capitalization as adjusted
to give effect to the exchange of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock for
1,193,252 shares of Common Stock and the sale of 2,050,000 shares of Common
Stock offered by the Company hereby at an assumed initial public offering price
of $7.50 per share (after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and
commissions and offering expenses) and the application of the estimated net
proceeds therefrom.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            FEBRUARY 28, 1997
                                                                         -----------------------
                                                                                      PRO FORMA
                                                                         ACTUAL      AS ADJUSTED
                                                                         -------     -----------
<S>                                                                      <C>         <C>
Short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt...........  $ 1,178       $   106
                                                                         =======       =======
Long-term debt, net of current portion(1)..............................  $   687       $   582
Subordinated convertible debentures(1).................................    1,660         1,660
                                                                         -------       -------
          Total long term debt.........................................    2,347         2,242
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, $0.125 par value, 3,000,000 shares authorized,
     1,610,891 shares issued and outstanding actual; $0.001 par value,
     3,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued and outstanding,
     pro forma as adjusted.............................................      201            --
  Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized,
     3,009,102 shares issued and outstanding actual; $0.001 par value
     15,000,000 shares authorized and 6,252,354 issued and outstanding,
     pro forma as
     adjusted (2)......................................................        3             6
  Additional paid-in capital...........................................   10,264        23,762
  Foreign currency translation adjustment..............................        6             6
  Accumulated deficit..................................................   (4,917)       (4,917)
                                                                         -------       -------
     Total stockholders' equity........................................    5,557        18,857
                                                                         -------       -------
          Total capitalization.........................................  $ 7,904       $21,099
                                                                         =======       =======
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a
    description of the Company's long-term obligations and the Debentures.
 
   
(2) Excludes: (i) 1,224,953 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
    outstanding options at a weighted average exercise price of $3.92 per share;
    (ii) 386,660 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants at a
    weighted average exercise price of $3.21 per share; (iii) 205,000 shares of
    Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Representatives' Warrants at an
    exercise price equal to 130% of the initial public offering price per share;
    (iv) up to 368,888 shares issuable upon conversion of Debentures; and (v) an
    aggregate of 1,250,000 shares reserved for future issuance under the 1997
    Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. See "Management -- Stock Option
    Plans," "-- Employee Stock Purchase Plan," "Certain Transactions,"
    "Description of Capital Stock" and Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated
    Financial Statements.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   17
 
                                    DILUTION
 
   
     The pro forma net tangible book value of the Company, as of February 28,
1997, was approximately $4.6 million or $1.09 per share. Pro forma net tangible
book value per share is equal to the Company's total tangible assets less its
total liabilities, divided by the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock,
assuming the exchange of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock for 1,193,252
shares of Common Stock. After giving effect to the sale of the 2,050,000 shares
of Common Stock offered by the Company hereby (at an assumed initial public
offering price of $7.50 per share and after deducting estimated underwriting
discounts and commissions and offering expenses), the pro forma net tangible
book value of the Company at February 28, 1997 would have been approximately
$17.9 million or $2.86 per share. This represents an immediate increase in such
net tangible book value of $1.77 per share to existing stockholders and an
immediate dilution of $4.64 per share to new investors purchasing shares in this
offering. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                            <C>       <C>
Assumed initial public offering price per share..............................            $7.50
  Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of February 28, 1997........  $1.09
  Increase per share attributable to this offering...........................   1.77
                                                                               -----
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering..............             2.86
                                                                                         -----
Dilution per share to new investors..........................................            $4.64
                                                                                         =====
</TABLE>
    
 
     The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis, as of February 28,
1997, the differences between the number of shares purchased from the Company,
assuming the exchange of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock for Common
Stock, the total consideration paid and the average price paid per share by the
existing holders of Common Stock and by the new investors at an assumed initial
public offering price of $7.50 per share:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        SHARES PURCHASED          TOTAL CONSIDERATION
                                      ---------------------     -----------------------     AVERAGE PRICE
                                      NUMBER(1)     PERCENT       AMOUNT        PERCENT       PER SHARE
                                      ---------     -------     -----------     -------     -------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>         <C>             <C>         <C>
Existing stockholders...............  4,202,354        67%      $10,495,000        41%          $2.50
New investors.......................  2,050,000        33        15,375,000        59           $7.50
                                      ---------       ---       -----------       ---
          Total.....................  6,252,354       100%      $25,870,000       100%
                                      =========       ===       ===========       ===
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(1) The sale of 350,000 shares by the Selling Stockholders in this offering will
    reduce the number of shares held by existing stockholders to 3,852,354 or
    62% of the total shares of Common Stock outstanding and will increase the
    number of shares held by new investors to 2,400,000 or 38% of the total
    shares of Common Stock outstanding after this offering. See "Principal and
    Selling Stockholders."
    
 
   
     The foregoing tables excludes: (i) 1,224,953 shares of Common Stock
reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options at a weighted average
exercise price of $3.92 per share; (ii) 386,660 shares of Common Stock issuable
upon exercise of outstanding warrants at a weighted average exercise price of
$3.21 per share; (iii) 205,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
the Representatives' Warrants at an exercise price equal to 130% of the initial
public offering price per share; (iv) up to 368,888 shares issuable upon
conversion of the Debentures; and (v)an aggregate of 1,250,000 shares of the
Common Stock reserved for future issuance under the 1997 Plan and the Employee
Stock Purchase Plan. To the extent that options, warrants or Debentures are
exercised or converted in the future, there will be further dilution to new
stockholders. See "Management -- Stock Option Plans," "-- Employee Stock
Purchase Plan," "Certain Transactions," "Description of Capital Stock" and Note
5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   18
 
                  SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                    (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
     The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the
Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The Consolidated Statements
of Operations Data for the years ended August 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and
1996 and the Consolidated Balance Sheets Data as of August 31, 1992, 1993, 1994,
1995 and 1996 are derived from the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements,
which financial statements have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors. The Consolidated Statements of Operations Data for the six months
ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1997 and the Consolidated Balance
Sheets Data as of February 28, 1997, are derived from the unaudited financial
statements of the Company. The results of operations for the six months ended
February 28, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full
year or future periods. The unaudited financial statements have been prepared on
a basis consistent with the Company's audited financial statements and include
all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, that
management believed necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial
position and results of operations for such periods.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,             FEBRUARY 29/28,
                                             ----------------------------------------------   -----------------
                                              1992     1993      1994      1995      1996      1996      1997
                                             ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                          <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
  Product sales............................  $8,622   $ 8,720   $10,158   $11,859   $15,194   $ 6,880   $ 7,995
  Contract research and development........   1,149       963     1,727     2,714     3,713     1,682     3,129
                                             ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
         Total revenues....................   9,771     9,683    11,885    14,573    18,907     8,562    11,124
                                             ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Costs and expenses:
  Product sales............................   5,125     5,392     6,550     7,994     9,888     4,601     5,475
  Contract research and development........     941       766     1,308     2,059     2,942     1,262     2,502
  Microlaser internal research and
    development............................      --       294       983     2,071     1,968     1,115        99
  Other internal research and
    development............................     481       890       585       786       721       346       290
  Selling, general and administrative......   2,739     2,971     3,204     3,583     4,306     2,083     2,278
                                             ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
         Total costs and expenses..........   9,286    10,313    12,630    16,493    19,825     9,407    10,644
                                             ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Income (loss) from operations..............     485      (630)     (745)   (1,920)     (918)     (845)      480
Interest expense, net......................     128       186       268       326       300       152       145
                                             ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Income (loss) before income taxes..........     357      (816)   (1,013)   (2,246)   (1,218)     (997)      335
Income taxes...............................      45        --        --        23        13         7        22
                                             ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
         Net income (loss).................  $  312   $  (816)  $(1,013)  $(2,269)  $(1,231)  $(1,004)  $   313
                                             ======   ========  ========  ========  ========  ========  ========
Pro forma net income (loss) per share(1)...                                         $ (0.29)            $  0.06
                                                                                    ========            ========
Shares used in per share computations(1)...                                           4,311               4,887
                                                                                    ========            ========
OTHER DATA:
  Effect of microlaser operations on income
    (loss) from operations(2)..............  $   --   $  (294)  $  (983)  $(2,104)  $(2,035)  $(1,161)  $  (164)
                                             ======   ========  ========  ========  ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               AUGUST 31,
                                             ----------------------------------------------     FEBRUARY 28,
                                              1992     1993      1994      1995      1996           1997
                                             ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -----------------
<S>                                          <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>            <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents..................  $  621   $   109   $   394   $   257   $   298        $  128
Working capital............................   2,457     1,745     1,723     2,311     2,838         1,992
Total assets...............................   8,005     7,899     9,444    10,207    11,194        12,728
Long-term debt, net of current portion.....     895       943     1,049       802       559           687
Subordinated convertible debt..............   1,660     1,660     1,660     1,660     1,660         1,660
Total stockholders' equity.................   3,783     3,234     3,787     4,670     5,320         5,557
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description
    of the computation of the pro forma net income (loss) per share and the
    number of shares used in the pro forma per share calculation.
 
(2) The Company's investment in microlaser technology and product development
    has had a material effect on the Company's results of operations. Because of
    its materiality, the effect of microlaser operations on income (loss) from
    operations is presented separately. The effect of microlaser operations on
    income (loss) from operations includes gross profit (loss), research and
    development expenses and incremental selling, general and administrative
    expenses. It does not include any allocations of corporate expenses,
    interest or taxes.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   19
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following contains forward-looking statements that involve risk and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results may differ materially from the
results discussed. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are
not limited to, those discussed in "Risk Factors," as well as those discussed
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
OVERVIEW
 
     Laser Power designs, manufactures and sells a broad range of optics and
optical assemblies for lasers used in industrial, medical and military
applications. The Company sells its optics products to major domestic and
foreign laser and laser system manufacturers and end users as original and
replacement components in high power CO(2) and other lasers. The Company also
conducts contract research in advanced applications of lasers and optics,
primarily for U.S. government departments and agencies. The Company has also
developed miniature solid state lasers, or microlasers, which it expects to
manufacture, market and sell by the end of fiscal 1997.
 
     The Company manufactures optics primarily for customer orders for scheduled
deliveries and to a lesser extent for inventory for same day delivery orders,
and ships in annual volumes ranging from several units to end user customers to
thousands of units to OEM customers and major distributors. As manufacturing
volume has increased, the Company has experienced longer manufacturing cycle
times due to capacity constraints in its polishing and coating operations. The
Company has recently made investments in additional manufacturing equipment and
facilities in the United States and Mexico that it believes will result in
reduced manufacturing costs when fully integrated into operations. See "Risk
Factors -- Dependence on New Products and Processes" and "-- Fluctuations in
Quarterly Performance."
 
     Contract research and development allows the Company to develop
technologies that the Company believes may have significant commercial
applications without bearing all of the economic risks of such development.
Revenues from contract research are recognized based on the ratio of costs
incurred to total estimated costs. Typically, contract gross margins are lower
than gross margins on product sales. Revenues from contract research are
expected to remain relatively stable in absolute dollar terms and to decrease as
a percentage of revenues due to the higher anticipated growth rate of sales of
optics and the anticipated commencement of sales of microlasers.
 
     Since inception, the Company has been a supplier of optics and research and
development support to various military departments and agencies. Military
product sales were $1.1 million, $0.9 million, $1.5 million, $0.9 million and
$0.6 million for the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and the six
month periods ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1997, respectively.
Military contract research revenues were $1.5 million, $1.9 million, $2.4
million, $1.5 million and $1.5 million for the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995
and 1996 and the six month periods ended February 29, 1996 and February 28,
1997, respectively. Foreign military sales were not material.
 
     A substantial portion of microlaser internal research and development has
been funded by the Company through the sale of equity securities. In the future,
the Company anticipates funding these development activities through funds
provided by operations or research and development contracts.
 
     While optics and contract research operations (excluding interest and
taxes) have been profitable for all periods presented, the investment in
microlaser internal research and development has resulted in consolidated losses
for fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996. Microlaser research has been primarily funded by
contracts since July 1996. As a result, the Company has operated profitably for
the six months ended February 28, 1997. Continued profitable operations will
depend on the cost of and the time required to complete development and
commercialization of microlasers, pricing and other factors which determine
customer acceptance of these new products, and the success of competing products
and alternative technologies. The carrying value of microlaser assets at
February 28, 1997 was $1.4 million.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   20
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table sets forth certain statements of operations and other
data expressed as a percentage of revenues for the periods indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     SIX MONTHS
                                                       FISCAL YEAR ENDED                ENDED
                                                          AUGUST 31,               FEBRUARY 29/28,
                                                   -------------------------       ---------------
                                                   1994      1995      1996        1996      1997
                                                   -----     -----     -----       -----     -----
<S>                                                <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
  Product sales..................................   85.5%     81.4%     80.4%       80.4%     71.9%
  Contract research and development..............   14.5      18.6      19.6        19.6      28.1
                                                   -----     -----     -----       -----     -----
          Total revenues.........................  100.0     100.0     100.0       100.0     100.0
                                                   -----     -----     -----       -----     -----
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of product sales(1).......................   64.5      67.4      65.1        66.9      68.5
  Contract research and development(1)...........   75.7      75.9      79.2        75.1      80.0
  Microlaser internal research and
     development(2)..............................    8.3      14.2      10.4        13.0       0.9
  Other internal research and development........    4.9       5.4       3.8         4.0       2.6
  Selling, general and administrative............   27.0      24.6      22.8        24.3      20.5
          Total cost and expenses................  106.3     113.2     104.9       109.8      95.7
Income(loss) from operations.....................   (6.3)    (13.2)     (4.9)       (9.8)      4.3
Interest expense, net............................    2.2       2.2       1.6         1.8       1.3
Income(loss) before income taxes.................   (8.5)    (15.4)     (6.5)      (11.6)      3.0
  Income taxes...................................     --       0.2        --         0.1       0.2
Net income(loss).................................   (8.5)    (15.6)     (6.5)      (11.7)      2.8
OTHER DATA:
  Effect of microlaser operations on income
     (loss) from operations(3)...................   (8.3)    (14.4)    (10.8)      (10.4)     (1.9)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Cost of product sales and cost of contract research and development revenues
    are stated as percentages of product sales and contract research and
    development revenues, respectively.
 
(2) The Company's investment in microlaser technology and product development
    has had a material effect on the Company's results of operations. Because of
    its materiality, the effect of microlaser operations on income (loss) from
    operations is presented separately. The effect of microlaser operations on
    income (loss) from operations includes gross profit (loss), research and
    development expenses and incremental selling, general and administrative
    expenses. It does not include any allocations of corporate expenses,
    interest or taxes.
 
(3) The effect of microlaser operations on income (loss) from operations
    includes gross margin, research and development expenses and incremental
    selling, general and administrative expenses. It does not include any
    allocations of corporate expenses, interest or taxes.
 
  Six Months Ended February 28, 1997 Compared to Six Months Ended February 29,
1996
 
   
     For the six months ended February 28, 1997, product sales were $8.0 million
compared to $6.9 million for the same period in fiscal 1996, an increase of $1.1
million or 16%. Contract research and development revenues were $3.1 million for
the six months ended February 28, 1997 compared to $1.7 million for the same
period in fiscal 1996, an increase of $1.4 million or 86%. The increase in
product sales was due to increased acceptance of the Company's OEM customers'
lower power lasers for certain industrial and medical applications and increased
worldwide demand for laser optics for new high power lasers and as replacement
parts in installed lasers. The increase in contract research and development
revenues was due primarily to work performed on a commercial microlaser display
development contract that began in July 1996.
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   21
 
     The Company's ability to maintain or improve on the increased product sales
in the first six months for the remainder of fiscal 1997 will depend on
maintaining increased orders for products, integrating into operations
additional manufacturing equipment purchased and facilities leased during the
first six months of fiscal 1997, hiring and training new employees for its
expanded facility in Mexico and commencing planned shipments of microlasers for
medical and other applications. The growth in contract research and development
revenues is expected to slow for the full year because the commercial display
development contract is scheduled to be completed prior to year end.
 
     Gross profit on product sales was $2.5 million for the six months ended
February 28, 1997 compared to $2.3 million for the same period in fiscal 1996,
an increase of $241,000 or 11%. Gross profit on contract research and
development revenues was $627,000 for the six months ended February 28, 1997
compared to $420,000 for the same period in fiscal 1996, an increase of $207,000
or 49%. Gross margin on product sales decreased to 31.5% for the six months
ended February 28, 1997 from 33.1% for the same period in fiscal 1996. The
decrease was primarily due to manufacturing inefficiencies related to capacity
constraints and facility expansion to accommodate the increased volume of orders
and to a lesser extent reduced average selling prices of optics in certain
markets. Gross margin on contract research and development revenues decreased to
20.0% for the six months ended February 28, 1997 from 25.0% for the same period
in fiscal 1996 due to the lower negotiated gross profit on the commercial
display development contract.
 
     Microlaser internal research and development expenses were $99,000 for the
six months ended February 28, 1997, compared to $1.1 million for the same period
in fiscal 1996, a decrease of $1.0 million or 91%. The decrease was due to the
transition of funding for certain microlaser development efforts from internal
sources to contract sources. Microlaser internal research and development
expenses are expected to increase over the last six months of fiscal 1997.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses were $2.3 million for the six
months ended February 28, 1997 compared to $2.1 million for the same period in
fiscal 1996, an increase of $194,000 or 9%. These expenses have decreased as a
percentage of revenues as absolute spending has increased at a slower rate than
the growth in revenues.
 
     Income taxes were $22,000 for the six months ended February 28, 1997
compared to $7,000 for the same period in fiscal 1996, an increase of $15,000 or
218%. The increase was due to increased taxable income. The Company's effective
tax rate was reduced substantially by the utilization of federal and state tax
net operating loss carryforwards. The future availability of carryforwards may
be limited by the application of rules relating to a change in control as a
result of this offering.
 
  Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 1996 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended August 31,
1995
 
     Product sales were $15.2 million in fiscal 1996 compared to $11.9 million
in fiscal 1995, an increase of $3.3 million or 28%. Contract research and
development revenues were $3.7 million in fiscal 1996 compared to $2.7 million
in fiscal 1995, an increase of $1.0 million or 37%. The increase in product
sales was due to increased acceptance of the Company's OEM customers' lower
power lasers for certain industrial and medical applications and increased
worldwide demand for laser optics for new high power lasers and as replacement
parts in installed lasers. The increase in contract research and development
revenues was due to the increased number and average size of contracts awarded
to the Company.
 
     Gross profit on product sales was $5.3 million in fiscal 1996 compared to
$3.9 million in fiscal 1995, an increase of $1.4 million or 37%. Gross profit on
contract research and development revenues was $771,000 in fiscal 1996 compared
to $655,000 in fiscal 1995, an increase of $116,000 or 18%. Gross margin on
product sales increased to 34.9% in fiscal 1996 from 32.6% in fiscal 1995. The
increase in gross margin was primarily due to improved manufacturing
efficiencies resulting from higher manufacturing volume and from increased
production in Mexico. Gross margin on contract research and development revenues
decreased to 20.8% in fiscal 1996 from 24.1% in fiscal 1995. The decrease was
primarily due to a cost-sharing contract that
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   22
 
supplemented internal funding of technology development for microlasers and
microlaser based projection displays.
 
     Microlaser internal research and development expenses were $2.0 million in
fiscal 1996 compared to $2.1 million in fiscal 1995, a decrease of $103,000 or
5%, due to the transition of certain microlaser development from internal
funding to contract funding late in fiscal 1996.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses were $4.3 million in fiscal
1996 compared to $3.6 million in fiscal 1995, an increase of $724,000 or 20%,
due primarily to the addition of personnel necessary to support the growth in
product sales and the anticipated production of microlasers and to a lesser
extent Company-wide bonus accruals; no bonuses were accrued in 1995. These
expenses decreased as a percentage of revenues as absolute spending increased at
a slower rate than the growth in revenues.
 
  Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 1995 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended August 31,
1994
 
     Product sales were $11.9 million in fiscal 1995 compared to $10.2 million
in fiscal 1994, an increase of $1.7 million or 17%. Contract research and
development revenues were $2.7 million in fiscal 1995 compared to $1.7 million
in fiscal 1994, an increase of $1.0 million or 57%. The increase in product
sales was due to increased worldwide demand in both industrial and medical
markets for laser optics for new lasers and as replacement parts in installed
lasers. The increase in contract research and development revenues was due to
the increased number and average size of contracts awarded to the Company.
 
     Gross profit on product sales was $3.9 million in fiscal 1995 compared to
$3.6 million in fiscal 1994, an increase of $257,000 or 7%. Gross profit on
contract research and development revenues was $655,000 in fiscal 1995 compared
to $419,000 in fiscal 1994, an increase of $236,000 or 56%. Gross margin on
product sales decreased to 32.6% in fiscal 1995 from 35.5% in fiscal 1994,
primarily due to competitive pricing pressures. Gross margin on contract
research and development revenues decreased to 24.1% in fiscal 1995 from 24.3%
in fiscal 1994, due to cost increases that were not covered by increased prices.
 
     Microlaser internal research and development expenses were $2.1 million in
fiscal 1995 compared to $1.0 million in fiscal 1994, an increase of $1.1 million
or 111%. Fiscal 1995 expenditures included a full year of development activity
under a joint development agreement with Proxima compared to seven months in
fiscal 1994. Other internal research and development expenses were $786,000 in
fiscal 1995 compared to $585,000 in fiscal 1994, an increase of $201,000 or 34%,
due to increased internal funding of new product development of laser optics and
optical assemblies.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses were $3.6 million in fiscal
1995 compared to $3.2 million in fiscal 1994, an increase of $378,000 or 12%,
due to the addition of personnel and related increases in compensation. These
expenses have decreased as a percentage of revenues as absolute spending has
increased at a slower rate than the growth in revenues.
 
     Net interest expense was $326,000 in fiscal 1995 compared to $268,000 in
fiscal 1994, an increase of $58,000 or 22%, due primarily to higher interest
rates on the portion of the Company's debt with interest rates based on the
prime rate.
 
     Income taxes were $23,000 in fiscal 1995 and were for state income taxes.
There were no income taxes in fiscal 1994.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   23
 
QUARTERLY RESULTS
 
     The following table presents certain unaudited consolidated quarterly
financial information for fiscal 1996 and the first two quarters of fiscal 1997.
In the opinion of the Company, this information has been prepared on the same
basis as the audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in
this Prospectus and includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the unaudited quarterly
results set forth herein. Operating results for any quarter are not necessarily
indicative of results for any future period or for a full fiscal year.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        QUARTER ENDED
                                                --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              FISCAL 1996                      FISCAL 1997
                                                ----------------------------------------   -------------------
                                                NOV. 30,   FEB. 29,   MAY 31,   AUG. 31,   NOV. 30,   FEB. 28,
                                                  1995       1996      1996       1996       1996       1997
                                                --------   --------   -------   --------   --------   --------
                                                                       ($ IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenues:
  Product sales...............................   $3,352     $ 3,528   $4,262     $4,052     $4,060     $ 3,935
  Contract research and development...........      782         900      980      1,051      1,562       1,567
                                                 ------      ------   ------     ------     ------      ------
          Total revenues......................    4,134       4,428    5,242      5,103      5,622       5,502
                                                 ------      ------   ------     ------     ------      ------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of product sales.......................    2,224       2,377    2,879      2,408      2,730       2,745
  Contract research and development...........      581         681      769        911      1,315       1,187
  Microlaser internal research and development(1)...     477      638    554        299         48          51
  Other internal research and development.....      179         167      172        203        152         138
  Selling, general and administrative.........    1,039       1,044    1,079      1,144      1,169       1,109
                                                 ------      ------   ------     ------     ------      ------
          Total cost and expenses.............    4,500       4,907    5,453      4,965      5,414       5,230
                                                 ------      ------   ------     ------     ------      ------
Income (loss) from operations.................     (366)       (479)    (211)       138        208         272
  Interest expense, net.......................       70          82       74         74         67          78
                                                 ------      ------   ------     ------     ------      ------
Income (loss) before income taxes.............     (436)       (561)    (285)        64        141         194
Income taxes..................................        4           3        3          3         12          10
                                                 ------      ------   ------     ------     ------      ------
Net income (loss).............................   $ (440)    $  (564)  $ (288)    $   61     $  129     $   184
                                                 ======      ======   ======     ======     ======      ======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                (AS A PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES)
                                                --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenues:
  Product sales...............................     81.1%      79.7%     81.3 %     79.4%      72.2%      71.5%
  Contract research and development...........     18.9       20.3      18.7       20.6       27.8       28.5
                                                 ------     ------    ------     ------     ------     ------
          Total revenues......................    100.0      100.0     100.0      100.0      100.0      100.0
                                                 ------     ------    ------     ------     ------     ------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of product sales(2)....................     66.3       67.4      67.6       59.4       67.2       69.8
  Contract research and development(2)........     74.3       75.7      78.5       86.6       84.2       75.8
  Microlaser internal research and
     development(1)...........................     11.5       14.4      10.6        5.9        0.9        0.9
  Other internal research and development.....      4.3        3.8       3.3        4.0        2.7        2.5
  Selling, general and administrative.........     25.1       23.6      20.6       22.4       20.8       20.2
          Total cost and expenses.............    108.9      110.8     104.0       97.3       96.3       95.1
Income (loss) from operations.................     (8.9)     (10.8)     (4.0)       2.7        3.7        4.9
  Interest expense, net.......................      1.7        1.8       1.4        1.5        1.2        1.4
Income (loss) before income taxes.............    (10.6)     (12.6)     (5.4)       1.2        2.5        3.5
          Income taxes........................      0.1        0.1       0.1         --        0.2        0.2
Net income (loss).............................    (10.7)     (12.7)     (5.5)       1.2        2.3        3.3
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Prior to fiscal 1997, microlaser research was funded internally primarily
    using funds provided through the sale of equity securities.
 
(2) Cost of product sales and cost of contract research and development revenues
    are stated as percentages of product sales and contract research and
    development revenues, respectively.
 
     The Company's results of operations may vary significantly from time to
time due to a number of factors, including the timing of receipt of orders from
customers, the timing of new product introductions, variations in product mix,
competitive pricing pressures, the delay between incurring expense to expand
manufacturing
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   24
 
capacity and the realization of benefits from the added capacity, and seasonal
and foreign exchange factors related to international sales. See "Risk
Factors -- Fluctuation in Quarterly Performance."
 
     Product sales include high unit price orders for custom optics and coating
and diamond turning services. Shipments of custom orders can cause significant
fluctuations in product sales from quarter to quarter. For example, the results
of operations for the quarter ended May 31, 1996 included unusually high product
sales attributable to custom orders. In addition, actions taken by the Company
to increase capacity in the latter part of the first quarter and throughout the
second quarter of fiscal 1997 restricted the Company's ability to maintain
shipments to keep pace with increased orders. As a result, product sales were
slightly lower in the second quarter of fiscal 1997 when compared to the
preceding three quarters, and the backlog of product orders increased 20% from
the start of the fiscal year to $3.6 million at February 28, 1997. The Company
believes that recent expansion of operations in Mexico and the addition of
polishing and thin film coating equipment will enable it to increase product
shipments to meet customer demand.
 
     In the second quarter of fiscal 1997, gross margin on product sales was
30.2%, compared to an average of 36.7% for the preceding two quarters. The lower
gross margin was due to the impact on ongoing operations of facility expansion
in the United States and Mexico, additional engineering and material costs to
improve manufacturing processes and discounts provided to foreign distributors
to offset the impact of the stronger U.S. dollar.
 
     Based on all of the above factors, as well as factors discussed elsewhere
in this Prospectus, the Company believes that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of
its results of operations and components thereof are not necessarily meaningful
and should not be relied upon as indications of future performance.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     From inception, the Company has financed operations through cash generated
by operating activities, private placements of debt and equity securities and
bank loans. In 1987, Union Miniere purchased the Debentures and shares of Common
Stock for total consideration of $2.8 million. From May 1993 to June 1996,
Proxima purchased shares of Common Stock and shares of Series A Preferred Stock
for total consideration of $6.7 million.
 
     For the three year period ended August 31, 1996, purchases of capital
equipment and investments in other assets were funded by equity investments and
by long term borrowings. For the six months ended February 28, 1997, purchases
of capital equipment and investments in other assets were funded by available
cash and bank advances that will be converted to a term loan on August 1, 1997.
 
   
     The Company maintains a $2.0 million secured bank line of credit which had
outstanding borrowings of $774,000 at February 28, 1997. The line of credit
expires on March 1, 1998 and bears interest at the bank's prime rate plus one
percent. The Company intends to use a portion of the net proceeds to the Company
from the offering to repay the outstanding balance on the line of credit. See
"Use of Proceeds."
    
 
     Substantial additional capital funds will be required to acquire capital
equipment to increase capacity and automate production of laser optics and to
manufacture, assemble and test planned new microlaser products. The Company will
also require funds for facility expansion and investments in working capital and
other assets. The Company anticipates that net proceeds of this offering,
together with existing sources of cash and anticipated funds from operations,
will satisfy the Company's projected working capital and capital expenditure
requirements for at least the next 12 months. The timing and amount of
additional capital requirements depend on a number of factors, including
successful completion of development and commercialization efforts, the cost of
plant, equipment and infrastructure to support manufacturing of products under
development, and the amount of working capital necessary to start-up and
maintain operations supporting new products. There can be no assurance that
additional capital would be available. The lack of such capital would have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations.
 
INFLATION
 
     The Company does not believe that inflation has had a material impact on
its operations or financial results.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   25
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
     The following contains forward-looking statements that involve risk and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results may differ materially from the
results discussed. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are
not limited to, those discussed in "Risk Factors," as well as those discussed
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
   
     Laser Power designs, manufactures and markets high performance laser optics
for industrial, medical and military lasers and laser systems. Laser optics are
precision lenses, reflectors and mirrors used to reflect, collect and focus
laser beams. The Company's products are sold to laser system OEMs and end users
as original and replacement components in high power CO(2) and other lasers. The
Company's core competencies lie in its surface finishings and thin film
coatings, which are key elements involved in all high performance laser optics.
The Company believes that its expertise in these areas provides it with a
significant competitive advantage.
    
 
     The Company's customers use high power CO(2) lasers in a variety of
industrial processing applications, such as sheet metal cutting, automobile body
welding, surface hardening for engine components and scribing and drilling
delicate ceramic circuits. The Company also sells high performance laser optics
to medical equipment OEMs for lower power CO(2) lasers used in certain
therapeutic and cosmetic procedures, including surgery and skin wrinkle removal.
In addition, the Company has developed very low absorption thin film coatings
for optics for laser anti-missile systems. The Company also conducts contract
research in the development and applications of advanced solid state lasers.
Substantially all of the Company's product revenues to date are attributable to
the sale of laser optics products for the industrial processing and medical
industries.
 
   
     The Company has leveraged its expertise in thin film coatings, surface
finishing and solid-state lasers to develop proprietary miniature solid-state
lasers that are excited or "pumped" by diode lasers. These "microlasers" have
significant size advantages and are generally 100 times more energy efficient
than conventional gas and solid state lasers. Further, they have longer
estimated lifetimes than conventional gas and lamp pumped solid state lasers.
Laser Power shipped the first microlaser evaluation units in March 1997, and
expects to begin commercial deliveries of microlasers to a medical equipment OEM
to replace gas lasers in dermatology systems by the end of fiscal 1997. The
Company believes that microlasers can replace other lasers in additional medical
equipment. The Company is also developing microlasers for projection display and
telecommunications applications.
    
 
INDUSTRY AND MARKET OVERVIEW
 
  LASER TECHNOLOGY
 
     The term "laser" is an acronym for "light amplification by the simulated
emission of radiation." A laser converts energy into an intense beam of light
comprised of a single or limited number of wavelengths. A laser beam may be
strong enough to cut sheet metal or may be precise enough to perform eye
surgery. To create a laser beam, an external source of energy, such as
electricity, light or a chemical reaction, is applied to a lasing medium which
becomes excited and emits light. The emitted light is then collected and
directed through or by a series of precision optics to form a laser beam.
 
     The wavelength of the laser beam and therefore its use are determined by
the lasing medium. The most common types of lasing mediums are gases, such as
CO(2) or argon, semiconductor materials, and solid state crystals, such as
yttrium aluminum garnet ("YAG").
 
     The precision optics which collect, form, reflect and transmit the laser
beam are crucial to a laser's function. In gas lasers, the lasing medium is
encased in a tube with precision optics at either end. These internal optics may
direct the beam from one tube to another, may turn the beam back on itself to
further energize the lasing medium or may allow part of the beam to exit the
tube while turning the rest of the beam back on itself. Conventional solid state
lasers are similar except that the tube is replaced by a laser crystal rod. In
addition to the internal optics, a number of external precision optics may be
used to deliver the beam for its intended application. These external optics may
include mirrors, beam splitters, focusing lenses and other special function
optics.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   26
 
intended application. These external optics may include mirrors, beam splitters,
focusing lenses and other special function optics.
 
     High power CO(2) lasers are widely used in industrial applications, such as
welding automobile bodies, scribing delicate ceramic circuits and sheet metal
cutting. CO(2) lasers offer greater quality, speed, flexibility and automation
than conventional cutting and welding technologies. There are an estimated
24,000 CO(2) laser systems currently installed with approximately 3,200
additional systems estimated to be installed in 1997. These systems generally
contain 10 or more optics which must be replaced regularly as they become worn
or contaminated. The Company estimates that in 1997 the market for optics for
use in high power CO(2) lasers will be approximately $60 million, of which $40
million will be sales of optics to replace worn or contaminated optics.
 
                          LINE DRAWING OF CO(2) LASER
 
     Lower power CO(2) lasers and argon lasers are used in medical and cosmetic
procedures, including heart surgery and the removal of tattoos and skin
wrinkles. Laser procedures reduce blood loss and post-operative pain compared to
other procedures.
 
     Lasers employing a semiconductor medium (diode lasers) are used in
printers, compact disk players and telecommunications equipment. Diode lasers
can also be used to excite or "pump" solid state lasers. Solid state lasers,
which employ crystals as the lasing medium and are energized by light from
lamps, are used in various industrial, medical and biotechnology applications.
Recently, laser engineers have developed small, highly efficient solid state
lasers that are energized by diode lasers (diode pumped solid state lasers or
"DPSSLs"). Because of their small size and high efficiency, DPSSLs may address
many of the applications currently served by other lasers and may create new
applications. Microlasers are miniature DPSSLs.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   27
 
PRODUCTS AND PRODUCTS UNDER DEVELOPMENT
 
  HIGH PERFORMANCE LASER OPTICS PRODUCTS
 
     The Company produces optics, including total reflectors, output couplers,
beam splitters and lenses, for use in high power industrial, medical, scientific
and military lasers. The Company's expertise in the area of surface finishing
and, in particular, thin film coatings, is critical to producing high
performance laser optics. In general, the performance of an optic is primarily
dependent on the quality of the thin film coating. Thin film coatings include
various reflective coatings for mirrors and transmissive and partially
transmissive coatings for lenses, beam splitters and output couplers. The
Company believes that the high quality of its thin film coatings and its
commitment to customer service enhance its reputation as a supplier of high
power and technically advanced laser optics.
 
     CO(2) Optics.  Reliable operation of high power CO(2) lasers requires high
quality, low absorption optical elements. The Company supplies substantially all
types of optics used in CO(2) lasers and laser systems. Such optics fall broadly
into two categories: transmissive zinc selenide and reflective metal optics.
 
     Zinc selenide is the substrate material of choice for high power CO(2)
laser transmissive optics such as lenses, output couplers and beam splitters
because of its low absorption of laser energy. Generally, zinc selenide optics
with low absorption thin film coatings are able to handle up to three kilowatts
of power. As laser power increases to the multi-kilowatt range, reflective metal
optics replace transmissive optics in certain applications.
 
     Reflective metal optics (such as folding mirrors, phase shifting mirrors,
beam bending mirrors and focusing mirrors) utilize a metal substrate, such as
copper. Metal optics are fabricated by conventional polishing or single-point
diamond turning, a process which involves cutting by gem quality diamonds to
create a mirror finish. The Company is a leader in the uses of state-of-the-art,
single-point diamond turning methods to produce both standard metal optics and
those with complicated surfaces such as aspheres, parabolas and hyperbolas,
which are used with higher power CO(2) lasers. The Company's state-of-the-art
fabrication and thin film coating technologies have earned Laser Power a
reputation as a leading manufacturer of zinc selenide and metal optics.
 
   
     The Company supplies zinc selenide and metal optics to high power CO(2)
laser and laser system manufacturers and to the aftermarket as replacement
parts. The aftermarket portion of the Company's optics business is growing
rapidly as industrial applications of CO(2) lasers proliferate worldwide.
Because CO(2) laser optics wear or become contaminated (average lifetime is
estimated to be 1,000 to 5,000 hours), every new laser installed increases the
market for replacement optics. In order to meet this growing aftermarket demand,
the Company provides same day shipment of critical replacement optics for most
high power CO(2) lasers.
    
 
     Military Products.  Working with Lockheed Martin Corporation ("Lockheed
Martin") and TRW, Inc. ("TRW"), the Company has developed thin film coatings
utilized in ongoing U.S. government programs to develop laser weapons for
missile defense. The Company has developed very low absorption thin film
coatings for uncooled optics, which are critical to a space-based laser for
defense against long range ballistic missiles. By using uncooled optics, the
weight of the laser system is reduced by approximately one-half, allowing the
laser to be boosted into orbit using one rocket instead of two. The Company
continues to develop these coatings for Lockheed Martin. The Company has also
developed coatings for TRW for use in ground-based lasers to defend against
short-range missiles. In addition, the Company has supplied coatings for
uncooled optics to TRW for an airborne laser defense system for use against
shorter range battlefield theater ballistic missiles.
 
     The technology used to produce coatings for these weapons-grade lasers is
derived from technology used by the Company for CO(2) laser optics. The Company
believes that participation in these military programs fosters continued
improvement in CO(2) optics technology and that these improvements provide a
significant competitive advantage.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   28
 
  PRODUCTS UNDER DEVELOPMENT
 
  Optics Products
 
   
     At laser power levels above three kilowatts, zinc selenide loses its
ability to resist distortion and is often replaced by more expensive, beam
quality limiting solutions such as aspheric metal optics or aerodynamic windows.
However, the Company's Turbo-Cooled technology enables zinc selenide optics to
function efficiently even at power levels in excess of 10 kilowatts. In
addition, the Company's MP-5 technology will enhance the performance of zinc
selenide optics because it absorbs 25%-50% less laser energy than many
commercial thin film coatings. Because of its Turbo-Cooled and MP-5
technologies, the Company believes it will continue to be a leading supplier in
CO(2) laser optics as the industrial CO(2) laser industry continues to use
higher laser power.
    
 
     Turbo-Cooled refers to the Company's patented proprietary cooling design
for optical assemblies. Turbo-Cooled optical assemblies incorporate transmissive
zinc selenide optics that operate with less distortion of the laser beam and at
much higher power levels than conventionally cooled optics. This capacity is
important for the industrial CO(2) laser industry's continual drive for higher
power and better beam quality. The Company has also developed laser output
couplers, focusing systems and beam integrators using this technology.
 
     MP-5 refers to the Company's new class of proprietary low absorption
coatings to replace thorium fluoride based thin film coatings for CO(2) laser
optics. Thorium fluoride, a low-level radioactive material, is used by virtually
every manufacturer of high performance CO(2) laser optics. MP-5 coatings absorb
significantly less laser energy than thorium fluoride based coatings and are
non-radioactive. Low absorption reduces optic heating caused by the laser beam.
Optic heating causes the beam quality to deteriorate which diminishes the
ability of the laser to perform a useful function. In addition, MP-5 technology
will not require the expense of handling, storage and disposal of low level
radioactive wastes associated with thorium fluoride. The Company anticipates
filing a patent application covering the MP-5 technology. The Company believes
that optics manufactured with MP-5 coatings will gain market share and command
premium pricing in certain markets. The Company has performed successful
beta-site testing and expects to release MP-5 products for commercial sale by
the third quarter of fiscal year 1997.
 
  Microlaser Based Products
 
     Recently, the Company has developed microlasers, which are miniature
DPSSLs. The miniaturization is accomplished by reducing the size of the solid
state material to mm or sub-mm dimensions and replacing end mirrors with complex
thin film coatings applied to the polished ends of the laser crystals.
Microlasers have significant size advantages over gas and other lasers in areas
such as medicine, biotechnology and projection displays. In addition,
microlasers are generally 100 times more energy efficient than gas lasers
because they consume less electricity in creating their optical output and
require less cooling. Microlasers also have longer estimated lifetimes than gas
lasers. For example, an argon-ion tube will burnout after 5,000 to 10,000 hours,
compared to an estimated lifetime of 10,000 to 15,000 hours for a microlaser. To
date, revenues from sales of the Company's microlaser products have been
insignificant.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   29
 
 LINE DRAWING DEPICTING THE DIFFERENCE IN SIZE AND POWER REQUIREMENTS BETWEEN A
                         MICROLASER AND AN ARGON LASER
 
     Green and Blue Microlasers.  The Company's green microlaser has size and
energy efficiency advantages over gas lasers used in certain medical
applications. The Company anticipates manufacturing and selling production
quantities of its green microlaser for use in ophthalmology and dermatology in
the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997.
 
     The Company believes its 0.5 watt blue microlaser is the only high power
all solid state compact blue laser in existence. This laser has a number of
applications in which it can successfully replace argon-ion lasers, such as
certain dentistry, biomedical, dermatology and printing applications.
 
   
     The Company has developed prototype projectors using its green and blue
microlasers with commercially available red diode lasers to produce high quality
images with color quality equaling color movie film. The Company believes that
its high resolution projector produces higher resolution and more colors than
commercially available liquid crystal projectors. In addition, the Company
believes that it can produce microlaser based projectors that are smaller than
conventional projectors. Further, microlaser light sources have longer estimated
lifetimes compared to conventional light sources. Conventional light sources
have average lifetimes of 500-3,000 hours compared to an estimated lifetime of
10,000-15,000 hours for microlaser light sources. The Company expects that
microlaser based projectors may also provide advantages in a number
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   30
 
of additional applications, including entertainment displays, flight simulators,
process and system control room displays, portable large-venue projectors,
videowalls and electronic cinema.
 
   
     The Company has been awarded several government contracts to develop
advanced multi-beam, direct write microlaser projector technology, for which the
Company retains commercial rights. Such direct write technology will impress
video information directly on the microlaser beams. The beam will write the
image directly onto a screen similar to the way an electron beam writes a
television image, except that multiple lines will be written simultaneously,
which may enable super high resolution up to 5,000 by 4,000 pixels. The Company
has been issued a U.S. patent covering such technology. Since the beam from red
diode lasers is not suitable for use in direct write projection systems, the
Company plans to develop or acquire a suitable red microlaser to complete
development of the technology. There can be no assurance that the Company will
be able to complete development of a red microlaser, or if it is unable to
develop such a microlaser, that it will be able to acquire the rights to a
suitable red laser technology at a commercially reasonable cost, if at all. If
development of direct write technology can be completed, the Company believes
that such technology may be the best method to produce the colorful super high
resolution images required by electronic cinema.
    
 
     In addition, the Company currently has a collaborative arrangement with
Laser-Display-Technologic KG ("LDT"), a joint venture between Daimler-Benz AG
and Schneider Rundfunkwerke AG to develop microlasers for a conventional single
beam direct write laser based projection display system. Such systems have been
commercially available using gas lasers for approximately the past 20 years at
very high prices ($200,000 to $500,000). LDT is developing technology which,
when available, and when combined with the Company's microlasers, will enable
compact high resolution projectors to be built with the ultimate aim of
producing high volume, low cost home entertainment systems.
 
     1550 nm Microlaser.  Distributed feedback ("DFB") diode lasers emitting at
1550 nm wavelength are used in the telecommunications industry to transmit fiber
optic signals. Such lasers are gaining widespread acceptance in upgrades and new
installations of cable television ("CATV") and other telecommunications systems
worldwide. Microlasers generally create less signal noise and are capable of
generating higher power than DFB lasers. As a result, CATV fiber optic systems
employing 1550 nm microlasers will not require amplification to the same extent
as DFB lasers and will deliver a higher quality, lower noise signal to the
receiver. The Company's 1550 nm microlaser under development employs much of the
same design philosophy and proprietary technology developed for its blue and
green microlasers, especially key aspects which permit scaling to high power.
The Company believes that, if successfully developed, the high output power of a
1550 nm microlaser could eliminate erbium-doped fiber amplifiers ("EDFAs") which
are needed to increase the power of existing DFB lasers in CATV head-ends and
point-to-point transmitters thereby reducing the system costs. The Company
expects to sell its 1550 nm high power microlaser for substantially less than
the typical DFB laser EDFA combination, providing an impetus for industry
adoption of its 1550 nm microlaser in head-end and high power transmitters.
 
     The ability of an EDFA to amplify any wavelength between 1530 nm and 1560
nm provides a cost-effective method of increasing information bandwidth and is
known as dense wavelength division multiplexing ("WDM"). WDM allows multiple
laser beams with different wavelengths to be launched into a single fiber optic
and amplified by a single EDFA. Dense WDM has been rapidly embraced by the
long-haul carriers for digital transmission because of significant cost and time
savings over laying additional fiber optic cable. In addition, the Regional Bell
Operating Companies ("RBOCs") and CATV operators are beginning to use dense WDM
increasingly as the technology advances, cost of equipment decreases and digital
transmission becomes more popular for local traffic. One telecommunications
industry market research firm estimates that the market for dense WDM
transmitters will grow to $1.3 billion in 2000 and $4.3 billion in 2005, a
substantial portion of which will consist of sales of lasers.
 
     The wavelengths used for dense WDM must be precisely controlled. DFB laser
manufacturers are not able to control their semiconductor processes to the level
required to produce precise wavelength devices on demand and therefore existing
manufacturers must go through a selection process to find devices with the
desired wavelengths. Precise temperature control with active feedback is
required to keep the wavelength constant over the lifetime of the device. The
Company's 1550 nm microlaser under development is expected to
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   31
 
be capable of being tuned to any wavelength over the entire dense WDM band. The
wavelength could be controlled with a low-cost, passive optical element, and all
devices could be manufactured identically, with the desired wavelength selected
with an adjustment of the passive optic element. The Company believes these
characteristics will provide significant advantages for its 1550 nm microlaser
under development in the dense WDM market.
 
STRATEGY
 
     The Company's strategy is to expand its current precision optics business
and to leverage its core expertise in high performance laser optics, low
absorption thin film coatings and solid-state lasers to become a world leader in
the manufacture, marketing and sale of microlasers and microlaser based
products. Key aspects of the Company's strategy include:
 
  Continue to Grow High Performance CO(2) Laser Optics Business
 
     The Company's core competencies in the design and manufacture of high
performance laser optics, including its advanced super polishing, diamond
turning technologies and thin film coatings have made Laser Power one of the
leading suppliers of such components, especially for high power CO(2) lasers.
The Company's strategy is to continually improve quality and customer service
while lowering production costs and introducing new products, such as the
Company's MP-5 coatings and Turbo-Cooled optics. See "-- Products and Products
under Development." The Company expects the high power CO(2) laser segment to
continue to grow and power levels to continue to rise. As the power of CO(2)
lasers increases, an increasing proportion of optics will be Turbo-Cooled and
metal optics. To meet this increasing demand, the Company will continue to
enhance its Turbo-Cooled and diamond turned metal optics technologies. The
Company believes it is well positioned to meet more stringent requirements for
optics used in higher power CO(2) lasers because of its proprietary and
state-of-the-art technologies.
 
  Expand Markets for High Performance Optics Products
 
     The Company believes that its technologies have applications in markets not
currently served by the Company. The Company has developed a coating technology
for optics used in weapons-grade lasers, which the Company believes is
applicable to the emerging erbium-YAG medical laser optics market as well. The
Company also plans to use its technology base developed for CO(2) laser optics
and microlaser crystal polishing and coating to produce certain optics for
neodymium-YAG lasers, visible lasers and thin film filter coatings for use in
dense WDMs.
 
     In the industrial CO(2) laser market, the Company from time to time designs
solutions to customers' material processing problems with unique
optical-mechanical systems employing the Company's optics and mechanical
components. The Company plans to expand this service in the future to increase
revenues and enhance the Company's technical reputation in the industrial CO(2)
laser market.
 
  Increase Margins on Optics Products
 
     The Company has a multifaceted strategy to reduce costs and increase
margins on its optics products. To reduce costs, the Company plans to increase
automation which will reduce labor costs and improve yields on certain
manufacturing processes. The Company also plans to transfer additional
labor-intensive operations to its facility in Mexico. To increase margins, the
Company plans to intensify its sales efforts on higher margin products such as
Turbo-Cooled optics, and to serve high-performance, high-margin niches in such
markets as the emerging high power neodymium-YAG laser market and the dense WDM
telecommunication market.
 
  Market Microlasers for Existing Industrial and Medical Applications
 
     The Company intends to exploit the superior size and energy efficiency
characteristics of its microlasers to replace existing gas and solid state
lasers currently utilized in certain medical, industrial and other applications.
The Company has recently shipped three prototype green microlasers to a medical
laser OEM
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   32
 
and negotiated a supply contract under which it expects to begin shipping small
quantities per month prior to fiscal year end 1997.
 
  Develop and Market Microlasers for CATV and Telecommunications Applications
 
     The Company is developing a high power, low noise 1550 nm microlaser that
it believes will provide substantial performance and cost advantages over
certain existing CATV transmission systems that are based on 1550 nm
semiconductor diode DFB lasers and EDFAs. In addition, the ability to tune and
control the microlaser's wavelength at any point over the entire EDFA wavelength
acceptance band will provide advantages over existing lasers used in digital
CATV and telecommunications applications.
 
  Develop and Market Microlasers for High End Projection Display Applications
 
     The Company has developed blue and green microlasers and is developing a
red microlaser, all of which can be arrayed together as the light source for a
high-end display projector. The Company believes that microlaser based
projectors will have significant performance and size advantages over existing
high-end lamp based and CRT based projectors.
 
  Supplement Product Development Activities Through Contract Funding
 
     The Company will opportunistically secure research contracts that will
enhance and advance its products under development. The Company has spent
approximately $9.4 million on microlaser development and related display
technology programs, substantially all of which was paid for through joint
ventures with strategic partners such as the U.S. government, Proxima and LDT.
See "-- Research and Development" and "Certain Transactions."
 
  Expand Capabilities Through Strategic Alliances and Acquisitions
 
     Through alliances with other companies, Laser Power has enhanced its high
performance laser optics technologies, broadened its research activities and
developed its microlaser technology. The Company believes that similar
relationships with leading companies in the medical equipment, high end
projection display and telecommunications industries will facilitate its entry
into those markets. In addition, the Company will continue to acquire
technologies or other companies that complement its current technologies.
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
     As of March 31, 1997, Laser Power employed 19 persons in sales and
marketing at sales offices in the U.S. and Belgium. The Company promotes its
optics and intends to promote its microlaser based products to OEM and end-user
customers through a multi-faceted program which includes trade journal
advertising, catalog distribution, direct mail promotion, field sales
presentations, technical seminars, trade show exhibits and direct telemarketing.
The Company sells its optics products through its direct sales force in the U.S.
and Belgium and through its distributors in the rest of the world. The Company
intends to sell its microlaser based products in North America, Europe and Asia
through a direct sales force and distributors.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
     The Company believes that its future success depends in large part on its
ability to complete products under development, to continue to enhance its
existing products and to develop new products. As of February 28, 1997, the
Company had 54 employees performing research and development in the U.S. and
Belgium. The Company spent $2.9 million, $4.9 million and $5.6 million during
fiscal years 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively, and $2.7 million and $2.9
million in the six months ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1997,
respectively, on research and development. The sources of such funds were
contracts with customers and strategic partners as well as internal Company
funds.
 
     The Company expended $0.6, $0.8 and $0.7 million in fiscal years 1994, 1995
and 1996, respectively, and $0.3 and $0.3 million in the six months ended
February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1997, respectively, or approximately 20%,
16%, 13%, 13%, and 10% of the total research and development funds,
respectively, to
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   33
 
fund core optical research and development and to increase manufacturing
efficiency. For example, the Company has been developing MP-5, a new class of
proprietary low absorption, non-radioactive coatings for high power CO(2)
lasers. The Company also has developed optics and thin film coatings for lasers
used in the defense industry. Current products under development include low
absorption thin film coatings for non-metal uncooled optics in sizes up to
approximately one-half meter in diameter. If adequate contract funding can be
secured, the Company intends to extend this production technology to produce
thin film coatings for uncooled optics in sizes greater than one meter in
diameter. There can be no assurance that the red microlaser, the 1550 nm
microlaser, MP-5, uncooled optics on the scale required by the military or any
of the Company's products under development will be successfully developed or
commercially available in the future. See "-- Products Under Development" and
"Risk Factors -- Development and other Risks Relating to Microlasers
Technologies."
 
     The Company expended $1.2, $1.9 and $3.7 million in fiscal years 1994, 1995
and 1996, respectively, and $1.9 and $2.3 million in the six months ended
February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1997, respectively, or approximately 43%,
39%, 66%, 71% and 78% of the total research and development funds, respectively,
to fund research and development, for microlasers and microlaser based
projection technology. The Company has developed proprietary technologies which
allow the extraction of large amounts of power out of small laser crystals,
enabling the production of lasers producing more visible power per unit volume
than existing gas or solid-state laser technology. The Company's 0.5 watt blue
microlaser and 3.0 watt green microlaser are the first products to be developed
using these technologies. The Company has been able to leverage its microlaser
technology to secure projection display contracts leading to the development of
proprietary, large screen projection display and head-mounted display
technologies. The Company believes that its development stage 1550nm microlaser
has significant advantages over existing 1550nm laser technology. The Company
expects this microlaser, originally developed under a U.S. Air Force satellite
communications contract, to have broad applications for CATV and long-haul,
head-end and dense WDM fiber-optic telecommunications. Additionally, the Company
has contracts with the U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy to develop microlasers for
various other telecommunication applications.
 
     As of March 31, 1997, the Company had contracts with $2.2 million in future
funding for continued research on various display technologies, including the
continued development of the Company's red microlaser for its projector. The
Company is developing a high resolution multimedia microlaser projector in
partnership with Proxima, under a contract with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
In addition, Laser Power is developing what it believes to be the first digital
color technology to project accurate colors for front and rear projection
systems under a contract with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. In July
1996, the Company entered into a collaborative agreement with LDT to develop
microlasers for a development stage projection display system. Additionally, the
Company and Evans and Sutherland Computer Corporation have been funded by the
U.S. Air Force to jointly develop advanced microlaser based projection displays
for advanced military training systems.
 
MANUFACTURING
 
     The Company manufactures high performance laser optics, microlasers and
related components. Some materials and components are available only from single
suppliers. See "Risk Factors -- Dependence on Sole and Limited Source
Suppliers."
 
     The Company manufactures optics at its San Diego and Mexico facilities.
Thorium fluoride and zinc selenide are important to the manufacture of optics.
The Company purchases all of its thorium fluoride for use in its low absorption
thin film coating processes from Cerac, who the Company believes is the sole
source for high quality thorium fluoride. Any interruption or cessation of
supply by Cerac would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. While the Company is developing
MP-5, an alternate low absorption thin film coating technology, there can be no
assurance that such an alternative can be fully developed. See "Risk
Factors -- Dependence on Sole and Limited Source Suppliers."
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   34
 
     In the case of zinc selenide, a critical raw material in the manufacture of
optics, the Company currently relies exclusively on one supplier, Morton's
Advanced Materials Division. To date, the Company has not experienced any
material difficulties in the quantity or the quality of the zinc selenide
delivered. If any such problem arises in the future, the Company would have to
seek an alternate supplier. However, there can be no assurance that the Company
would be able to secure sufficient inventory of zinc selenide to produce
sufficient product to meet its customers' needs. A transition to alternate
arrangements would involve additional costs and delays in production. See "Risk
Factors -- Dependence on Sole and Limited Source Suppliers."
 
     The manufacture of optics is capital-intensive. Future manufacturing
capacity requirements may require substantial investment in equipment and
facilities. See "Risk Factors -- Fluctuation in Quarterly Performance" and "Use
of Proceeds."
 
     The Company's microlasers are assembled from component parts at the
Company's San Diego facility. The Company purchases component parts for its
microlasers, including laser crystals, nonlinear crystals, and semiconductor
diode lasers, from various sources around the world. The Company believes its
suppliers can supply the components in the quantities, with the quality and at
the prices required by the Company for volume production of microlasers for
medical, dental, telecommunications, industrial, display and other general
applications of the Company's microlaser products under development. However,
none of the Company's suppliers of microlaser component parts has experience in
supplying these components with the Company's specifications at the increased
volumes that the Company needs to achieve its growth goals. The Company does not
have long term or volume purchase agreements with any of its suppliers and
currently purchases components on a purchase order basis. See "Risk
Factors -- Limited Microlaser Manufacturing Experience; Scale-up Risk."
 
     Moreover, the Company has no experience in producing microlasers other than
in small developmental quantities. The Company must increase its manufacturing
capability to polish and coat volume quantities of microlaser and nonlinear
crystals and to perform the required complex assembly steps. Such an increase in
its manufacturing capabilities will require significant scale-up expenditures
and additions to the Company's facilities. See "Risk Factors -- Limited
Microlaser Manufacturing Experience; Scale-Up Risk."
 
PATENTS AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
 
     Laser Power's patent portfolio includes four patents issued by the USPTO
and one patent granted by the European Patent Office (the "EPO"), subsequently
filed in five European countries. The Company has filed eight patent
applications with the USPTO, two patent applications in foreign jurisdictions
and has been granted licenses to two patent applications owned by Proxima and
filed with the USPTO. One of the Company's U.S. patents, issued in November
1996, covers certain aspects of the Company's blue microlaser technology and
another, issued in July 1996, covers the Company's direct write concept and
other aspects of display technology associated with microlasers. One of the
Company's U.S. patents, issued in July 1992, covers basic technology behind the
Company's Turbo-Cooled optic products; the Company's patent granted by the EPO
in April 1993 covers this same technology. Many of the Company's pending patent
applications relate to microlaser technology. The two pending U.S. patent
applications licensed from Proxima cover certain aspects of microlaser display
technology.
 
     Because of lesser protection afforded by and the high cost of pursuing
patents in certain foreign jurisdictions, the Company has elected not to seek
patent protection for certain of its inventions covered by its U.S. patents in
foreign jurisdictions. Nevertheless, the Company intends to selectively pursue
foreign patent filings where the cost of and protection afforded by such
patents, if issued, are justified. However, the Company in general believes
that, in certain cases, obtaining foreign patents may be much less useful than
obtaining domestic patents because of differences in patent laws and costs of
patent enforcement, and further believes that the protection provided by foreign
patents, if obtained, and any other foreign intellectual proprietary protection
may be weaker than that provided domestically.
 
     Laser Power's continued success will depend in part on its ability to
obtain patent protection for its products and processes, and to operate without
infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. There can be no assurance
that patent applications filed by Laser Power will result in patents being
issued, that the claims of
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   35
 
such patents will offer significant protection of the Company's technology, or
that any patents issued to or licensed by Laser Power will not be challenged,
narrowed, invalidated or circumvented. The Company may also be subject to legal
proceedings that result in the revocation of patent rights previously owned by
or licensed to Laser Power, as a result of which the Company may be required to
obtain licenses from others to continue to develop, test or commercialize its
products. There can be no assurance that Laser Power will be able to obtain such
licenses on acceptable terms, if at all.
 
   
     In addition, there may be pending or issued patents held by parties not
affiliated with Laser Power that relate to the technology utilized by Laser
Power. As a result, Laser Power may need to acquire licenses to, assert
infringement of, or contest the validity of, such patents or other similar
patents which may be issued. Laser Power could incur substantial costs in
defending itself against patent infringement claims, interference proceedings,
opposition proceedings or other challenges to its patent rights made by third
parties, or in bringing such proceedings or enforcing any patent rights of its
own.
    
 
   
     The laser optics and laser industries have a history of patent litigation
and will likely to continue to have patent litigation suits concerning laser
technologies. A number of laser optic, laser component and laser manufacturing
companies maintain and continue to develop patent positions that could prevent
Laser Power from using technology covered by these patent positions. However,
the commercial success of the Company depends in part on neither infringing
patents nor misappropriating proprietary rights of third parties nor breaching
licenses that may relate to the Company's technologies and products. The patent
positions of laser optic, laser component and laser manufacturing companies,
including the Company, are generally uncertain and involve complex legal and
factual questions. In addition, the Company has received invitations from third
parties to license patents owned by third parties. Any action against the
Company or its collaborative partners claiming damages and seeking to enjoin
commercial activities relating to the affected products and processes could, in
addition to subjecting the Company to potential liability for damages, require
the Company or its collaborative partners to obtain a license in order to
continue to develop, manufacture or market the affected products and processes.
There can be no assurances that the Company or its collaborative partners would
prevail in any such action or that any license (including licenses proposed by
third parties) required would be made available on commercially acceptable
terms, if at all. There are a significant number of United States and foreign
patents and patent applications in the Company's area of interest, and the
Company believes that there may be significant litigation in the industry
regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. If the Company becomes
involved in such litigation, it could consume a substantial portion of the
Company's managerial and financial resources, which could have material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
    
 
     The Company has acquired a license to a Stanford owned patent covering
certain technology used in its blue microlaser from ATx Telecom. The Company has
received a letter from a third party claiming that the Company's license was
transferred improperly by Stanford and ATx Telecom. While the Company believes
that such license was properly transferred, there can be no assurance that the
Company's license would not be voided if subjected to a legal challenge. In such
an event, there can be no assurance that the Company would be able to obtain a
replacement license on favorable terms, if at all. Failure to obtain such a
license would result in a material adverse effect to the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
 
   
     The Company is aware of patents held by other laser companies that may
relate to the Company's microlaser technology. The Company does not believe it
infringes such laser companies' patents or believes that it has adequate
design-arounds if it is held to be infringing. Nevertheless, for certain cost or
strategic reasons, the Company believes it may be advantageous to enter into
license agreements with such laser companies. The Company is currently
negotiating to obtain licenses from such parties for certain technology covered
by such patents. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will obtain
the license(s) on favorable terms, if at all. If it is determined that the
patents held by these other laser companies do cover the Company's technology,
the Company's inability to obtain licenses for such technology could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations.
    
 
   
     The Company has developed certain of its proprietary technology pursuant to
development contracts, including contracts with federal government agencies.
Under standard provisions in government contracts, the
    
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   36
 
government may retain certain rights in technology developed under such
contracts. In addition, the Company has granted significant rights to the other
parties under such contracts. The Company's strategy is to continue to develop a
significant portion of its proprietary technology pursuant to funding received
from development contracts. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to continue to obtain funding for the development of its proprietary
technology, or that, if received, the Company will obtain rights to such
technology sufficient to permit the Company to develop and market new products
or to prevent third parties from using such technology to compete with the
Company.
 
     In addition to patent protection, Laser Power also relies on copyright
protection, trade secrets, know-how, continuing technological innovation and
licensing opportunities to expand and bolster its competitive position. In an
effort to maintain the confidentiality and ownership of trade secrets and
proprietary information, the Company requires employees, consultants and certain
collaborators to execute confidentiality and invention assignment agreements
upon commencement of a relationship with the Company. These agreements are
intended to enable the Company to protect its proprietary information by
controlling the disclosure and use of technology to which it has rights and
provide for ownership by the Company of proprietary technology developed at the
Company or with the Company's resources. There can be no assurance, however,
that these agreements will provide meaningful protection for the Company's trade
secrets or other confidential information in the event of unauthorized use or
disclosure of such information or that adequate remedies would exist in the
event of such unauthorized use or disclosure. The loss or exposure of trade
secrets possessed by Laser Power could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Risk
Factors -- Dependence on Patents and Proprietary Rights."
 
     The Company's academic collaborators have certain rights to publish data
and information in which the Company has rights. There is considerable pressure
on academic institutions to publish discoveries in the high technology and
physics fields. There can be no assurance that such publication would not
adversely affect the Company's ability to obtain patent protection for certain
technologies in which it may have a commercial interest.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The industries in which the Company sells its products are highly
competitive. Laser Power's competitive position depends upon a number of
factors, including the price and performance of its products, the level of
customer service, the quality of its manufacturing processes, the compatibility
of its products with existing laser systems and Laser Power's ability to
participate in the growth of emerging technologies, such as microlasers and
their application to industries already served by gas and solid state lasers. In
the optics market, Laser Power primarily competes with II-VI, Inc. ("II-VI"),
Coherent, Inc. ("Coherent") and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. In the
combined industrial and medical laser optics market, the Company estimates that
it had a 27% market share in 1996, compared to a 50% share held by II-VI for the
same period. In addition, II-VI produces its own supply of zinc selenide. The
Company uses zinc selenide as the substrate for 40% to 50% of the CO(2) laser
optics sold by the Company and purchases this raw material from Morton.
 
     With regard to the Company's microlaser based products under development,
the Company faces competition from gas, solid-state and DFB laser manufacturers
who already service this market as well as from lamp manufacturers who are
developing lamps with extended lives for projection display. Competitive factors
in the market for microlaser applications include price, product performance and
reliability, strong customer support and service, customer relationships and the
breadth of product line. In this market, the Company faces competition from
companies that have substantially greater financial, engineering, research,
development, manufacturing, marketing, service and support resources, greater
name recognition than the Company and long-standing customer relationships.
Specifically, the Company believes that its main competitors for its products
under development will be Spectra-Physics Lasers, Inc., Coherent, Uniphase
Corporation, Lightwave Electronics Corporation, LiCONiX, Omnichrome Corporation
and Edinburgh Instruments Ltd. With respect to CATV 1550 nm microlaser
transmitters for supply to OEMs, the Company believes its competitors will be
Harmonic Lightwaves, Inc., Ortel Corporation, Synchronous Group, Inc., Uniphase
Corporation, SDL, Inc., ATx Telecom, Scientific-Atlanta, Inc., Fujitsu Compound
Semiconductor, Inc., Lucent Technologies Inc. and NORTEL, Ltd. Other CATV
equipment suppliers as well as other laser
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   37
 
companies who may develop microlaser based products which compete directly with
the Company's microlaser based products may also enter this market.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTERS
 
     The Company uses or generates certain hazardous substances in its research
and manufacturing facilities. The Company believes that its handling and
disposal of such substances is in material compliance with applicable local,
state and federal environmental, safety and health regulations at each operating
location. The Company invests substantially in proper protective equipment,
process controls and specialized training to minimize risks to employees,
surrounding communities and the environment due to the presence and handling of
such hazardous substances. The Company conducts monthly workplace monitoring
regarding such substances. When exposure problems or potential problems have
been indicated, corrective actions have been implemented and re-occurrence has
been minimal or non-existent. The Company does not carry environmental
impairment insurance.
 
     The Company uses a low-level radioactive material called thorium fluoride
to manufacture low absorption thin film coatings. The use, storage and disposal
of this material is governed by the State of California which recently inspected
and licensed the Company's facilities and procedures. All thorium fluoride
bearing by-products are collected and stored on site at the Company until
California develops low-level radioactive waste storage capability. The
Company's non-radioactive coating under development, MP-5, will provide superior
performance to certain thorium fluoride coated optics and lessen the
environmental hazards associated with the special use, storage and handling of
the low-level radioactive substance. See "-- Research and Development."
 
     The generation, use, collection, storage and disposal of all other
hazardous by-products resulting from the Company's manufacturing of its products
and research and development of new products, such as suspended solids
containing heavy metals or airborne particulates, are believed by the Company to
be in material compliance with local, state and federal regulations. The Company
believes that it possesses all of the permits and licenses required for
operation. Although the Company is not aware of any material environmental,
safety and health problems in its properties or processes, there can be no
assurance that problems will not develop in the future which would have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
 
BACKLOG
 
     With the exception of military contracts, most customer orders for optics
are from stock or for deliveries within one to two months. As a result, backlog
of optics orders is typically two to three times monthly sales and was $3.6
million at March 31, 1997, as compared with $2.7 million at March 31, 1996.
Backlog of research contracts fluctuates based on the timing of contract awards
and was $3.4 million at March 31, 1997, as compared with $3.3 million at March
31, 1996. Backlog of microlaser orders is expected to reflect the longer-term
commitments of OEM customers. At March 31, 1997, microlaser backlog was
$673,000, consisting of development funding and the purchase of several
prototype lasers.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     As of March 31, 1997, the Company had 189 full time and 4 part time
employees in the U.S. and 37 full time employees in its foreign subsidiaries. Of
the Company's U.S. employees, 14 were engaged in marketing, sales and related
customer-support services, 50 in research and development and 129 in operations,
administration and finance. See "Risk Factors -- Dependence Upon Key Personnel."
None of the Company's employees is represented by a labor union or covered by a
collective bargaining agreement. The Company has not experienced any work
stoppages and considers its relations with its employees to be good.
 
FACILITIES
 
     The Company's main facilities and headquarters are located in San Diego,
California. These facilities are leased through December 31, 2001 and may be
purchased pursuant to an option which may be exercised at the expiration of the
lease with a purchase price equal to the prevailing market value of the
property. The Company leases approximately 44,000 square feet of space used for
manufacturing, research and administra-
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   38
 
tive purposes. The Company also leases facilities in Plymouth, Michigan,
Tijuana, Mexico and Ghent, Belgium, consisting of approximately 1,000, 6,000 and
3,900 square feet, respectively. The lease on the Michigan facility is month to
month and the leases on the Mexico and Belgium facilities expire in September
1998 and December 1999, respectively. The Company believes that its leased
properties are adequately covered by insurance. The Company believes that
following expansion of its manufacturing, research and office space, the
Company's facilities will be adequate for its current and projected needs and
that additional space will be available as needed. See "Risk Factors -- Limited
Microlaser Manufacturing Experience; Scale-up Risk" and "Use of Proceeds."
 
LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The Company is not a party to any litigation.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   39
 
                               GLOSSARY OF TERMS
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>
ABSORPTION.................... The phenomenon that results when a laser beam travels through
                               a material (e.g., an optic) and loses some of its energy to
                               the material through which it passes and heat is generated.
CO(2) LASER................... Lasers which use carbon dioxide as the lasing medium.
DISTRIBUTED FEEDBACK
  ("DFB") DIODE LASER......... Diode lasers where feedback necessary for laser action is
                               provided by a diffraction grating incorporated into the
                               longitudinal structure of the laser rather than mirrors at the
                               ends of the laser.
DIODE LASER................... Lasers which use a semiconductor diode as the lasing medium.
DIODE-PUMPED SOLID STATE LASER
  ("DPSSL")................... Solid state lasers which are excited or pumped by a diode
                               laser.
ERBIUM-DOPED FIBER AMPLIFIER
  ("EDFA").................... Devices used in fiber optic systems which amplify optical
                               signals in the wavelength range 1530 to 1560 nanometers.
HEAD-END...................... The hub of a cable television system where signals received by
                               the community antenna are distributed onto multiple cables to
                               be transmitted to homes.
HIGH POWER CO(2) LASERS....... Lasers with power output which is high compared with other
                               lasers used for the same general purposes. For industrial
                               metal-working purposes, high power generally ranges from 1,000
                               to greater than 10,000 watts; in wood, plastic and fabric
                               processing, high power generally ranges from 200 to 800 watts;
                               and in the medical context, high power is generally 50 watts
                               of output or greater.
LAMP PUMPED SOLID STATE
  LASER....................... Solid state lasers in which the excitation source is a krypton
                               flash lamp or krypton arc lamp.
LASER OPTICS.................. Optics which are specially designed and manufactured to
                               transmit and manipulate the unique wavelengths and power of
                               optical energy associated with a particular type of laser.
MICROLASER.................... Miniature DPSSLs, where miniaturization is accomplished by
                               reducing the size of the solid state laser crystals to mm or
                               sub-mm dimensions and replacing end mirrors with complex thin
                               film coatings applied to the polished ends of the laser
                               crystals.
NANOMETER ("NM").............. One billionth of a meter.
PIXEL......................... The smallest image-forming unit of a video display.
REFLECTIVE OPTICS............. Optical elements such as total reflectors and beam benders,
                               which reflect all incident optical energy, neglecting
                               absorption, from the first optical surface and/or its coating.
SOLID STATE LASER............. Lasers which use a very small quantity of a rare earth element
                               "doped" (i.e., dissolved) into a solid crystal as the lasing
                               medium.
THORIUM FLUORIDE.............. Low level radioactive compound used in thin film coatings for
                               CO(2) laser optics by virtue of its low absorption of CO(2)
                               laser energy.
TRANSMISSIVE OPTICS........... Optical elements such as windows, lenses and partial mirrors
                               which allow all or a portion of the incident optical energy,
                               neglecting absorption, to pass through the entrance surface,
                               the thickness of the optic and the exit surface.
WAVELENGTH DIVISION
  MULTIPLEXING ("WDM")........ The process whereby beams of multiple lasers having different
                               wavelengths are combined and transmitted simultaneously by a
                               single fiber optic.
YTTRIUM ALUMINUM GARNET
  ("YAG")..................... Man made crystals, which, when "doped" (i.e., dissolved) with
                               small amounts of appropriate rare earth elements such as
                               neodymium or erbium, are the most common medium for solid
                               state lasers.
ZINC SELENIDE................. A crystalline solid compound of zinc and selenium used in
                               CO(2) laser windows, lenses and partial mirrors, because of
                               its minimal absorption at CO(2) laser wavelengths.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   40
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
   
     The executive officers of the Company and directors of the Company
continuing after the offering and their ages are as follows:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                               AGE                           POSITION
- ---------------------------------  ---     ----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>     <C>
Glenn H. Sherman, Ph.D...........  54      Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Douglas H. Tanimoto, Ph.D........  57      President, Laser Power Research Division, and
                                           Director
Richard P. Scherer...............  57      President, Laser Power Optics Division
Dean Hodges, Ph.D................  53      President, Laser Power Microlasers Division
Arthur P. Minich.................  54      President, Laser Power Display Division
Paul P. Wickman, Jr..............  47      Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
William G. Fredrick(1)...........  57      Director
Robert G. Klimasewski............  53      Director
Richard C. Laird(2)..............  50      Director
Kenneth E. Olson(1)(2)...........  60      Director
John C. Stiska(1)(2).............  55      Director
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Member of the Compensation Committee
 
(2) Member of the Audit Committee
 
     Glenn H. Sherman, Ph.D., the founder of the Company, has served as Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 1979. From 1972 to
1979, Dr. Sherman served as a director and Vice President of II-VI, Inc., an
electro-optical component manufacturer. Dr. Sherman received a B.S., M.S. and
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana.
 
     Douglas H. Tanimoto, Ph.D. has served as the President of the Laser Power
Research Division since 1988 and has served as a director of the Company since
1984. Dr. Tanimoto served as the President of the Laser Power Optics Division
from 1986 to 1988. Dr. Tanimoto received a B.A. from the University of
California, Berkeley and an M.S. and Ph.D in Physics from the University of
Oregon.
 
     Richard P. Scherer has served as President of the Laser Power Optics
Division since March 1996. Mr. Scherer served as the Company's Senior Vice
President, Marketing and Business Development, of the Company from 1992 to March
1996. Mr. Scherer received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Marquette
University.
 
     Dean T. Hodges, Ph.D. has served as President of the Laser Power
Microlasers Division since March 1996. Dr. Hodges served as President of the
Laser Power Optics Division from March 1994 to March 1996. From 1984 to March
1994, Dr. Hodges served as Senior Vice President of Newport Corporation, a
manufacturer of instruments for the laser and optics industries. Dr. Hodges
received a B.S. in mathematics and physics from Humboldt State College and a
Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Cornell University.
 
     Arthur P. Minich, a consultant of the Company, has served as President of
the Laser Power Display Division since December 1996. Mr. Minich has agreed to
become an employee of the Company upon the closing of this offering. From 1992
to November 1996, Mr. Minich served as Chief Technical Officer and Vice
President, Research and Development, of Proxima Corporation, a manufacturer of
computer display projectors. From 1990 to 1992, Mr. Minich founded and served as
Chairman of the Board of Directors of PIVOTAL Corp., a developer of object
oriented business process engineering software. From 1988 to 1990, Mr. Minich
served as the Business Unit/Group General Manager of Eastman Kodak Company's
digital imaging systems business. Mr. Minich received a B.S. in Electrical
Engineering from Iowa State University and an M.S. in Electrical
Engineering/Computer Science from the Hewlett-Packard Honors Cooperative
Program.
 
     Paul P. Wickman, Jr. has served as Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company since September 1992. From 1983 to 1992, he
served as Group Vice President, Finance, and Controller of The
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   41
 
Titan Corporation, a diversified high technology company. Mr. Wickman received a
B.S. in Accounting from San Diego State University and is a Certified Public
Accountant.
 
     William G. Fredrick has served as a director of the Company since 1980. Mr.
Fredrick is the founder and President of Laser Mechanisms, Inc., a laser device
and accessory manufacturer, since 1980, and Oxid Corporation, a laser device and
accessory manufacturer, since 1986. Mr. Fredrick received a B.S. in Engineering
Physics from the University of Michigan.
 
     Robert G. Klimasewski has served as a director of the Company since 1980.
Mr. Klimasewski has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Transmation, Inc., an electronic instrumentation manufacturer since 1994. In
1972, Mr. Klimasewski founded Burleigh Instruments, Inc., a scientific
instrument and laser manufacturer, and has been Vice Chairman of Burleigh
Instruments since 1972. Mr. Klimasewski is also a director of Transmation and
Burleigh Instruments. Mr. Klimasewski received a B.S. and M.S. in Optical
Engineering from the University of Rochester.
 
     Richard C. Laird has served as a director of the Company since 1987
representing Union Miniere, s.a., one of the Company's investors. Mr. Laird
joined Union Miniere Inc. in 1980 and currently serves as Executive Vice
President and director. Mr. Laird received a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering
from Michigan Technological University.
 
     Kenneth E. Olson has served as a director of the Company since October 1994
representing Proxima Corporation. Mr. Olson is Chairman of Board, acting
President and Chief Executive Officer of Proxima. Mr. Olson previously served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Proxima from December 1990 to January
1996. Mr. Olson is a director of Proxima, Lidak Pharmaceuticals and Applied
Digital Access, Inc. Mr. Olson received an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.
 
     John C. Stiska has served as a director of the Company since April 1987.
Mr. Stiska served as outside legal counsel to the Company from 1983 to 1990. In
February 1996, Mr. Stiska joined QUALCOMM Incorporated as Corporate Senior Vice
President and has served as General Manager of the Technology Applications
Division since January 1997. From 1990 to January 1996, Mr. Stiska served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Triton Group Ltd., an operating-holding
company that emerged in 1993 from the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings of
Triton Group Ltd. and Intermark, Inc. Mr. Stiska is a director of Jaymark, Inc.
Mr. Stiska received a B.B.A. and J.D. from the University of Wisconsin.
 
DIRECTORS NOT CONTINUING AFTER OFFERING
 
     Alain Godefroid, 48, has served as a director of the Company since November
1987. Mr. Godefroid joined Union Miniere, s.a. as General Counsel in 1978 and
currently serves as its Corporate Vice President, Legal and Environmental
Affairs. Mr. Godefroid received an L.L.M. from the University of Texas and a
J.D. from the Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.
 
     Siegfried Meder, 68, has served as a director of the Company since February
1980. From 1976 until his retirement in 1996, Mr. Meder served as President of
American Schack, Inc., a subsidiary of the Schack Corporation, an engineering
firm specializing in improving the energy efficiency of industrial processes.
Mr. Meder received a Diplom Ingenieur in Chemical Engineering from the Technical
University of Aachen, Germany.
 
     Marc Van Sande, Ph.D., 45, has served as a director of the Company since
July 1993. Since 1993, Dr. Van Sande has served as Business Unit Manager,
Electro Optic Materials, Union Miniere, s.a. From 1989 to 1993, Mr. Van Sande
served as Marketing and Research and Development Manager of the Business Unit
Germanium. Dr. Van Sande received a Ph.D. in Solid State Physics from the
University of Antwerp, Belgium and an Executive Master in Business
Administration from the Institute of Commerce in Antwerp.
 
OTHER KEY EMPLOYEES
 
     J. Bryan Blasutta, 44, has served as Vice President of North American Sales
of the Laser Power Optics Division since 1995. Prior to 1995, Mr. Blasutta
served in a number of managerial positions at the Company.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   42
 
Mr. Blasutta received a B.A. in Communications from Ohio State University and an
A.A.S. in Laser Electro Optics from Texas State Technical Institute.
 
     Dirk Claeys, 46, has served as Commercial Director of Radius Engineering
N.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company since 1993. From 1990 to 1993,
Mr. Claeys served as Sales Manager of Oerlikon Precision Laser, a Swiss
manufacturer of industrial lasers. Mr. Claeys received a degree in electronics
engineering from the S.T.S. Institute in Ghent, Belgium.
 
     Edward J. Danielewicz, Ph.D., 47, has served as Vice President of
International Sales of the Laser Power Optics Division since 1993. Dr.
Danielewicz has served in a number of managerial positions since joining the
Company in 1981. From 1978 to 1981, Dr. Danielewicz served as Section Leader of
the Lasers and Optics Department of the Aerospace Corporation. Dr. Danielewicz
received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania
and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana.
 
     David J. Erickson, 47, has served as Vice President of Engineering and
Manufacturing Technology of the Laser Power Optics Division since May 1996. From
1986 to 1996, Mr. Erickson served as Director of Manufacturing of Optical
Corporation of America.
 
     Graham W. Flint, 59, has served as the Company's Chief Technical Officer
and Vice President of the Laser Power Research Division since 1988. From 1977 to
1988, Mr. Flint served as Director of the Air Force Developmental Optics
Facility managed by Martin Marietta Corporation. Mr. Flint received a B.S. in
Physics from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
 
     David E. Hargis, 32, has served as Vice President of Microlaser Technology
of the Laser Power Research Division since 1994. Mr. Hargis joined the Company
in 1990 as a senior scientist. From 1988 to 1990, Mr. Hargis served as Research
Physicist at Energy Compression Research Corporation. Mr. Hargis received a B.S.
and M.S. in Physics from the University of California, San Diego.
 
     Pedram A. Leilabady, Ph.D., 37, has served as Vice President of
Telecommunications Products of the Laser Power Microlasers Division since March
1997. From 1995 to 1997, he served as Market Operations Manager for Lucent
Technologies Inc. From 1988 to 1995, Dr. Leilabady held a variety of managerial
positions at ATx Telecom Systems, Inc., including Director of Product
Management. Dr. Leilabady received a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of
Kent, United Kingdom.
 
     James D. McFarland, 41, has served as Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary since August 1996. From 1995 to August 1996, Mr. McFarland practiced
with the law firm of Baker, Maxham, Jester & Meador in San Diego and, from 1991
to 1995, with the firm of Blakely, Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman in Sunnyvale,
California. Mr. McFarland received a B.A. in Economics from the University of
Florida, a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, San
Diego and a J.D. from the University of Florida School of Law.
 
     Peter Muys, 44, has served as the General Manager of Radius Engineering
N.V. since 1990. From 1988 to 1990, Mr. Muys served as Manager of Research and
Development at Eurolaser Technology. Mr. Muys received a University Engineer
degree in Computer Science from the University of Leuven, Belgium and a
University Engineer degree in Physics from the University of Ghent, Belgium.
 
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
     The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Laird, Olson and Stiska. The Audit
Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the
selection of independent auditors, reviews the results and scope of the audit
and other services provided by the Company's independent auditors and reviews
and evaluates the Company's audit and control functions.
 
   
     The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Fredrick, Olson and Stiska.
The Compensation Committee makes recommendations regarding the Company's 1997
Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan as well as decisions concerning salaries
and incentive compensation for employees and consultants of the Company.
    
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   43
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
   
     The Company's outside directors receive $1,000 per meeting and $500 per
committee meeting as payment for their services as a member of the Board of
Directors and are reimbursed for certain expenses in connection with attendance
at Board and committee meetings. In January 1995, the Company issued a warrant
to purchase 16,666 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of
$4.50 per share to Kenneth E. Olson. The warrant may be exercised in whole or in
part at any time by the holder as long as the holder remains a member of the
Board of Directors. The warrant expires in January 2000. In December 1996, the
Company issued warrants to purchase up to 20,000 shares of the Company's Common
Stock to Union Miniere Inc. and warrants to purchase up to 6,666 shares of the
Company's Common Stock to each of John Stiska, Kenneth Olson, Siegfried Meder,
Robert Klimasewski and William Fredrick at an exercise price of $4.50 per share.
Such warrants expire in December 2006. Union Miniere Inc.'s warrant may be
exercised in whole or in part at any time by the holder as long as at least one
representative of the holder remains a member of the Board of Directors.
Following the completion of this offering, non-employee directors will be
eligible to participate in the 1997 Plan. In addition, entities affiliated with
certain of the directors have, from time to time, entered into transactions with
the Company. See "-- Stock Option Plans" and "Certain Transactions."
    
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
     No member of the Compensation Committee of the Company was at any time an
officer or an employee of the Company or serves as a member of the Board of
Directors or Compensation Committee of any entity that has one or more executive
officers serving as a member of the Company's Board of Directors or Compensation
Committee other than Mr. Olson who is a director of Proxima.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   44
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The following table sets forth the compensation awarded or paid to, or
earned by, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the four other most highly
compensated executive officers of the Company who earned in excess of $100,000
in salary and bonus (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers") for services
rendered to the Company during the year ended August 31, 1996:
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   ANNUAL
                                                              COMPENSATION(1)
                                                            --------------------         ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION                 FISCAL YEAR     SALARY($)   BONUS($)     COMPENSATION($)(2)
- ------------------------------------------  -----------     -------     --------     ------------------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>         <C>          <C>
Glenn H. Sherman, Ph.D....................      1996        170,600      25,000             25,600
  Chairman of the Board and Chief
  Executive Officer
 
Douglas H. Tanimoto, Ph.D.................      1996        145,500      14,500             19,800
  President, Laser Power Research Division
  and Director
 
Dean T. Hodges, Ph.D......................      1996        140,500      24,000             15,200
  President, Laser Power Microlasers
  Division
 
Richard P. Scherer........................      1996        139,000      18,000             12,300
  President, Laser Power Optics Division
 
Paul P. Wickman...........................      1996        110,400      16,000             13,900
  Senior Vice President and Chief
  Financial Officer
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) In accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the
    compensation described in this table does not include medical, group life
    insurance or other benefits received by the Named Executive Officers which
    are available generally to all salaried employees of the Company and certain
    perquisites and other personal benefits received by the Named Executive
    Officers which do not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of any such
    officer's salary and bonus disclosed in this table. There were no long-term
    compensation awards granted to the Named Executive Officers during the
    fiscal year ended August 31, 1996.
 
(2) Includes premium payments made by the Company for split dollar life
    insurance policies that are owned by Named Executive Officers. The policy
    owners have assigned to the Company the proceeds from termination of the
    policies or from payment of death benefits in an amount equal to the lesser
    of the cash surrender value or the cumulative payments made by the Company
    on their behalf. The insurance premium payments in fiscal 1996 amounted to
    $23,400, $17,400, $14,800, $12,300 and $11,600 for Messrs. Sherman,
    Tanimoto, Hodges, Scherer and Wickman, respectively. Also includes 401(k)
    Plan employer matching contributions of $2,200, $2,400, $400, $0 and $2,300
    for Messrs. Sherman, Tanimoto, Hodges, Scherer and Wickman, respectively.
 
STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
  1997 Equity Incentive Plan
 
     In March 1997, the Company adopted the 1997 Plan. The 1997 Plan provides
for incentive stock options for employees (including officers and employee
directors), and nonstatutory stock options, stock bonuses, rights to purchase
restricted stock and stock appreciation rights (either independent of or
appurtenant to an option) for employees (including officers and employee
directors) and non-employee directors and consultants. The 1997 Plan is
administered by the Board of Directors, or a Committee appointed by the Board,
which determines the option awards to be granted, including exercise prices,
number of shares subject to the
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   45
 
awards and the exercisability thereof, provided that such terms comply with the
provisions of the plan under which the option award is granted. The Company has
reserved 1,000,000 shares under the 1997 Plan.
 
   
     The term of the stock options granted under the 1997 Plan may not exceed 10
years. The exercise price of options granted under the 1997 Plan is determined
by the Board of Directors, but in the case of an incentive stock option, cannot
be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of
grant, and, in the case of a nonstatutory stock option, cannot be less than 85%
of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. Options
granted under the plans vest at the rate specified in the option agreement. No
stock option may be transferred by the optionee other than by will or the laws
of descent or distribution or, in certain limited instances, pursuant to a
domestic relations order, provided that an optionee may designate a beneficiary
who may exercise the option following the optionee's death and provided further
that a nonstatutory option may be transferred to the extent provided in the
nonstatutory option agreement. An optionee whose relationship with the Company
or any related corporation ceases for any reason (other than by death or
permanent and total disability) may exercise options in the three-month period
following such cessation (unless such options terminate sooner or later by their
terms). Options may be exercised for up to twelve months after an optionee's
relationship with the Company and related corporations ceases due to death or
six months if the relationship ceases due to disability (unless such options
terminate sooner or later by their terms).
    
 
   
     No incentive stock option or award to purchase restricted stock may be
granted to any person who, at the time of the grant, owns (or is deemed to own)
stock representing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the
Company or any affiliate of the Company, unless the option exercise price is at
least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option (100% of
the fair market value in the case of restricted stock) on the date of the grant,
and the term of the option does not exceed five years from the date of the
grant. The aggregate fair market value, determined at the time of the grant, of
the shares of Common Stock with respect to which incentive stock options are
exercisable for the first time by an optionee during any calendar year (under
all such plans of the Company and its affiliates) may not exceed $100,000. No
optionee shall be eligible for option grants or stock appreciation rights under
the 1997 Plan covering more than 300,000 shares during any calendar year at such
time as Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended (the
"Code") becomes applicable to the 1997 Plan.
    
 
     Pursuant to the 1997 Plan, shares subject to stock awards that have expired
or otherwise terminated without having been exercised in full again become
available for the grant, but shares subject to exercised stock appreciation
rights will not again become available for the grant. The Board of Directors has
the authority to reprice outstanding options and stock appreciation rights and
to offer optionees and holders of stock appreciation rights the opportunity to
replace outstanding options and stock appreciation rights with new options or
stock appreciation rights for the same or a different number of shares.
 
     Restricted stock purchase awards granted under the plan may be granted
pursuant to a repurchase option in favor of the Company in accordance with a
vesting schedule and at a price determined by the Board of Directors. Restricted
stock purchases must be at a price equal to at least 85% of the stock's fair
market value on the award date, but stock bonuses may be awarded in
consideration of past services without a purchase payment. Rights under a stock
bonus or restricted stock bonus agreement may not be transferred other than by
will, the laws of descent and distribution or a domestic relations order while
the stock awarded pursuant to such an agreement remains subject to the
agreement. Stock appreciation rights granted under the 1997 Plan may be tandem
rights, concurrent rights or independent rights.
 
     Upon certain changes in control of the Company, all outstanding awards
under the 1997 Plan must either be assumed or substituted by the surviving
entity. If the surviving entity determines not to assume or substitute such
awards, then with respect to persons then performing services as employees,
directors or consultants, the time during which such awards may be exercised
shall be accelerated and the awards terminated if not exercised prior to such
change in control. All other awards shall be terminated if not exercised prior
to such event.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   46
 
   
     As of March 31, 1997, no options were outstanding under the 1997 Plan. The
1997 Plan will terminate in March 2007 unless sooner terminated by the Board of
Directors.
    
 
  1981 Stock Option Plan
 
     The Company's Second Amended and Restated 1981 Stock Option Plan (the "1981
Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors in September 1980, and was
subsequently amended in April 1986 and October 1990. The Board has authorized
and reserved an aggregate of 666,666 shares of Common Stock for issuance under
the 1981 Plan. The 1981 Plan provided for the grant of incentive stock options
under the Code and nonstatutory stock options to employees of the Company.
 
     As of March 31, 1997, the Company had outstanding options to purchase
404,324 shares of Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $3.00
under the 1981 Plan. The 1981 Plan has been terminated by the Board of
Directors, and no additional options will be granted thereunder, but outstanding
options remain exercisable and continue to vest until they terminate in
accordance with their terms.
 
  1993 Stock Option Plan
 
     The Company's 1993 Stock Option Plan (the "1993 Plan") was adopted by the
Board of Directors in September, 1993. The Board has authorized and reserved an
aggregate of 666,666 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 1993 Plan.
The 1993 Plan provided for the grant of incentive stock options to employees and
nonstatutory stock options to employees, directors and consultants of the
Company and its affiliates.
 
     As of March 31, 1997, the Company had granted options to purchase 545,966
shares of Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $4.49 under the
1993 Plan. The 1993 Plan has been terminated by the Board of Directors, and no
additional options will be granted thereunder, but outstanding options remain
exercisable and continue to vest until they terminate in accordance with their
terms.
 
AGGREGATED FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
 
     The following table sets forth for each of the Named Executive Officers the
number and value of securities underlying unexercised options and warrants held
by the Named Executive Officers at August 31, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING           VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                           UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT               IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                                             AUGUST 31, 1996 (#)                AUGUST 31, 1996 ($)(1)
                                       -------------------------------     ---------------------------------
                NAME                   EXERCISABLE       UNEXERCISABLE     EXERCISABLE         UNEXERCISABLE
- -------------------------------------  -----------       -------------     -----------         -------------
<S>                                    <C>               <C>               <C>                 <C>
Glenn H. Sherman, Ph.D...............     66,666             10,000          300,000               30,000
Douglas H. Tanimoto, Ph.D............    200,000              6,666          900,000               20,000
Richard P. Scherer...................    120,000             86,666          540,000              380,000
Dean T. Hodges, Ph.D.................     80,000            126,666          240,000              380,000
Paul P. Wickman......................     26,666             46,664          110,000              160,000
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Based on the difference between the assumed initial public offering price of
    $7.50 per share and the exercise price.
 
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
 
   
     In March 1997, the Company adopted the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the
"Purchase Plan") covering an aggregate of 250,000 shares of Common Stock. The
Purchase Plan is intended to qualify as an employee stock purchase plan within
the meaning of Section 423 of the Code. Under the Purchase Plan, the Board may
authorize participation by eligible employees, including officers, in periodic
offerings following the commencement of the Purchase Plan. The offering period
for any offering may be no more than 27 months. The initial offering under the
Purchase Plan shall commence on the closing of the Company's initial public
    
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   47
 
offering date of the IPO date and terminate on February 28, 1998. Sequential
six-month offerings will occur thereafter.
 
   
     Employees are eligible to participate if they are employed by the Company
or a subsidiary of the Company designated by the Board for at least 20 hours per
week and are customarily employed by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company
designated by the Board for at least five months per calendar year. Employees
who participate in an offering have up to 15% of their earnings withheld
pursuant to the Purchase Plan. The amount withheld is then used to purchase
shares of the Common Stock on specified dates determined by the Board. The price
of Common Stock purchased under the Purchase Plan will be equal to 85% of the
lower of the fair market value of the Common Stock at the commencement date of
each offering period or the last day of the offering. Employees may end their
participation in the offering at any time during the offering period except as
otherwise provided in the offering. Participation ends automatically on
termination of employment with the Company.
    
 
   
     In the event of a merger, reorganization, consolidation or liquidation
involving the Company, the Board has discretion to provide that each right to
purchase Common Stock will be assumed or an equivalent right substituted by the
successor corporation, or the Board may shorten the offering period and provide
for all sums collected by payroll deductions to be applied to purchase stock
immediately prior to such merger or other transaction. The Purchase Plan will
terminate in March 2007. The Board has the authority to amend or terminate the
Purchase Plan, provided, however, that no such action may adversely affect any
outstanding rights to purchase Common Stock.
    
 
401(K) PLAN
 
     In September 1988, the Board adopted a tax qualified employee savings and
retirement plan covering the Company's employees, as amended and restated
effective January 1, 1997 (the "401(k) Plan"). Pursuant to the 401(k) Plan,
eligible employees including officers of the Company may elect to reduce their
current compensation by up to the lesser of 16% of such compensation or the
statutorily prescribed annual limit ($9,500 in 1997) and have the amount of such
reduction contributed to the 401(k) Plan. The 401(k) Plan provides for Company
matching and profit sharing contributions of 50% of the employee's contributions
to a maximum of 6% of the employee's compensation. Employees become 20% vested
in the Company's matching contributions after two years of service, and increase
their vested percentages by an additional 20% for each year of service
thereafter. The 401(k) Plan is intended to qualify under Section 401 of the
Code, so that contributions to the 401(k) Plan, and income earned on the 401(k)
Plan contributions, are not taxable to employees until withdrawn from the 401(k)
Plan, and so that contributions by the Company will be deductible by the Company
when made. The trustees under the 401(k) Plan are Glenn H. Sherman and Paul P.
Wickman. The trustees, working with the plan sponsor, Reliastar, at the
discretion of each participant, invest the 401(k) Plan employee salary deferrals
and Company contributions in selected investment options.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
     The Company has entered into employment agreements, dated April 1, 1997,
with the following executive officers: (1) Glenn Sherman, Ph.D., Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer, (2) Dean Hodges, Ph.D., President, Laser
Power Microlasers Division, (3) Richard Scherer, President, Laser Power Optics
Division, (4) Douglas Tanimoto, Ph.D., President, Laser Power Research Division,
and (5) Paul Wickman, Jr., Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer. Pursuant to such employment agreements, Messrs. Sherman, Hodges,
Scherer, Tanimoto and Wickman receive annual salaries of $185,000, $145,000,
$147,000, $150,000 and $120,000, respectively. In addition, the Company will
enter into an employment agreement with Arthur Minich, President, Laser Power
Display Division, upon the closing of this offering at an annual salary of
$150,000. Annual bonuses are determined by the Board of Directors. The term of
each employment agreement is three years and may be extended by mutual written
consent of the parties. Each employment agreement also provides that if
employment is terminated for cause or the employee voluntarily resigns, the
employee shall receive only the salary payments earned prior to the date of
termination. If employment is terminated without cause, the employee will
receive consulting fees equal to his base salary times the number of months
equal to the number of years he would have been employed at the next
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   48
 
anniversary date of his employment. As consideration for the consulting fees,
the employee will provide consulting services on an as needed basis. In
addition, during the term of employment, and for as long as the employee is
receiving consulting fees, the employee will not, subject to certain
limitations, compete with the Company.
 
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
   
     The Company's Bylaws provide that the Company will indemnify its directors
and executive officers and may indemnify its other officers, employees and other
agents to the fullest extent not prohibited by Delaware law as in effect from
time to time. The Company is also empowered under its Bylaws to enter into
indemnification contracts with its directors and officers and to purchase
insurance on behalf of any person it is required or permitted to indemnify.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons
of the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company
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. Pursuant to the bylaw provision, the Company will
enter into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and certain of
its officers. The Company has obtained directors' and officers' liability
insurance in the amount of $5 million of coverage.
    
 
     In addition, the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the
"Restated Certificate") provides that directors of the Company shall not be
personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for
any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any
breach of the directors' duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders,
(ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) in respect of certain unlawful
payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided
in Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) for any
transaction from which the director derives any improper personal benefit. The
Restated Certificate also provides that if the Delaware General Corporation Law
is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the
personal liability of directors, then the liability of the Company's directors
shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware
General Corporation Law. The Restated Certificate does not affect a director's
responsibilities under any other law, such as the federal securities laws or
state or federal environmental laws.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   49
 
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
   
     In November 1987, Union Miniere, s.a. purchased the Debentures in the
aggregate principal amount of $1,660,000 from the Company. The Debentures are
currently held by Union Miniere Inc. The Debentures bear interest at a rate
which is equal to Wells Fargo Bank's prime rate plus 1%; provided, however, that
the rate of interest shall in no event be less than 5 1/2% per annum nor higher
than the lesser of 11 1/2% per annum or the maximum rate then permitted by law.
The Company has paid interest on the Debentures semi-annually. The Debentures
were originally convertible into Common Stock at $3.00 per share and were due
and payable on October 30, 1992. The original due date has been extended from
time to time; the current due date is October 30, 1997. Union Miniere Inc.
desired to postpone the conversion and/or repayment of the Debentures and in
March and June 1997, the Company entered into a letter agreement and definitive
agreements with Union Miniere Inc. to extend the maturity date of the Debentures
to November 2, 2000 and to increase the conversion price from $3.00 per share to
$5.25 per share. In the event the per share price of this offering is less than
$6.75, the conversion price will be adjusted downward so that for every cent the
offering price is below $6.75 per share, the conversion price will be reduced by
one-half of one cent; provided however, that in no event will the conversion
price be reduced below $4.50 per share. As a result, the maximum number of
shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures is 368,888. In
addition, Union Miniere Inc. was granted certain registration rights covering
all shares of Common Stock now owned by it or acquired by it upon conversion of
the Debentures and exercise of its warrants, including the right to request that
the Company register the resale of such shares no earlier than one year after
the closing of this offering. In December 1996, the Company issued warrants to
purchase 20,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.50 per share
to Union Miniere Inc. in connection with the service of certain directors of the
Company. See "Management -- Director Compensation," "Description of Capital
Stock -- Convertible Subordinated Debentures" and "Shares Eligible for Future
Sale."
    
 
     On September 1, 1991, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets
of Burleigh Northwest Optical, Inc. In consideration for the assets acquired,
the Company executed a secured promissory note in the amount of $150,000 payable
to Burleigh Instruments, Inc., an entity of which Robert G. Klimasewski is an
officer, director and 50% stockholder. The note bears interest at 8.25% per
annum and is payable in one hundred and twenty equal monthly installments. As of
March 31, 1997, the outstanding balance on such note was $81,487.
 
   
     In May 1993, Proxima purchased 83,333 shares of Common Stock from the
Company for $250,000. In January 1994, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase
Agreement with Proxima, pursuant to which Proxima has purchased shares of Series
A Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $6.4 million. The Series A
Preferred Stock could be converted into Common Stock at an effective price of
$6.00 per share. However, under certain circumstances, the effective conversion
price could be reduced to $3.00 per share. In March and June 1997, to ensure the
exchange of the Series A Preferred Stock for Common Stock, the Company entered
into a letter agreement and definitive agreements with Proxima, pursuant to
which Proxima will exchange the Series A Preferred Stock for 1,193,252 shares of
Common Stock (a fixed conversion price of $5.40 per share) immediately prior to
the completion of the offering. In addition, Proxima was granted certain
registration rights covering all shares of Common Stock now owned by it or
acquired by it in exchange for the Series A Preferred Stock, including the right
to request that the Company register the resale of such shares no earlier than
one year after the closing of this offering. In July 1996, Proxima stated that
it had written down a majority of its investment in the Company because the
microlaser technology developed by the Company will initially be suited for the
higher cost specialty projector markets that will not be served by Proxima's
products. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
    
 
     In January 1994, the Company entered into a Cooperative Development and
License Agreement with Proxima which provides Proxima with certain rights to
display technology developed by the Company so long as Proxima continues to
provide funding to the Company or aggressively markets products using such
technology. Proxima has a right of first refusal regarding certain other
technologies developed by the Company relating to the video display market.
 
     In June 1994, Proxima Corporation extended to the Company a $500,000 line
of credit to finance the purchase of equipment to support microlaser
development. In May 1995, the outstanding balance under the
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   50
 
   
line of credit was converted into a term note due and payable June 30, 1999. As
of February 28, 1997, $218,000 principal amount was outstanding on the note. The
note bears interest at Imperial Bank's prime rate plus 1 1/2%. Principal and
interest payments under the note are due monthly. The amount owing under the
note has been guaranteed by Glenn H. Sherman, the Company's Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer. The Company intends to repay the outstanding
principal balance and any outstanding accrued interest upon the closing of this
offering.
    
 
     The Company purchases a number of products for resale from Laser
Mechanisms, Inc. ("LMI"). William G. Fredrick, Jr., a director of the Company,
is the founder, president and sole stockholder of LMI. In addition, LMI
purchases laser optics from the Company. LMI's sales to the Company in fiscal
1994, 1995, 1996, the first six months of fiscal 1997 and the first six months
of fiscal 1996 were $204,000, $631,000, $737,000, $342,000 and $376,000,
respectively. The Company's sales to LMI in fiscal 1994, 1995, 1996 and the
first six months of fiscal 1997 were $205,000, $233,000, $203,000, $96,000 and
$200,000, respectively. The Company believes that such transactions between the
Company and LMI are on terms as favorable to the Company as such terms would
have been if negotiated between the Company and unaffiliated persons.
 
     In December 1996, the Company issued an option to purchase 200,000 shares
of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.50 per share to Arthur
P. Minich. The option vests over five years and may be exercised at any time
until its expiration in December 2006.
 
   
     In April 1996, the Company entered into employment agreements with each of
Glenn H. Sherman, Dean T. Hodges, Richard P. Scherer, Douglas H. Tanimoto and
Paul P. Wickman, Jr. See "Management -- Employment Agreements."
    
 
     In addition, the Company will, prior to the closing of this offering, enter
into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and certain of its
officers. See "Management -- Limitation of Liability and Indemnification
Matters."
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   51
 
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
     The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
beneficial ownership of the Common Stock as of March 31, 1997, and as adjusted
to reflect the sale of this offering, by (i) each person who is known by the
Company to own beneficially more that 5% of the Company's outstanding Common
Stock, (ii) each Named Executive Officer, (iii) each of the Company's directors,
(iv) all current directors and executive officers as a group, and (v) each
Selling Stockholder. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, the
persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to
all shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to
community property laws where applicable.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         SHARES BENEFICIALLY                    SHARES BENEFICIALLY
                                                           OWNED PRIOR TO                           OWNED AFTER
                      DIRECTORS,                             OFFERING(1)                            OFFERING(1)
                  EXECUTIVE OFFICERS                     -------------------       SHARES       -------------------
                  AND 5% STOCKHOLDERS                      NUMBER    PERCENT   BEING OFFERED      NUMBER    PERCENT
- -------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -------   --------------   ----------  -------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>       <C>              <C>         <C>
Proxima Corporation(2).................................   1,276,585    30.4%            --       1,276,585    20.4%
  9440 Carroll Park
  San Diego, CA 92121-2298
Union Miniere Inc.(3)..................................     924,683    19.9             --         924,683    13.8
  13847 West Virginia Dr.
  Lakewood, CO 80228
Glenn H. Sherman, Ph.D.(4).............................     629,082    14.7             --         629,082    10.0
  Laser Power Corporation
  12777 High Bluff Road
  San Diego, CA 92130
William G. Fredrick, Jr.(5)............................     372,122     8.8             --         372,122     5.9
  Laser Mechanisms, Inc.
  P.O. Box 2064
  Southfield, MI 48037
Douglas H. Tanimoto, Ph.D.(6)..........................     283,933     6.4             --         283,933     4.4
  Laser Power Corporation
  12777 High Bluff Road
  San Diego, CA 92130
Dean T. Hodges, Ph.D.(7)...............................     121,333     2.8             --         121,333     1.9
Richard P. Scherer(8)..................................     161,333     3.7             --         161,333     2.5
Arthur P. Minich.......................................          --      --             --              --      --
Paul P. Wickman, Jr.(9)................................      46,676     1.1             --          46,676       *
Robert G. Klimasewski(10)..............................      69,491     1.6             --          69,491     1.1
Richard C. Laird(11)...................................       4,465       *             --           4,465       *
Kenneth E. Olson(12)...................................      25,798       *             --          25,798       *
John C. Stiska(13).....................................     126,564     3.0             --         126,564     2.0
Alain Godefroid(14)....................................          --      --             --              --      --
Siegfried Meder(15)....................................      93,469     2.2             --          93,469     1.5
Marc Van Sande, Ph.D...................................          --      --             --              --      --
All directors and executive officers as a group (14
  persons)(16).........................................   4,135,534    77.3             --       4,135,534    55.9
   SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
Milton M.T. & Rosalind Pao Chang.......................     197,594     4.7         62,278         135,316     2.2
Tony & Lily Hsu........................................      81,350     1.9         23,042          58,308       *
Other selling stockholders(17).........................     370,440     8.8        264,680         105,760     1.7
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
  *  Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%.
 
 (1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
     Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with respect
     to securities. Except as indicated by footnote, and subject to community
     property laws where applicable, the persons named in the table above have
     sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock
     shown as beneficially owned by them. Percentage of beneficial ownership is
     based on
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   52
 
   
     4,202,354 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 31, 1997 assuming
     the issuance of 1,193,252 shares of Common Stock in exchange for the
     outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and 6,252,354 shares of Common Stock
     outstanding after completion of this offering.
    
 
   
 (2) Mr. Olson, a director of the Company, is Chairman of the Board and acting
     President and Chief Executive Officer of Proxima Corporation.
    
 
 (3) Includes 368,888 shares subject to convertible debentures and 70,000 shares
     subject to warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 1997. Union
     Miniere, s.a., a Belgium public company, owns approximately 75% of the
     shares of Union Miniere Inc. Sogem, s.a., owns the remaining shares of
     Union Miniere Inc. Union Miniere, s.a., owns virtually all the shares of
     Sogem, s.a.
 
 (4) Includes 82 shares held by Inamaria Sherman, wife of Mr. Sherman and 68,666
     shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 1997.
 
 (5) Includes 10,666 shares held of record by Laser Mechanisms, Inc., of which
     Mr. Fredrick is the President, and 23,332 shares subject to warrants
     exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 1997.
 
 (6) Includes 201,333 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
     March 31, 1997.
 
 (7) Includes 121,333 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
     March 31, 1997.
 
 (8) Includes 1,333 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
     March 31, 1997 and 160,000 shares subject to a warrant exercisable within
     60 days of March 31, 1997.
 
 (9) Includes 41,332 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
     March 31, 1997.
 
(10) Includes 23,332 shares subject to warrants exercisable within 60 days of
     March 31, 1997.
 
(11) Mr. Laird, a director of the Company, is Executive Vice President and a
     director of Union Miniere Inc.
 
(12) Includes 23,332 shares subject to warrants exercisable within 60 days of
     March 31, 1997. Excludes 1,276,585 shares held by Proxima Corporation, of
     which Mr. Olson is Chairman of the Board and acting President and Chief
     Executive Officer.
 
(13) Includes 23,332 shares subject to warrants exercisable within 60 days of
     March 31, 1997.
 
(14) Excludes 924,683 shares held of record by Union Miniere Inc., of which Mr.
     Godefroid is the Corporate Vice President, Legal and Environmental Affairs.
 
(15) Includes 23,332 shares subject to warrants exercisable within 60 days of
     March 31, 1997.
 
   
(16) Includes 433,997 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable
     within 60 days of March 31, 1997, and 276,660 shares issuable upon exercise
     of warrants exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 1997. Includes
     1,276,585 shares held by Proxima Corporation, of which Mr. Olson is
     Chairman of the Board and acting President and Chief Executive Officer; Mr.
     Olson disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. Also includes 924,683
     shares held by Union Miniere Inc., of which Mr. Godefroid is the Corporate
     Vice President, Legal and Environmental Affairs; Mr. Godefroid disclaims
     beneficial ownership of such shares. See footnote 3.
    
 
   
(17) Includes stockholders each of whom owned less than 1% of the Company's
     Common Stock prior to the offering and will own less than 1% of the
     Company's Common Stock following the offering. Such stockholders (and the
     number of shares to be sold by such stockholders in the offering) include:
     Sodero R. Arcia (687 shares); Scott Arrington (6,222 shares); Andreas Caine
     (2,491 shares); Angela G. Caine (1,551 shares); John C. & Isolde M. Caine
     (3,114 shares); Hilary K.H. & Marie Louise Chan (1,831 shares); ABN AMRO
     Chicago Corporation (2,491 shares); Daniel Combs (622 shares); Verne R.
     Costich (3,737 shares); H. Eugene Davis (31 shares) Jacques DeFrenne (389
     shares); 1480 Associates (32,659 shares); Stephen Fry (9,342 shares); James
     R. Goode (7,473 shares); Sally A. Goode (6,504 shares); Glen C. and John C.
     Harris, Successor Trustees, Residual Trust B. David J. Harris Trust Dated
     4/4/76 (1,584 shares); Alan D. Hiura (9,889 shares); Hiura & Hiura DDS Inc.
     (Pension Trust) (9,342 shares); Ronald Hiura (934 shares); Thomas W. &
     Sharon E. James (4,516 shares; Claude D. Jones (2,519 shares); Anthony L. &
     Rita J. Kendziorski (622 shares); Dennis Kendziorski (3,186 shares); Ervin
     Kendziorski (7,420 shares) Richard Keyzer (7,899 shares); James A. King
     (202 shares); Allan Koljonen (4,017 shares); Roland N. Kumagai DDS Target
     Benefit Plan (5,372 shares); Micky Lee (389 shares); Ronald MacFarlane (248
     shares); John W. Matthews (3,114 shares); John W. Matthews (3,114 shares);
     William G. May (6,650 shares); Maura Richman (311 shares); Phillip E.
     Rollhaus (15,044 shares); L.E. & Denise Rund (409 shares); Horst Sasse
     (4,671 shares); Michael A. Schneider (622 shares); Nikom Shomglin (207
     shares); Walter K. Silbert (2,611 shares); Robert Spiegler (31 shares);
     Bruce Sunderland (934 shares); Lee Sutter (1,868 shares); Gary Takessian
     (2,491 shares); Nora Jean & George Thorward (311 shares); W. Peter Williams
     (498 shares); Clifford L. Willis (3,114 shares); Thomas S. Wilson (37,555
     shares); William P. Wilson (37,367 shares); Gary L. Wirt (9,590 shares).
    
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   53
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
     The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 15,000,000 shares
of Common Stock, $0.001 par value, and 3,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock,
$0.001 par value.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     As of March 31, 1997, there were 3,009,102 shares of Common Stock
outstanding held of record by approximately 182 stockholders. The holders of
Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted on by
the stockholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to outstanding
shares of Preferred Stock, if any, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to
receive ratably such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board
of Directors out of funds legally available therefor. In the event of a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of Common
Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of
liabilities, subject to prior liquidation rights of Preferred Stock, if any,
then outstanding. The Common Stock has no preemptive, conversion, subscription
or other such rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions
applicable to the Common Stock. All outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully
paid and nonassessable, and the shares of Common Stock to be sold in this
offering will be fully paid and non-assessable.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Immediately prior to the closing of this offering, all outstanding shares
of Series A Preferred Stock will be exchanged for 1,193,252 shares of Common
Stock. See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a
description of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and "Certain
Transactions."
 
     Under the Restated Certificate, the Board of Directors has the authority to
issue up to 3,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix
the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions granted to or imposed upon
such Preferred Stock, including dividend rights, conversion rights, terms of
redemption, liquidation preference, sinking fund terms and the number of shares
constituting any series or the designation of such series, without any further
vote or action by the stockholders. The Board of Directors, without stockholder
approval, can issue additional Preferred Stock with voting and conversion rights
which could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of Common Stock.
The issuance of Preferred Stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or
preventing a change in control of the Company. The Company has no present plan
to issue any shares of Preferred Stock.
 
DEBENTURES
 
   
     Union Miniere Inc. is the holder of the Debentures in the aggregate
principal amount of $1,660,000 from the Company. The Debentures bear interest at
a rate which is equal to Wells Fargo Bank's prime rate plus 1%; provided,
however, that the rate of interest shall in no event be less than 5 1/2% per
annum nor higher than the lesser of 11 1/2% per annum or the maximum rate then
permitted by law. The Debentures are subordinate to all bank debt, limit the
aggregate amount of debt the Company can incur, require that the Company
maintain minimum tangible net worth levels (which vary with the number of
outstanding shares) and require that the Company maintain an average annual cash
flow coverage ratio of 1:1. The Debentures also provide that the Company may
declare dividends only if it meets a minimum average cash flow coverage ratio of
2-to-1. The Debentures were originally due and payable on October 30, 1992,
which maturity date was extended to October 30, 1997. In March 1997, the Company
entered into a letter agreement with Union Miniere Inc. to extend the maturity
date of the Debentures to November 2, 2000 and to adjust the conversion price to
$5.25 per share. In the event the per share price of this offering is less than
$6.75, the conversion price will be adjusted downward so that for every cent the
offering price is below $6.75 per share, the conversion price will be reduced by
one-half of one cent; provided however, that in no event will such conversion
price be reduced below $4.50 per share. As a result, the maximum number of
shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures is 368,888.
See "Certain Transactions."
    
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   54
 
WARRANTS
 
     As of March 31, 1997, there were warrants outstanding to purchase an
aggregate of 386,660 shares of Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price
of $3.21 per share.
 
REPRESENTATIVES' WARRANTS
 
   
     The Company has also agreed to sell to the Representatives warrants to
purchase up to 205,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $.001 per warrant.
The Representatives' Warrants will be exercisable for a period of four years,
commencing one year after the date of this prospectus, at an initial per share
exercise price equal to 130% of the price to the public set forth on the cover
page of this prospectus. The Representatives' Warrants are not redeemable by the
Company under any circumstances. Neither the Representatives' Warrants nor the
shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof may be transferred,
assigned or hypothecated until one year from the date of this Prospectus, except
that they may be assigned, in whole or in part, to any successor, officer,
director, member or partner of the Representatives.
    
 
     The holders of the Representatives' Warrants will have no voting, dividend
or other rights as stockholders of the Company unless and until the exercise of
the Representatives' Warrants. The number of securities deliverable upon any
exercise of the Representatives' Warrants or its underlying securities and the
exercise price of the Representatives' Warrants are subject to adjustment to
protect against any dilution upon the occurrence of certain events, including
issuance of stock dividends, stock splits, subdivision or combination of
outstanding stock and reclassification of stock.
 
   
     The Company has agreed with the Representatives that if, during the
four-year period commencing one year following the date of this Prospectus, the
Company registers any of its Common Stock for sale pursuant to a registration
statement (with the exception of Form S-4, Form S-8 or other similar form), it
will use its best efforts, upon request of any of the holders of the
Representatives' Warrants and/or the underlying shares, to include such
securities as a part of the registration statement. The Company will bear all
the costs, except underwriting discounts and the Representatives' legal fees,
for one "piggy-back" registration.
    
 
DELAWARE ANTI-TAKEOVER LAW AND CERTAIN CHARTER PROVISIONS
 
     The Company is governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware
Law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a public Delaware corporation from
engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a
period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person
became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in
a prescribed manner. A "business combination" includes mergers, asset sales or
other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the stockholder. An
"interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and
associates, owns (or within the preceding three years, did own) 15% or more of
the corporation's voting stock. The statute could have the effect of delaying,
deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company.
 
     The Restated Certificate and Bylaws also require that, effective upon the
closing of this offering, any action required or permitted to be taken by
stockholders of the Company must be effected at a duly called annual or special
meeting of the stockholders and may not be effected by a consent in writing in
lieu of meeting. In addition, special meetings of the stockholders of the
Company may be called only by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board,
the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or by the holders of shares entitled
to cast not less than 10% of the votes at such meeting. The Restated Certificate
also specifies that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by
resolution of the Board of Directors. These provisions may have the effect of
deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of the
Company.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
     American Securities Transfer & Trust, Inc. has been appointed as the
transfer agent and registrar for the Company's Common Stock.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   55
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
     Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock of the Company. Future sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the
public market could adversely affect market prices prevailing from time to time.
Furthermore, since only a limited number of shares will be available for sale
shortly after this offering because of certain contractual and legal
restrictions on resale described below, sales of substantial amounts of Common
Stock of the Company in the public market after the restrictions lapse could
adversely affect the prevailing market price and the ability of the Company to
raise equity capital in the future.
 
   
     Upon completion of this offering, the Company will have outstanding
6,252,354 shares of Common Stock. Of these shares, the 2,400,000 shares sold in
the offering will generally be freely tradeable without restriction or further
registration under the Securities Act. The remaining approximately 3,852,000
shares of Common Stock may be sold in the public market as follows: (i)
approximately 233,000 shares will be eligible for immediate sale on the date of
this Prospectus; and (ii) upon expiration of lock-up agreements 180 days after
the Effective Date, approximately 633,000 additional shares will be eligible for
sale without restriction pursuant to Rule 144(k) and approximately 2,986,000
shares will be eligible for sale subject to the volume and other restrictions of
Rule 144. In addition, upon the expiration of a lock-up agreement 180 days after
the Effective Date, Union Miniere will be entitled to sell up to approximately
370,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to it upon conversion of the Debentures
subject to the volume and other restrictions of Rule 144. In addition, holders
of vested options to purchase approximately 67,000 shares of Common Stock as of
the date of this Prospectus will be entitled to sell all of such shares upon the
earlier of 90 days after the Effective Date or the filing of a Form S-8
registration statement with respect to such shares. Holders of additional vested
options and warrants to purchase an aggregate of approximately 990,000 shares of
Common Stock as of the date of this Prospectus will be entitled to sell all of
such shares upon expiration of lock-up agreements 180 days after the Effective
Date. Commencing one year after the completion of this offering, Proxima and
Union Miniere, which beneficially own an aggregate of approximately 2,200,000
shares of Common Stock, will be entitled to certain registration rights with
respect to such shares. The exercise of such rights by either Proxima or Union
Miniere could result in a large number of shares being sold in the public market
after one year from its closing of this offering. Future sales of shares by
existing stockholders could have an adverse effect on the market price of the
Common Stock or otherwise impair the Company's ability to raise additional
capital. See "Description of Capital Stock."
    
 
   
     The Company's officers, directors and certain stockholders have agreed that
they will not, without the prior written consent of Cruttenden Roth
Incorporated, directly or indirectly offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise
dispose of approximately 3,619,000 shares of Common Stock or any securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock during the
180-day period commencing on the Effective Date. The Company has agreed that it
will not, without the prior written consent of Cruttenden Roth Incorporated,
directly or indirectly offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any
shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for Common Stock during such 180-day period except for the sale of
the shares of Common Stock in this offering, the issuance of options and shares
of Common Stock pursuant to employee benefit plans set forth in this Prospectus,
and the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of warrants or options
presently outstanding. Any shares subject to the lock-up agreements may be
released at any time without notice by Cruttenden Roth Incorporated.
    
 
     In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, beginning 90 days after
the Effective Date, an Affiliate of the Company, or person (or persons whose
shares are aggregated) who has beneficially owned Restricted Shares for at least
one year will be entitled to sell in any three-month period a number of shares
that does not exceed greater of (i) one percent of the then outstanding shares
of the Company's Common Stock or (ii) the average weekly trading volume of the
Company's Common Stock in the Nasdaq National Market during the four calendar
weeks immediately preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Sales pursuant to Rule 144 are subject
to certain requirements relating to manner of sale, notice, and the availability
of current public information about the Company. A person (or persons whose
shares are aggregated) who is not deemed to have been an Affiliate of the
Company at any time during the 90
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   56
 
days immediately preceding the sale and who has beneficially owned Restricted
Shares for at least two years is entitled to sell such shares under Rule 144(k)
without regard to the limitations described above.
 
     An employee, officer or director of or consultant to the Company who
purchased or was awarded shares or options to purchase shares pursuant to a
written compensatory plan or contract is entitled to rely on the resale
provisions of Rule 701 under the Securities Act, which permits Affiliates and
non-Affiliates to sell their Rule 701 shares without having to comply with Rule
144's holding period restrictions, in each case commencing 90 days after the
date of this Prospectus. In addition, non-Affiliates may sell Rule 701 shares
without complying with the public information, volume and notice provisions of
Rule 144.
 
     The Company intends to file a registration statement under the Securities
Act covering shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Company's
Stock Plans and Purchase Plan. Based on the number of options outstanding and
options and shares reserved for issuance at March 31, 1997, such registration
statement would cover approximately 2,470,000 shares. Such registration
statement is expected to be filed and to become effective as soon as practicable
after the date hereof. Shares registered under such registration statement will,
subject to Rule 144 volume limitations applicable to Affiliates, be available
for sale in the open market, unless such shares are subject to vesting
restrictions with the Company or the lock up agreements described above. See
"Management."
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   57
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     Cruttenden Roth Incorporated and L.H. Friend, Weinress, Frankson & Presson,
Inc. are acting as the representatives (the "Representatives") of each of the
underwriters named below (the "Underwriters"). Subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement dated as of the date hereof
(the "Underwriting Agreement"), the Underwriters named below have severally
agreed to purchase, and the Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to
sell to them, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite
their respective names:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    NAME                                   NUMBER OF SHARES
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------
    <S>                                                                    <C>
    Cruttenden Roth Incorporated.........................................
    L.H. Friend, Weinress, Frankson & Presson, Inc.......................
 
                                                                           ----------------
              Total......................................................      2,400,000
                                                                           =============
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by counsel and
various other conditions. The nature of the Underwriters' obligations is such
that they are committed to purchase all of the above shares if any are
purchased. The Underwriters propose to offer the shares of Common Stock directly
to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page
of this prospectus and to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in
excess of $     per share. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may
re-allow, a concession not in excess of $     per share to certain other
dealers. After the offering, the offering price and other selling terms may be
changed by the Representatives.
    
 
   
     Prior to consummation of the offering, there has been no public market for
the Common Stock of the Company. Accordingly, the initial public offering price
has been determined by negotiation between the Company and the Representatives.
Among the factors considered in determining the initial public offering price
were the Company's results of operations, the Company's current financing
condition, its future prospects, the market for its products and services, the
experience of its management, the economics of the industry in general, the
general condition of the equity securities market, the market capitalization and
stages of development of other companies which the Company and the
Representatives believed to be comparable to the Company and other relevant
factors. There can be no assurance that any active trading market will develop
for the Common Stock or as to the price at which the Common Stock may trade in
the public market from time to time subsequent to the offering made hereby.
    
 
   
     The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option, expiring 45 days
from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to 360,000 additional shares of
Common Stock on the same terms as set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus, solely to cover over-allotments, if any, incurred in the sale of the
shares of Common Stock offered hereby. If the Underwriters exercise the option,
each Underwriter will have a firm commitment, subject to certain conditions, to
purchase such number of additional shares of Common Stock as is proportionate to
such Underwriter's initial commitment to purchase shares from the Company.
    
 
   
     In connection with this offering, certain Underwriters and selling group
members and their respective affiliates may engage in transactions that
stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the Common Stock.
Such transactions may include stabilization transactions effected in accordance
with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 pursuant to which such persons may bid
for or purchase Common Stock for the purpose of stabilizing its market price.
The Underwriters also may create a short position for the account of the
Underwriters by selling more Common Stock in connection with this offering than
they are committed to purchase from the Company and the Selling Stockholders,
and in such case may purchase Common Stock in the open market following
completion of this offering to convert all or a portion of such shares of Common
    
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   58
 
   
Stock or may exercise the Underwriter's over-allotment option referred to above.
In addition, the Representative, on behalf of the Underwriters, may impose
"penalty bids" under contractual arrangements with the Underwriters whereby it
may reclaim from an Underwriter (or dealer participating in this offering), for
the account of the other Underwriters, the selling concession with respect to
Common Stock that is distributed in this offering but subsequently purchased for
the account of the Underwriters in the open market. Any of the transactions
described in this paragraph may result in the maintenance of the price of the
Common Stock at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open
market. None of the transactions described in this paragraph are required, and,
if they are undertaken, they may be discontinued at any time.
    
 
   
     The Company has also agreed to sell to the Representatives warrants to
purchase up to 205,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $.001 per warrant.
The Representatives' Warrants will be exercisable for a period of four years,
commencing one year after the date of this Prospectus, at an initial per share
exercise price equal to 130% of the price to the public set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus. The Representatives' Warrants are not redeemable by the
Company under any circumstances. Neither the Representatives' Warrants nor the
shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof may be transferred,
assigned or hypothecated until one year from the date of this Prospectus, except
that they may be assigned, in whole or in part, to any successor, officer,
director, member or partner of the Representatives.
    
 
     The holders of the Representatives' Warrants will have no voting, dividend
or other rights as stockholders of the Company unless and until the exercise of
the Representatives' Warrants. The number of securities deliverable upon any
exercise of the Representatives' Warrants or its underlying securities and the
exercise price of the Representatives' Warrants are subject to adjustment to
protect against any dilution upon the occurrence of certain events, including
issuance of stock dividends, stock splits, subdivision or combination of
outstanding stock and reclassification of stock.
 
   
     The Company has agreed with the Representatives that if, during the
four-year period commencing one year following the date of this prospectus, the
Company registers any of its Common Stock for sale pursuant to a registration
statement (with the exception of Form S-4, Form S-8 or other inappropriate
form), it will use its best efforts, upon request of any of the holders of the
Representatives' Warrants and/or the underlying shares, to include such
securities as a part of the registration statement. The Company will bear all
the costs, except underwriting discounts, for one "piggy-back" registration.
    
 
   
     The Company, its executive officers, directors and principal stockholders
and option holders have agreed that for a period of 180 days after the date of
this Prospectus they will not, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, contract to
sell, grant any option to sell, or otherwise dispose of shares of Common Stock
or other securities which are substantially similar to the Common Stock or
securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for or any rights to
purchase or acquire Common Stock or securities which are substantially similar
to the Common Stock without the prior written consent of Cruttenden Roth
Incorporated.
    
 
     The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be
required to make in respect thereof.
 
     The Company has also agreed to pay to the Representatives a non-accountable
expense allowance equal to 2% of the aggregate offering price to the public for
due diligence and other out-of-pocket expenses.
 
     The Representatives have informed the Company that the Underwriters do not
intend to confirm sales to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary
authority.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   59
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
   
     The validity of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be passed
upon for the Company by its counsel, Cooley Godward LLP, San Diego, California.
Certain legal matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon for
the Company by Knobbe, Martens, Olson and Bear LLP, San Diego, California.
Certain legal matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon for
the Underwriters by Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, San Diego, California.
    
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The Consolidated Financial Statements of Laser Power Corporation at August
31, 1995 and 1996, and for each of the three years in the period ended August
31, 1996 appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors and are included herein in
reliance upon such report given the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Washington, D.C., a Registration Statement on Form SB-2 under the Act, with
respect to the Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all
of the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and
schedules thereto. For further information with respect to the Company and such
Common Stock, reference is made to the Registration Statement and the exhibits
and schedules filed as part thereof. Statements contained in this Prospectus as
to the contents of any contract or document filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement is qualified by reference to such exhibit as filed. A
copy of the Registration Statement, and the exhibits and schedules thereto, may
be inspected without charge at the public reference facilities maintained by the
SEC in Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the
SEC's regional offices located at the Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and Seven World Trade
Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048, and copies of all or any part of
the Registration Statement may be obtained from such offices upon the payment of
the fees prescribed by the SEC. The SEC maintains a World Wide Web site that
contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the
SEC's World Wide Web site is http://www.sec.gov. Upon effectiveness of the
Registration Statement, the Company will be a reporting company.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   60
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                      <C>
Report of Independent Auditors.........................................................   F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at August 31, 1995 and 1996 and at February 28, 1997
  (unaudited)..........................................................................   F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and
  1996 and the six months ended February 29, 1996 (unaudited) and February 28, 1997
  (unaudited)..........................................................................   F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended August 31, 1994,
  1995 and 1996 and the six months February 28, 1997 (unaudited).......................   F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and
  1996 and the six months ended February 29, 1996 (unaudited) and February 28, 1997
  (unaudited)..........................................................................   F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................................   F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   61
 
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Laser Power Corporation
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Laser Power
Corporation at August 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements
of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended August 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Laser Power
Corporation at August 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
August 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
San Diego, California
October 9, 1996,
except for Note 5 ("Changes in Capitalization"), as to which the date is
March 25, 1997
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   62
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PRO FORMA
                                                                                         STOCKHOLDERS'
                                                AUGUST 31,                                EQUITY AT
                                        ---------------------------     FEBRUARY 28,     FEBRUARY 28,
                                           1995            1996             1997             1997
                                        -----------     -----------     ------------     ------------
                                                                         (UNAUDITED)      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                     <C>             <C>             <C>              <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents...........  $   257,309     $   298,160     $    128,375
  Accounts receivable, net of
     allowance for doubtful accounts
     of $98,000 in 1995, $107,847 in
     1996 and $151,452 in 1997........    2,453,603       2,992,556        3,211,247
  Inventories, net....................    2,148,621       2,729,865        2,918,771
  Other current assets................      151,867         166,445          288,048
                                        -----------     -----------      -----------
          Total current assets........    5,011,400       6,187,026        6,546,441
Property and equipment, net...........    4,408,689       4,187,387        5,194,707
Intangibles and other assets (net of
  accumulated amortization)...........      787,351         819,286          986,920
                                        -----------     -----------      -----------
          Total assets................  $10,207,440     $11,193,699     $ 12,728,068
                                        ===========     ===========      ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Note payable to bank................  $        --     $        --     $    773,998
  Accounts payable....................    1,269,876       1,339,596        1,927,285
  Accrued compensation and related
     expenses.........................      424,359         739,385          756,915
  Other current liabilities...........      566,942         781,936          692,395
  Current portion of long-term debt...      438,687         488,083          403,969
                                        -----------     -----------      -----------
          Total current liabilities...    2,699,864       3,349,000        4,554,562
Deferred rent.........................      375,699         305,247          270,021
Long-term debt........................      801,520         558,975          686,822
Subordinated convertible debentures...    1,660,000       1,660,000        1,660,000
Stockholders' equity:
  Convertible preferred stock, $.125
     par value ($.001 par value pro
     forma):
     Authorized -- 3,000,000 shares
       Issued and
       outstanding -- 1,143,196 shares
       in 1995, and 1,610,891 shares
       in 1996 and 1997
       (none pro forma)...............      142,899         201,361          201,361     $         --
  Common stock, par value $.001:
     Authorized -- 15,000,000 shares
       Issued and outstanding --
       3,000,475 shares in 1995,
       3,000,106 shares in 1996 and
       3,009,102 shares in 1997
       (4,202,354 shares pro forma)...        3,001           3,000            3,009            4,202
  Additional paid-in capital..........    8,411,237      10,223,305       10,263,869       10,464,037
  Foreign currency translation
     adjustment.......................      112,690         123,222            5,891            5,891
  Accumulated deficit.................   (3,999,470)     (5,230,411)      (4,917,467)      (4,917,467)
                                        -----------     -----------      -----------      -----------
          Total stockholders'
            equity....................    4,670,357       5,320,477        5,556,663     $  5,556,663
                                        -----------     -----------      -----------      ===========
          Total liabilities and
            stockholders' equity......  $10,207,440     $11,193,699     $ 12,728,068
                                        ===========     ===========      ===========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   63
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                            -------------------------
                                          YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,             FEBRUARY      FEBRUARY
                                  ---------------------------------------       29,           28,
                                     1994          1995          1996          1996          1997
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                               <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Revenues:
  Product sales.................  $10,157,944   $11,858,713   $15,194,472   $ 6,880,416   $ 7,995,334
  Contract research and
     development................    1,727,069     2,714,208     3,712,967     1,682,110     3,128,526
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
          Total revenues........   11,885,013    14,572,921    18,907,439     8,562,526    11,123,860
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of product sales.........    6,550,060     7,994,255     9,887,809     4,600,566     5,474,848
  Contract research and
     development................    1,307,872     2,058,873     2,941,947     1,262,414     2,502,224
  Internal research and
     development................    1,567,851     2,857,452     2,689,182     1,460,823       389,409
  Selling, general and
     administrative.............    3,204,720     3,582,773     4,306,329     2,083,441     2,277,688
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
          Total costs and
            expenses............   12,630,503    16,493,353    19,825,267     9,407,244    10,644,169
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Income (loss) from operations...     (745,490)   (1,920,432)     (917,828)     (844,718)      479,691
Interest expense, net...........      267,849       325,928       299,832       152,626       144,507
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Income (loss) before income
  taxes.........................   (1,013,339)   (2,246,360)   (1,217,660)     (997,344)      335,184
Income taxes....................           --        22,523        13,281         6,993        22,240
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Net income (loss)...............  $(1,013,339)  $(2,268,883)  $(1,230,941)  $(1,004,337)  $   312,944
                                  ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========
Pro forma net income (loss) per
  share.........................                              $     (0.29)                $      0.06
                                                              ===========                 ===========
Shares used in per share
  computations..................                                4,311,000                   4,887,000
                                                              ===========                 ===========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   64
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  CONVERTIBLE                                              FOREIGN
                                PREFERRED STOCK          COMMON STOCK       ADDITIONAL     CURRENCY
                              --------------------   --------------------     PAID-IN     TRANSLATION  ACCUMULATED
                               SHARES      AMOUNT     SHARES      AMOUNT      CAPITAL     ADJUSTMENT     DEFICIT         TOTAL
                              ---------   --------   ---------   --------   -----------   ----------   ------------   -----------
<S>                           <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>
Balance at August 31,
  1993......................         --   $     --   2,987,153   $  2,988   $ 3,963,166   $  (14,469)  $   (717,248)  $ 3,234,437
  Issuance of preferred
    stock warrants..........         --         --          --         --         5,000           --             --         5,000
  Issuance of preferred
    stock, net of issuance
    cost of $26,773.........    382,172     47,771          --         --     1,454,148           --             --     1,501,919
  Foreign currency
    translation
    adjustment..............         --         --          --         --            --       58,726             --        58,726
  Net loss..................         --         --          --         --            --           --     (1,013,339)   (1,013,339)
                              ---------   --------   ---------     ------   -----------    ---------    -----------   -----------
Balance at August 31,
  1994......................    382,172     47,771   2,987,153      2,988     5,422,314       44,257     (1,730,587)    3,786,743
  Issuance of preferred
    stock...................    761,024     95,128          --         --     2,948,968           --             --     3,044,096
  Issuance of common
    stock...................         --         --      13,322         13        39,955           --             --        39,968
  Foreign currency
    translation
    adjustment..............         --         --          --         --            --       68,433             --        68,433
  Net loss..................         --         --          --         --            --           --     (2,268,883)   (2,268,883)
                              ---------   --------   ---------     ------   -----------    ---------    -----------   -----------
Balance at August 31,
  1995......................  1,143,196    142,899   3,000,475      3,001     8,411,237      112,690     (3,999,470)    4,670,357
  Issuance of preferred
    stock...................    467,695     58,462          --         --     1,812,318           --             --     1,870,780
  Repurchase of common
    stock...................         --         --        (369)        (1)         (250)          --             --          (251)
  Foreign currency
    translation
    adjustment..............         --         --          --         --            --       10,532             --        10,532
  Net loss..................         --         --          --         --            --           --     (1,230,941)   (1,230,941)
                              ---------   --------   ---------     ------   -----------    ---------    -----------   -----------
Balance at August 31,
  1996......................  1,610,891    201,361   3,000,106      3,000    10,223,305      123,222     (5,230,411)    5,320,477
  Issuance of common
    stock...................         --         --       8,996          9        40,564           --             --        40,573
  Foreign currency
    translation
    adjustment..............         --         --          --         --            --     (117,331)            --      (117,331)
  Net income................         --         --          --         --            --           --        312,944       312,944
                              ---------   --------   ---------     ------   -----------    ---------    -----------   -----------
Balance at February 28, 1997
  (Unaudited)...............  1,610,891   $201,361   3,009,102   $  3,009   $10,263,869   $    5,891   $ (4,917,467)  $ 5,556,663
                              =========   ========   =========     ======   ===========    =========    ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   65
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                    YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,            ---------------------------
                                            ---------------------------------------   FEBRUARY 29,   FEBRUARY 28,
                                               1994          1995          1996           1996           1997
                                            -----------   -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------
                                                                                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                         <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss) from operations.........  $(1,013,339)  $(2,268,883)  $(1,230,941)  $ (1,004,337)  $    312,944
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
  to net cash used for operating
  activities:
  Depreciation and amortization...........      845,762       997,168     1,037,941        493,539        528,862
  Loss on disposal of property and
    equipment.............................           --            --        84,936             --             --
  Deferred rent...........................      (70,452)      (70,452)      (70,452)       (35,226)       (35,226)
  Provision for losses on accounts
    receivable............................       20,000         6,000         9,847          4,510         43,605
  Changes in operating assets and
    liabilities:
    Accounts receivable...................      (81,547)     (358,550)     (548,800)      (316,715)      (262,296)
    Inventories...........................     (620,776)     (518,900)     (581,244)        20,486       (188,906)
    Other current assets..................       32,557       (52,414)      (14,578)       (19,143)      (121,603)
    Accounts payable......................      537,029       294,144        69,720        259,275        587,689
    Accrued compensation and related
      expenses............................      105,338        17,526       315,026        (47,323)        17,530
    Other current liabilities.............      228,652       135,445       214,994        186,558        (89,541)
                                            -----------   -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
         Net cash (used in) provided by
           operating activities...........      (16,776)   (1,818,916)     (713,551)      (458,376)       793,058
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property and equipment.......   (1,306,478)     (917,125)     (813,089)      (305,621)    (1,616,161)
(Increase) decrease in intangibles and
  other assets............................      (90,438)       11,648      (109,889)       (71,476)      (153,383)
                                            -----------   -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
         Net cash used in investing
           activities.....................   (1,396,916)     (905,477)     (922,978)      (377,097)    (1,769,544)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Deferred public offering costs............           --            --            --             --        (51,603)
Proceeds from borrowings..................    2,329,221            --       251,046        447,933      1,019,950
Payments on borrowings....................   (2,136,975)     (496,622)     (444,195)      (197,715)      (202,219)
Net proceeds from issuance and repurchase
  of stock................................    1,506,919     3,084,064     1,870,529        580,000         40,573
                                            -----------   -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
         Net cash provided by financing
           activities.....................    1,699,165     2,587,442     1,677,380        830,218        806,701
                                            -----------   -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
  equivalents.............................      285,473      (136,951)       40,851         (5,255)      (169,785)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
  the period..............................      108,787       394,260       257,309        257,309        298,160
                                            -----------   -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of the
    period................................  $   394,260   $   257,309   $   298,160   $    252,054   $    128,375
                                            ===========   ===========   ===========    ===========    ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
  INFORMATION
Cash paid during the period for
  interest................................  $   255,000   $   305,000   $   313,000   $    156,000   $    150,000
                                            ===========   ===========   ===========    ===========    ===========
Capital lease obligations.................  $   243,277   $        --   $    78,880   $         --   $         --
                                            ===========   ===========   ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   66
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 (INFORMATION SUBSEQUENT TO AUGUST 31, 1996 AND PERTAINING TO FEBRUARY 28, 1997
             AND THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 1996 AND
                        FEBRUARY 28, 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
1.  BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Business and Basis of Presentation
 
     Laser Power Corporation ("Laser Power" or the "Company") operates in one
business segment and designs, manufactures and markets high performance laser
optics for industrial, medical and military lasers and laser systems. Laser
optics are precision reflectors and mirrors used to reflect, collect and focus
laser beams. The Company's products are sold to laser system OEMs and end users
as original and replacement components in high power CO(2) and other lasers. The
Company's core competencies lie in its surface finishings and thin film
coatings, which are key elements involved in all high-performance laser optic
components. Such lasers are used in a variety of industrial processing
applications, such as sheet metal cutting, automobile body welding,
surface-hardening for engine cylinder walls, scribing and drilling delicate
ceramic circuits. The Company also sells high performance laser optics to
medical equipment OEMs for lower power CO(2) lasers used in certain therapeutic
and cosmetic procedures, including heart surgery and skin wrinkle removal. In
addition, the Company has developed very low absorption thin film coatings for
optics for anti-missile laser systems. The Company also conducts contract
research in the development and applications of advanced solid state lasers.
Substantially all of the Company's product revenues to date are attributable to
the sale of laser optics products for the industrial processing and medical
industries.
 
     The accompanying consolidated financial statements present the financial
position, results of operations and cash flows of Laser Power Corporation (the
"Company") and its subsidiaries Laser Power Optics de Mexico S.A. de C.V.
("Laser Power Mexico") and Radius Engineering N.V. ("Radius"). The Company
operates through three divisions: Laser Power Optics, which manufactures and
sells optics components for lasers; Laser Power Research, which performs funded
contract research for commercial applications and for various agencies and
laboratories of the U.S. federal government; and Laser Power Microlasers, which
performs funded contract research for commercial applications and will be the
entity responsible for manufacturing and marketing the Company's new microlaser
technology. Laser Power Mexico performs a portion of the manufacturing of Laser
Power Optics division and does not sell products to unaffiliated customers. All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
 
  Interim Financial Information (Unaudited)
 
     The financial statements at August 31, 1996 and for the six-month periods
ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1997 include all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which management considers
necessary for a fair statement of the financial position at such dates and the
operating results and cash flows for those periods. Results for interim periods
are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year or any future
periods.
 
  Revenues
 
     Product sales are recorded upon shipment. Revenues from contract research
and development involve both commercial and governmental contracts and are
recognized using the percentage-of-completion method based on the ratio of costs
incurred to date to total estimated costs. Total revenues from government
contracts were $1,454,000, $2,254,000, $3,397,000, $1,531,000 and $1,748,000 in
1994, 1995 and 1996 and the six months ended February 29, 1996 and February 28,
1997, respectively. Revenue in excess of billings of $326,000 and $523,000 have
been included in accounts receivable at August 31, 1996 and February 28 1997,
respectively. Net billings in excess of revenue of $149,000 have been included
as other current liabilities in the
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   67
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
accompanying balance sheet at August 31, 1995. Provisions are made to recognize
any anticipated losses on contracts when losses become evident.
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
     Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments
with maturities of three months or less when purchased.
 
  Inventories
 
     Inventories are stated at lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
Market is based upon estimated net realizable value.
 
  Depreciation and Amortization
 
     Machinery, equipment and office furniture are depreciated over their
estimated useful lives (3 to 15 years) on the straight-line method and leasehold
improvements are amortized over the useful life of the asset or the lease term,
whichever is less.
 
     Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill, patents and licenses.
Goodwill is amortized over 20 years and patents and licenses (which are
primarily related to the microlaser technology) are amortized over the shorter
of the estimated useful life or the legal life. Amortization of patents is
initiated when the related technology is ready for commercial release.
 
  Use of Estimates
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of resources and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  Concentration of Credit Risk
 
     The Company primarily sells its products to commercial, military and
medical companies. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its
customers and has not experienced significant losses with respect to its
accounts receivable.
 
  Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
     In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to be Disposed Of ("SFAS 121"), effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1995. SFAS 121 requires impairment losses to be recorded on
long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present
and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are
less than the assets' carrying amount. SFAS 121 also addresses the accounting
for long-lived assets that are expected to be disposed of. Effective September
1, 1996, the Company adopted SFAS 121. The adoption of SFAS 121 did not have a
material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   68
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Stock Options
 
     In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation("SFAS 123"), effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1995. SFAS 123 established the fair
value-based method of accounting for stock-based compensation arrangements under
which compensation cost is determined using the fair value of the stock option
at the grant date and the number of options vested, and is recognized over the
periods in which the related services are rendered as allowed by SFAS 123. The
Company has elected to continue with the current intrinsic value-based method,
under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees" and related interpretations.
 
  Net Income (Loss) Per Share
 
     Historical net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted
average number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding during
the periods presented. Common equivalent shares result from stock options and
warrants. For loss periods, common equivalent shares are excluded from the
computation as their effect would be antidilutive, except that the Securities
and Exchange Commission requires common and common share equivalents issued
during the twelve-month period prior to the initial filing of a proposed public
offering, to be included in the calculation as if they were outstanding for all
periods presented (using the treasury stock method and the assumed initial
public offering price).
 
     Historical net income (loss) per share information is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                             YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,        -----------------------------
                                          ----------------------------     FEBRUARY 29,     FEBRUARY 28,
                                           1994       1995       1996          1996             1997
                                          ------     ------     ------     ------------     ------------
<S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>              <C>
Net income (loss) per share.............  $(0.31)    $(0.68)    $(0.37)       $(0.30)          $ 0.08
                                          ======     ======     ======        ======           ======
Shares used in historical per share
  computations (in thousands)...........   3,318      3,325      3,331         3,331            3,817
                                          ======     ======     ======        ======           ======
</TABLE>
 
     Supplemental net income (loss) per share has been computed as described
above and also gives effect to the repayment of a portion of the Company's
outstanding debt, and resulting reduction of interest expense, as if the
proceeds, in an amount equal to the outstanding balance under the credit
facility, anticipated by this initial public offering had been received at the
original date of issuance of the credit facility and the number of shares of
common stock whose proceeds are to be used to retire the debt were outstanding
from that same date (see Note 3).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       SIX MONTHS
                                                                       YEAR ENDED        ENDED
                                                                       AUGUST 31,     FEBRUARY 28,
                                                                          1996            1997
                                                                       ----------     ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>
Supplemental net income (loss) per share...........................      $(0.35)         $ 0.09
                                                                         ======          ======
Shares used in computing supplemental net income (loss) per share
  (in thousands)...................................................       3,405           3,974
                                                                         ======          ======
</TABLE>
 
  Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Per Share and Unaudited Pro Forma Stockholders'
Equity
 
     Pro forma net income (loss) per share has been computed as described above
and also gives effect to the conversion of the convertible preferred stock,
which will convert to common stock upon completion of the Company's initial
public offering, using the as if-converted method from the original dates of
issuance.
 
   
     If the offering contemplated by this Prospectus is consummated, all of
convertible preferred stock outstanding as of the closing date will be converted
into 1,193,252 shares of common stock. Unaudited pro
    
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   69
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
forma stockholders' equity at February 28, 1997, as adjusted for the conversion
of the convertible preferred stock, is presented in the accompanying balance
sheet.
 
2.  SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DETAILS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              AUGUST 31,               FEBRUARY
                                                      ---------------------------         28,
                                                         1995            1996            1997
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>             <C>
Inventories:
  Raw materials.....................................  $   547,405     $   909,563     $ 1,095,197
  Work in progress..................................      945,413       1,148,439       1,300,343
  Finished goods....................................      655,803         671,863         523,231
                                                       ----------     -----------     -----------
                                                      $ 2,148,621     $ 2,729,865     $ 2,918,771
                                                       ==========     ===========     ===========
Property and equipment, at cost:
  Machinery and equipment...........................  $ 8,298,670     $ 8,375,250     $ 9,741,675
  Leasehold improvements............................      964,188       1,012,629       1,021,712
  Office furniture and equipment....................      685,975         861,952         880,603
                                                       ----------     -----------     -----------
                                                        9,948,833      10,249,831      11,643,990
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization......   (5,540,144)     (6,062,444)     (6,449,283)
                                                       ----------     -----------     -----------
                                                      $ 4,408,689     $ 4,187,387     $ 5,194,707
                                                       ==========     ===========     ===========
Intangible and other assets:
  Goodwill in foreign subsidiary....................  $   549,100     $   549,100     $   549,100
  Patents and licenses..............................      190,915         302,513         457,221
  Other.............................................      275,757         274,048         324,326
                                                       ----------     -----------     -----------
                                                        1,015,772       1,125,661       1,330,647
Less accumulated amortization.......................     (228,421)       (306,375)       (343,727)
                                                       ----------     -----------     -----------
                                                      $   787,351     $   819,286     $   986,920
                                                       ==========     ===========     ===========
Accrued compensation and related expenses:
  Accrued bonuses...................................  $        --     $   240,000     $   175,938
  Other.............................................      424,359         499,385         580,977
                                                       ----------     -----------     -----------
                                                      $   424,359     $   739,385     $   756,915
                                                       ==========     ===========     ===========
Other current liabilities:
  Customer advances.................................  $    58,597     $   326,562     $   222,187
  Other.............................................      508,345         455,374         470,208
                                                       ----------     -----------     -----------
                                                      $   566,942     $   781,936     $   692,395
                                                       ==========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   70
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
3.  LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING AGREEMENTS
 
     In January 1997, the Company renewed a line of credit with a bank, subject
to maximum advances of $2,000,000 and at 1% above the bank's prime rate (9.25%
at February 28, 1997). The line of credit expires on March 1, 1998 and there was
$773,998 outstanding under the line of credit at February 28, 1997.
 
Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                AUGUST 31,              FEBRUARY
                                                         -------------------------        28,
                                                            1995           1996           1997
                                                         ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>            <C>
Promissory note........................................  $  104,205     $   90,203     $   84,020
Term note payable to bank..............................     500,000        277,779        185,187
Equipment line of credit from bank.....................          --        172,166        418,118
Equipment financing from Proxima.......................     386,161        273,936        217,824
Other equipment financing..............................     215,541        225,534        179,628
Other..................................................      34,300          7,440          6,014
                                                         ----------     ----------     ----------
                                                          1,240,207      1,047,058      1,090,791
Less current portion...................................     438,687        488,083        403,969
                                                         ----------     ----------     ----------
                                                         $  801,520     $  558,975     $  686,822
                                                         ==========     ==========     ==========
</TABLE>
 
     The promissory note is payable in monthly installments of principal and
interest of $1,840 through September 2001. Borrowings under the promissory note
are secured by equipment and bear interest at 8.25%.
 
     The term note payable to the bank is due in monthly principal payments of
$18,519 plus interest, with the final installment consisting of all remaining
unpaid principal due and payable in full no later than December 31, 1997. The
term note bears interest at 2% above the bank's prime rate (10.25% at February
28, 1997).
 
     In January 1997, the Company renewed an equipment line of credit with a
bank, subject to maximum advances of $1,500,000 at 1.25% above the bank's prime
rate (9.50% at February 28, 1997). Any advances, which will be used to purchase
new machinery, will be converted on August 1, 1997 to a five-year term loan so
long as the Company is in compliance with all the terms of the note. In the
event of noncompliance, the amount outstanding will be payable in full. There
were $418,118 in borrowings under the equipment line of credit at February 28,
1997.
 
     All bank borrowings are secured by accounts receivable, inventory,
intangibles, and property and equipment, and contain restrictive covenants.
Restrictive covenants include the maintenance of minimum tangible net worth,
debt to equity and cash flow ratios, as well as restrictions on capital and
lease expenditures, investment levels in the Company's European subsidiary,
additional borrowings and payment of dividends.
 
     Other equipment financing agreements are payable in monthly installments of
principal and interest through March 2001. Borrowings under this financing
agreements are secured by specific equipment and bear interest at rates ranging
from 9.0% to 10.7% at February 28, 1997.
 
     The Company entered into an equipment line of credit agreement with Proxima
Corporation on June 30, 1994, which provided for maximum borrowings of $500,000.
In May 1995, the outstanding borrowings were converted to a four-year term loan
bearing interest at 1.5% above the bank's prime rate (9.75% at February 28,
1997). The amount owed under the note has been guaranteed by the Company's Chief
Executive Officer.
 
     In November 1987, the Company obtained debt and equity financing from Union
Miniere ("Union"). The Company issued 483,333 shares of common stock for
$1,053,000 cash (net of stock issuance costs of $107,000) and subordinated
convertible debentures amounting to $1,340,000. In December 1988, the
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   71
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Company issued an additional $320,000 of subordinated convertible debentures to
Union Miniere. In March 1997, the maturity date of the debentures was extended
to November 2, 2000 and the conversion rate for which the debentures are
convertible into common stock was set at $5.25 per share but in no event will be
less than $4.50 per share. The debentures are subordinated to all bank
borrowings and interest is payable semi-annually at 1% above a bank's prime rate
(9.25% at February 28, 1997) subject to a minimum rate of 5 1/2% and a maximum
rate of the lesser of 11.5% or the maximum rate permitted by law. The debentures
provide for restrictive covenants similar to those of the bank borrowings.
 
     Principal maturities on the subordinated convertible debentures and
long-term debt for each of the years ending subsequent to period ended February
28, 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
        <S>                                                                <C>
        1998.............................................................  $  404,000
        1999.............................................................     296,000
        2000.............................................................     137,000
        2001.............................................................   1,783,000
        2002.............................................................      96,000
        2003.............................................................      35,000
                                                                           ----------
                                                                           $2,751,000
                                                                           ==========
</TABLE>
 
4.  INCOME TAXES
 
     Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The components of the
Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            AUGUST 31,
                                                                    ---------------------------
                                                                       1995            1996
                                                                    -----------     -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>
Deferred tax liability-depreciation...............................  $  (574,000)    $  (535,000)
Deferred tax assets:
  Tax basis operating loss and credit carryforwards...............    2,091,000       2,504,000
  Other...........................................................      148,000         273,000
                                                                    -----------     -----------
Total deferred tax assets.........................................    2,239,000       2,777,000
                                                                    -----------     -----------
Net deferred tax assets...........................................    1,665,000       2,242,000
Valuation allowance...............................................   (1,665,000)     (2,242,000)
                                                                    -----------     -----------
Net deferred tax accounts.........................................  $        --     $        --
                                                                    ===========     ===========
</TABLE>
 
     At August 31, 1996, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards for
federal and California income tax purposes of approximately $5,810,000 and
$2,844,000, respectively, which may be applied against future taxable income.
These carryforwards will begin to expire in 2001 and 1998, respectively, unless
previously utilized.
 
     The Company also has investment tax credit, research and development
credit, and targeted jobs tax credit carryforwards at August 31, 1996
aggregating approximately $300,000. These tax credit carryforwards will expire
in 1997 through 2004 unless previously utilized.
 
     Other than alternative minimum taxes, no income taxes have been provided
for the six-month period ended February 28, 1997 because of the utilization of
tax loss carryforwards.
 
   
     If the offering contemplated by this Prospectus is consummated, a change in
ownership of more than 50% within a three-year period will have occurred;
however, management believes that the Company's ability to use the net operating
loss and tax credit carryforwards will not be materially impaired.
    
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   72
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
5.  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  Preferred Stock and Proxima Corporation
 
     In January 1994, the Company executed a Stock Purchase Agreement with
Proxima Corporation ("Proxima"). Under the terms of the agreement, Proxima could
invest in the Company through purchases of Series A Preferred Stock. The Company
and Proxima also entered into an agreement providing for technology licenses and
cooperative development of new technologies (see Note 8). During 1994, 1995 and
1996, Proxima purchased 382,172, 761,024 and 467,695 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock, respectively.
 
     The preferred shares have voting rights and are convertible into the
Company's common shares on a 1 for 1.35 basis, subject to antidilution
adjustments under certain circumstances. The preferred shares may be converted
with the approval of the preferred shareholders. Proceeds on liquidation of the
Company are distributed to holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and common
stock pro rata, on an as-converted basis, except in certain liquidations
involving bankruptcy cases, where the Series A Preferred stockholders will have
preferences. Series A Preferred stockholders are entitled to receive annual
dividends of $0.32 per share, when and if declared by the Company's Board of
Directors, prior to and in preference to any dividends being declared or paid on
the Common Stock. Such dividends are non-cumulative.
 
  Common Stock Warrants
 
     Periodically the Company will issue warrants to purchase common stock to
outside directors and affiliates in lieu of stock options. During the three year
period ended August 31, 1996, and the six months ended February 28, 1997, 83,330
and 53,330 warrants were issued to outside directors, respectively. The warrants
vest over periods of up to five years. Warrants to purchase 333,330 and 386,660
shares of common stock at $3.00 to $4.50 per share are outstanding at December
31, 1996 and February 28, 1997, respectively. The warrants begin to expire from
September 2002 to December 2006.
 
  Stock Option Plans
 
     The Company's 1981 Stock Option Plan was approved by the Board of Directors
and stockholders in 1981, as amended (the "1981 Plan"). The Company's 1993 Stock
Option Plan (the "1993 Plan") was approved by the Board of Directors and
stockholders in September 1993. The exercise price of options granted will be at
fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and the options granted vest
over a five-year period commencing on the date of grant in increments of twenty
percent and are exercisable for a period of ten years after the date of grant.
Options to purchase 249,679 and 120,700 shares of common stock remain eligible
for future grant at August 31, 1996 and February 28, 1997, respectively. (See
"Changes in Capitalization" below).
 
     The Company has 266,665 and 474,663 non-qualified options outstanding as of
August 31, 1996 and February 28, 1997, respectively. These options were issued
to certain employees and an officer and at those dates, 66,665 and 274,663
options were issued outside the Company's option plans. The Company issued stock
options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock at $3.00 to $4.50 per
share. These options will begin to expire on December 2001 to February 2007.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   73
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The following table summarizes stock option and warrant activity:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         WEIGHTED
                                                                                          AVERAGE
                                                                                         EXERCISE
                                                         NUMBER OF       PRICE PER       PRICE PER
                                                          SHARES           SHARE           SHARE
                                                         ---------     --------------    ---------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>               <C>
Outstanding at August 31, 1993.........................    966,000     $3.00 -- $4.50      $3.16
  Granted..............................................    241,667       4.50 -- 6.00       4.76
  Exercised............................................         --                 --         --
  Canceled.............................................     (8,333)      3.00 -- 4.50       3.00
                                                         ---------        -----------      -----
Outstanding at August 31, 1994.........................  1,199,334       3.00 -- 6.00       3.48
  Granted..............................................    127,333               4.50       4.50
  Exercised............................................         --                 --         --
  Canceled.............................................   (148,358)      3.00 -- 6.00       4.85
                                                         ---------        -----------      -----
Outstanding at August 31, 1995.........................  1,178,309       3.00 -- 4.50       3.40
  Granted..............................................    131,325               4.50       4.50
  Exercised............................................         (6)              4.50       4.50
  Canceled.............................................    (81,656)      3.00 -- 4.50       3.46
                                                         ---------        -----------      -----
Outstanding at August 31, 1996.........................  1,227,972       3.00 -- 4.50       3.51
  Granted..............................................    390,307       3.00 -- 4.50       4.49
  Exercised............................................         --                 --         --
  Canceled.............................................     (6,666)              3.00       3.00
                                                         ---------        -----------      -----
Outstanding at February 28, 1997.......................  1,611,613     $3.00 -- $4.50      $3.75
                                                         =========        ===========      =====
</TABLE>
 
     At February 28, 1997, the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding
stock options and warrants is $3.92 and $3.21, respectively, and 912,647
combined options and warrants are exercisable.
 
     Adjusted pro forma information regarding net income (loss) is required by
SFAS 123, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its
employee stock options under the fair value method of that Statement. The fair
value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using the "minimal
value" method for option pricing with the following weighted-average
assumptions: risk-free interest rate range from 5.5% to 6.3%; dividend yield of
0%; and a weighted average expected life of the options of 6 years. The
Company's pro forma information is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED        SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                AUGUST 31, 1996     FEBRUARY 28, 1997
                                                                ---------------     -----------------
<S>                                                             <C>                 <C>
Adjusted pro forma net income (loss)..........................    $(1,255,177)          $ 268,069
Adjusted pro forma net income (loss) per share................    $     (0.29)          $    0.05
</TABLE>
 
     The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 1996 and
1997 was $1.39 and $1.40, respectively. The weighted average remaining life of
the options at February 28, 1997 is approximately six years.
 
     In March 1997, the Company recorded $100,000 of deferred compensation for
66,666 options granted in March. This amount represents the difference between
the option exercise price and the deemed fair market value for financial
statement presentation purposes. The deferred compensation will be amortized
over the vesting period.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   74
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Shares Reserved for Future Issuance
 
     The following shares of common stock are reserved for future issuance:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   AUGUST 31,     FEBRUARY 28,
                                                                      1996            1997
                                                                   ----------     ------------
    <S>                                                            <C>            <C>
    Subordinated convertible debentures..........................     553,333         368,888
    Stock options:
      Granted and outstanding....................................     894,642       1,224,953
      Reserved for future grants.................................     249,679         120,700
    Warrants.....................................................     333,330         386,660
                                                                    ---------       ---------
                                                                    2,030,984       2,101,201
                                                                    =========       =========
</TABLE>
 
  Changes in Capitalization
 
     On March 25, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a 1 for 1.5
reverse stock split of all outstanding common stock. In addition, the Board also
approved a change in the par value of the common stock from $0.125 to $0.001.
All share and per share amounts and stock option and warrants data have been
restated to retroactively reflect these changes in capitalization.
 
     On March 25, 1997, the Company adopted the 1997 Equity Incentive Plan (the
"1997 Plan"). The 1997 Plan provides for incentive stock options and stock
appreciation rights appurtenant thereto for employees (including officers and
employee directors), and nonstatutory stock options, stock appreciation rights
appurtenant thereto, stock bonuses and rights to purchase restricted stock for
employees (including officers and employee directors) and non-employee directors
and consultants. The 1997 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors, or a
Committee appointed by the Board, which determines the option awards to be
granted, including exercise prices, number of shares subject to the awards and
the exercisability thereof, provided that such terms comply with the provisions
of the plan under which the option award is granted. Non-employee directors are
eligible only for nonstatutory grants. The term of the stock options granted
under the 1997 Plan may not exceed 10 years. The exercise price of options
granted under the 1997 Plan is determined by the Board of Directors, but in the
case of an incentive stock option, cannot be less than 100% of the fair market
value of the common stock on the date of grant and in the case of a
non-statutory stock option, cannot be less than 85% of the fair market value of
the common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the plans vest at
the rate specified in the option agreement. The Board has authorized and secured
an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the Plan.
The Board also terminated the 1981 and 1993 Plans and no additional options will
be granted thereunder, but outstanding options remain exercisable and continue
to vest until they terminate in accordance with their terms.
 
     On March 25, 1997 the Company adopted the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the
"Purchase Plan") covering an aggregate of 250,000 shares of common stock. The
Purchase Plan is intended to qualify as an employee stock purchase plan within
the meaning of Section 423 of the Code. Under the Purchase Plan, the Board may
authorize participation by eligible employees, including officers, in periodic
offerings following the commencement of the Purchase Plan. The initial offering
under the Purchase Plan shall commence on the closing of the Company's initial
public offering contemplated by this Prospectus and terminate on February 28,
1998. Sequential six-month offerings will occur thereafter.
 
6.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  Lease Commitments
 
     The Company leases its operating, office and other facilities as well as
certain vehicles and equipment under noncancellable operating leases. The
operating and office facilities lease contains escalation clauses and an option
for renewal and extends through December 2001. The operating and office
facilities lease also
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   75
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
provides for deferred payment terms; however, for financial reporting purposes,
rent expense is recorded evenly over the term of the lease.
 
     Deferred rent, as reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet,
represents the difference between rent expense accrued and amounts paid under
the terms of the lease agreement. Future minimum rental payments (excluding
common area maintenance charges) required under the operating leases for each of
the remaining fiscal years ending subsequent to February 28, 1997 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
        <S>                                                                <C>
        1997.............................................................  $  403,000
        1998.............................................................     788,000
        1999.............................................................     714,000
        2000.............................................................     688,000
        2001.............................................................     684,000
        Thereafter.......................................................     228,000
                                                                           ----------
                                                                           $3,505,000
                                                                           ==========
</TABLE>
 
     Rent expense was $849,000, $844,000, $914,000, $508,000, and $540,000 for
the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995, 1996 and the six months ended February
29, 1996 and February 28, 1997, respectively.
 
  Contingency
 
     The Company has a license to certain technology used in its blue
microlaser. During 1996, the Company received a letter from a third party
claiming that the Company's license was granted improperly by the licensor.
While the Company believes that such license was properly granted, there can be
no assurance that the Company's license would not be voided if subjected to a
legal challenge. In such an event, there can be no assurance that the Company
would be able to obtain a replacement license on favorable terms, if at all.
Failure to obtain such a license would result in a material adverse effect to
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
7.  GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
 
     The Company operates in one business segment and designs, manufactures and
markets high performance laser optics for industrial, medical and military laser
and laser systems. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of revenues in
1994, 1995, 1996 or 1997. Export sales from U.S. operations to unaffiliated
customers located principally in Europe and the Asia Pacific region amounted to
32%, 32%, 32%, 30%, and 38% of total revenue in 1994, 1995, 1996 and for the
six-month periods ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1997, respectively.
 
     Information with respect to the Company's operations by significant
geographic area is set forth below. Transfers between geographic areas have been
shown at the agreed upon transfer price. All transactions denominated in foreign
currency have been translated at the average exchange rates during the period.
 
     The identifiable assets located in the United States include assets located
in Mexico, which are not considered significant.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   76
 
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1994
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------
                                           UNITED                                       CONSOLIDATED
                                           STATES          EUROPE       ELIMINATIONS       TOTAL
                                         -----------     ----------     -----------     -----------
<S>                                      <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
Sales to unaffiliated customers........  $10,098,661     $1,786,352     $        --     $11,885,013
Transfers between geographic areas.....  $   827,382             --     $  (827,382)             --
                                         -----------     ----------     -----------     -----------
Total revenue..........................  $10,926,043     $1,786,352     $  (827,382)    $11,885,013
                                          ==========      =========      ==========      ==========
Income (loss) before income taxes......  $  (722,852)    $ (227,020)    $   (63,467)    $(1,013,339)
                                          ==========      =========      ==========      ==========
Identifiable assets....................  $ 9,360,098     $1,657,792     $(1,574,105)    $ 9,443,785
                                          ==========      =========      ==========      ==========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------
                                           UNITED                                       CONSOLIDATED
                                           STATES          EUROPE       ELIMINATIONS       TOTAL
                                         -----------     ----------     -----------     -----------
<S>                                      <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
Sales to unaffiliated customers........  $11,831,280     $2,741,641     $        --     $14,572,921
Transfers between geographic areas.....  $   813,461             --     $  (813,461)             --
                                         -----------     ----------     -----------     -----------
Total revenue..........................  $12,644,741     $2,741,641     $  (813,461)    $14,572,921
                                          ==========      =========      ==========      ==========
Income (loss) before income taxes......  $(2,062,437)    $ (195,466)    $    11,543     $(2,246,360)
                                          ==========      =========      ==========      ==========
Identifiable assets....................  $10,346,281     $1,822,831     $(1,961,672)    $10,207,440
                                          ==========      =========      ==========      ==========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------
                                          UNITED                                       CONSOLIDATED
                                          STATES          EUROPE       ELIMINATIONS       TOTAL
                                        -----------     ----------     -----------     ------------
<S>                                     <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
Sales to unaffiliated customers.......  $15,462,416     $3,445,023     $        --     $ 18,907,439
Transfers between geographic areas....  $ 1,195,380             --     $(1,195,380)              --
                                        -----------     ----------     -----------     ------------
Total revenue.........................  $16,657,796     $3,445,023     $(1,195,380)    $(18,907,439)
                                         ==========      =========      ==========      ===========
Income (loss) before income taxes.....  $(1,282,844)    $  105,931     $   (40,747)    $ (1,217,660)
                                         ==========      =========      ==========      ===========
Identifiable assets...................  $11,286,833     $1,994,440     $(2,087,574)    $ 11,193,699
                                         ==========      =========      ==========      ===========
</TABLE>
 
8.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
 
     The Company has a defined contribution plan (the "Plan") covering
substantially all employees that have been employed for at least one year and
meet certain age requirements. Employees may contribute up to 16% of their
compensation per year (subject to a maximum limit by federal tax law). The
Company is obligated to make matching contributions equal to 50% of the
employee's contribution up to a maximum of 6% of the employee's compensation. At
the discretion of the Board of Directors, the Company may make additional
contributions. The Company's contributions charged to operations were $42,000,
$57,000, $79,000, $36,000 and $56,000 for the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995,
1996 and the six months ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1997,
respectively.
 
9.  AGREEMENT WITH PROXIMA CORPORATION
 
     The Company and Proxima Corporation, a major shareholder, have entered into
a Cooperative Development and License Agreement (the "Agreement") which provides
for licensing of existing technology and technologies being developed under the
terms of the agreement.
 
     Included in internal research and development expenses in the accompanying
statements of operations are $779,000, $2,107,000, $1,630,000 and $981,000 spent
in accordance with the Agreement in 1994, 1995, 1996 and the six months ended
February 29, 1996, respectively. No amounts were spent during the six month
period ended February 28, 1997 and at February 28, 1997, the Company has
committed to spend an additional $131,000.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   77
 
[Depiction of a military aircraft emitting a laser beam]
 
DEFENSE
 
Laser Power's very low absorption thin film coatings have made major
contributions to on-going United States programs to develop ground, air and
space laser weapons for missile defense.
 
AUTOMOTIVE
 
Because of its ability to change operating characteristics instantly under
computer control, laser based material processing is an ideal match for the
automotive industry's need to compress the design to production cycle, reduce
production changeover time and configure machines to meet changing market
demands. High power lasers for cutting, welding, drilling, heat treating and
surface cladding are used in increasing numbers throughout the automotive
industry, including the processing of sheet metal door and body panels,
electronic components, fuel management systems, drive train and engine
components, safety systems and prototype models.
 
[large photograph of an automobile with smaller photographs showing detailed
component parts and a laser's role in their manufacture: (clockwise) detail
photo 1: body panels; 2: engine components; 3: drive train assembly; 4: door
side beams; 5: exhaust systems]
 
MEDICINE
 
Medical CO(2) lasers are used for numerous cosmetic, therapeutic and surgical
procedures in hospital, clinical and outpatient settings because of reduced
blood loss and less post-operative discomfort. Recent developments in laser skin
resurfacing and permanent wrinkle removal have stimulated strong growth in this
market segment.
 
[Photograph of an operating room with physician performing laser surgery]
<PAGE>   78
 
======================================================
 
     NO DEALER, SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE
ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION AND
REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
COMPANY, ANY SELLING STOCKHOLDER OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO BUY TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER
OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY OFFER OR SALE MADE HEREUNDER
SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATIONS THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO
CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS
CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PAGE
                                        ----
<S>                                     <C>
Prospectus Summary....................     3
Risk Factors..........................     5
Use of Proceeds.......................    12
Dividend Policy.......................    12
Capitalization........................    13
Dilution..............................    14
Selected Consolidated Financial
  Information.........................    15
Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Financial Condition and Results
  of Operations.......................    16
Business..............................    22
Glossary of Terms.....................    36
Management............................    37
Certain Transactions..................    46
Principal and Selling Stockholders....    48
Description of Capital Stock..........    50
Shares Eligible for Future Sale.......    52
Underwriting..........................    54
Legal Matters.........................    56
Experts...............................    56
Additional Information................    56
Index to Consolidated Financial
  Statements..........................   F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                            ------------------------
 
     UNTIL                , 1997 (25 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS),
ALL DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK, WHETHER OR NOT
PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN
ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
======================================================
======================================================
   
                                2,400,000 SHARES
    
 
                               [LASER POWER LOGO]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                              --------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
                              --------------------
                                CRUTTENDEN ROTH
                                  INCORPORATED
 
                             L.H. FRIEND, WEINRESS,
                            FRANKSON & PRESSON, INC.
                                            , 1997
 
======================================================
<PAGE>   79
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 24.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     Under Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Registrant
has broad powers to indemnify its Directors and officers against liabilities
they may incur in such capacities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
 
     The Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws include provisions to (i) eliminate the personal liability of its
directors for monetary damages resulting from breaches of their fiduciary duty
to the extent permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of
Delaware (the "Delaware Law") and (ii) require the Registrant to indemnify its
Directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the
Delaware Law, including circumstances in which indemnification is otherwise
discretionary. Pursuant to Section 145 of the Delaware Law, a corporation
generally has the power to indemnify its present and former directors, officers,
employees and agents against expenses incurred by them in connection with any
suit to which they are or are threatened to be made, a party by reason of their
serving in such positions so long as they acted in good faith and in a manner
they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to, the best interests of the
corporation and with respect to any criminal action, they had no reasonable
cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. The Registrant believes that these
provisions are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as Directors
and officers. These provisions do not eliminate the Directors' duty of care,
and, in appropriate circumstances, equitable remedies such as injunctive or
other forms of non-monetary relief will remain available under Delaware Law. In
addition, each Director will continue to be subject to liability for breach of
the Director's duty of loyalty to the Registrant, for acts or omissions not in
good faith or involving intentional misconduct, for knowing violations of law,
for acts or omissions that the Director believes to be contrary to the best
interests of the Registrant or its stockholders, for any transaction from which
the Director derived an improper personal benefit, for acts or omissions
involving a reckless disregard for the Director's duty to the Registrant or its
stockholders when the Director was aware or should have been aware of a risk of
serious injury to the Registrant or its stockholders, for acts or omissions that
constitute an unexcused pattern of inattention that amounts to an abdication of
the Director's duty to the Registrant or its stockholders, for improper
transactions between the Director and the Registrant and for improper
distributions to stockholders and loans to Directors and officers. The provision
also does not affect a Director's responsibilities under any other law, such as
the federal securities law or state or federal environmental laws.
 
     The Registrant has entered into indemnity agreements with each of its
Directors and executive officers that require the Registrant to indemnify such
persons against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts
incurred (including expenses of a derivative action) in connection with any
proceeding, whether actual or threatened, to which any such person may be made a
party by reason of the fact that such person is or was a Director or an
executive officer of the Registrant or any of its affiliated enterprises,
provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Registrant and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause
to believe his conduct was unlawful. The indemnification agreements also set
forth certain procedures that will apply in the event of a claim for
indemnification thereunder. The Registrant has entered into similar indemnity
agreements with certain of its key employees.
 
     At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a
Director or officer of the Registrant as to which indemnification is being
sought nor is the Registrant aware of any threatened litigation that may result
in claims for indemnification by any officer or Director.
 
     The Registrant has an insurance policy covering the officers and Directors
of the Registrant with respect to certain liabilities, including liabilities
arising under the Securities Act or otherwise.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   80
 
ITEM 25.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     The following table sets forth all expenses payable by the Registrant in
connection with the sale of the Common Stock being registered. All the amounts
shown are estimates except for the SEC registration fee and the NASD filing fee.
 
   
<TABLE>
        <S>                                                                <C>
        Registration fee.................................................  $    7,109
        NASD filing fee..................................................       2,846
        Nasdaq Stock Market Listing Application fee......................      34,030
        Printing and engraving expenses..................................     125,000
        Underwriters non-accountable expense allowance(1)................     360,000
        Legal fees and expenses..........................................     300,000
        Accounting fees and expenses.....................................     125,000
        Transfer agent and registrar fees................................      10,000
        Miscellaneous....................................................       2,015
                                                                           ----------
                  Total(2)...............................................  $  966,000
                                                                           ==========
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) The expense allowance will be $414,000 if the over-allotment option is
    exercised.
    
 
   
(2) The total expenses will be $1,020,000 if the over-allotment option is
    exercised.
    
 
ITEM 26.  RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
     Since April 1, 1994, the Registrant has sold and issued the following
unregistered securities:
 
   
          (a) From April 1, 1994 to April 1, 1997, the Company issued an
     aggregate of 545,966 options to purchase shares of Common Stock under its
     1993 Stock Option Plan, and 6 shares of Common Stock through the exercise
     of an option granted under such plan. The Registrant relied on the
     exemption provided by Rule 701 under the Security Act. See
     "Management -- Stock Option Plans."
    
 
   
          (b) In January 1995, the Registrant issued and sold an aggregate of
     13,310 shares of Common Stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $39,957
     to certain members of the board of directors in lieu of payment of board
     fees. The Registrant relied on the exemption provided by Section 4(2) under
     the Securities Act.
    
 
          (c) On January 31, 1995, the Company issued a warrant to purchase
     16,666 shares of Common Stock to Kenneth E. Olson, a director. The
     Registrant relied on the exemption provided by Section 4(2) under the
     Securities Act.
 
          (d) On December 7, 1996, the Company issued warrants to purchase an
     aggregate of 53,330 shares of Common Stock to the outside directors of the
     Company. The Registrant relied on the exemption provided by Section 4(2)
     under the Securities Act.
 
          (e) On December 7, 1996, the Registrant issued an option to purchase
     200,000 Shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.50 per share to
     Arthur P. Minich, an executive officer of the Company. The Registrant
     relied on the exemption provided by Rule 4(2) under the Securities Act.
 
          (f) From January 1994 to December 1996, the Registrant issued and
     sold, from time to time, 1,073,927 shares of Series A Preferred Stock at an
     aggregate purchase price of $6.4 million to Proxima Corporation. The
     Registrant relied on the exemption provided by Section 4(2) under the
     Securities Act.
 
   
          (g) In January 1997, the Registrant issued and sold an aggregate of
     9,000 shares of its Common Stock, for an aggregate purchase price of
     $27,057, to certain the members of the board of directors in lieu of
     payment of board fees. The Registrant relied on the exemption provided by
     Section 4(2) under the Securities Act.
    
 
          (h) In December 1996, the Company issued an option to purchase 66,666
     shares of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.50 per
     share to Pedram Leilabady. The option vests over five
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   81
 
     years and may be exercised at any time until its expiration in December
     2006. The Registrant relied on the exemption provided by Rule 701 under the
     Security Act.
 
     The recipients of the above-described securities represented their
intention to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to
distribution thereof. Appropriate legends were affixed to the stock certificates
issued in such transactions. All recipients had adequate access, through
employment or other relationships, to information about the Registrant.
 
ITEM 27.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
     (a) Exhibits.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                     DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
- -------       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>      <C>  <S>
 1.1*      -- Form of Underwriting Agreement and Representatives' Warrant attached as an
              Exhibit thereto.
 3.1*      -- Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
 3.2*      -- Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws.
 3.3*      -- Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, to be effective
              upon the closing of this offering.
 3.4*      -- Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws, to be effective upon the closing of
              this offering.
 4.1*      -- Series A Convertible Subordinated Debenture issued by Registrant in favor of
              Union Mines, Inc. (currently held by Union Miniere Inc.) dated December 29, 1988.
 4.2*      -- Series A Convertible Subordinated Debenture issued by Registrant in favor of
              Union Mines, Inc. (currently held by Union Miniere Inc.) dated June 18, 1990.
 4.3       -- Amendment to Convertible Debentures entered into between Registrant and Union
              Miniere Inc. on June 9, 1997.
 4.4       -- Form of Common Stock Certificate of Registrant.
 5.1       -- Opinion of Cooley Godward LLP.
10.1*      -- Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into between Registrant and its directors and
              executive officers.
10.2*      -- Registrant's Second Amended and Restated 1981 Stock Option Plan (the "1981
              Plan").
10.3*      -- Incentive Stock Option Agreement Under Registrant's 1981 Plan.
10.4*      -- Registrant's 1993 Stock Option Plan (the "1993 Plan").
10.5*      -- Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 1993 Plan.
10.6*      -- Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement under the 1993 Plan.
10.7       -- Registrant's 1997 Equity Incentive Plan (the "1997 Plan").
10.8       -- Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 1997 Plan.
10.9       -- Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement under the 1997 Plan.
10.10      -- Registrant's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
10.11*     -- Form of Warrant issued by Registrant in favor of Cruttenden Roth Incorporated and
              L. H. Friend, Weinress, Frankson & Pressor, Inc. Reference is made to Exhibit
              1.1.
10.12*     -- Form of Warrant issued by Registrant in favor of certain directors of Registrant
              and attached schedule.
10.13+*    -- Cooperative Development and License Agreement between Proxima Corporation and
              Registrant dated January 11, 1994.
10.14      -- Registration Rights Agreement between Registrant, Union Miniere Inc. and Proxima
              Corporation dated June 9, 1997.
10.15+*    -- Assignment Agreement between Registrant and ATx Telecom Systems, Inc. dated
              September 30, 1996.
10.16*     -- Credit Agreement between Registrant and Wells Fargo dated January 29, 1997.
10.17*     -- Form of Employment Agreement and attached schedule.
10.18*     -- Consulting Agreement dated December 1, 1996 between Registrant and Arthur P.
              Minich.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   82
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                     DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
- -------       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>      <C>  <S>
10.19*     -- Lease dated August 30, 1984 between the Registrant and Highlands Park Partnership
              and amendments thereto.
10.20+     -- Development and Manufacturing Agreement for RGB -- Lasers between Registrant and
              LDT GmbH & Co. dated July 1, 1996.
11.1*      -- Statement re: computation of per share earnings.
21.1*      -- Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1       -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
23.2       -- Consent of Cooley Godward LLP. Reference is made to Exhibit 5.1.
24.1*      -- Power of Attorney. Reference is made to page II-5.
27.1*      -- Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
 * Previously filed.
    
 
+ Confidential Treatment will be requested with respect to certain portions of
  this exhibit. Omitted portions will be filed separately with the Securities
  and Exchange Commission.
 
     (b) Schedules
 
     All schedules are omitted because they are not required, are not applicable
or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes
thereto.
 
ITEM 28.  UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to provisions described in Item 15 or otherwise, the registrant has
been advised that in the opinion of the 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 Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
   
          (1) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Act,
     each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
     15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an
     employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
     Exchange Act) 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.
    
 
          (2) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Act, the
     information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
     Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form
     of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
     497(h) under the Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration
     Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
   
          (3) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
     prospectus 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.
    
 
          (4) It will provide to the underwriters at the closing(s) specified in
     the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and
     registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt
     delivery to each purchaser.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   83
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     In accordance with 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 SB-2 and has duly caused this Amendment
No. 3 to Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
in the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, State of California, on the 10th
day of June, 1997.
    
 
   
                                          By:      /s/ GLENN H. SHERMAN
    
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                      Glenn H. Sherman
                                                 Chairman of the Board and
                                                  Chief Executive Officer
 
     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.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              SIGNATURE                                 TITLE                         DATE
- -------------------------------------    ------------------------------------    --------------
 
<S>                                      <C>                                     <C>
/s/ GLENN H. SHERMAN, PH.D.              Chairman of the Board and Chief         June 10, 1997
- -------------------------------------      Executive Officer (Principal
Glenn H. Sherman, Ph.D.                    Executive Officer)
 
* PAUL P. WICKMAN, JR.                   Senior Vice President, Chief            June 10, 1997
- -------------------------------------      Financial Officer and Secretary
Paul P. Wickman, Jr.                       (Principal Financial and
                                           Accounting Officer)
 
* DOUGLAS H. TANIMOTO, PH.D.             Director                                June 10, 1997
- -------------------------------------
Douglas H. Tanimoto, Ph.D.
 
* WILLIAM G. FREDRICK                    Director                                June 10, 1997
- -------------------------------------
William G. Fredrick
 
* ALAIN GODEFROID                        Director                                June 10, 1997
- -------------------------------------
Alain Godefroid
 
* ROBERT G. KLIMASEWSKI                  Director                                June 10, 1997
- -------------------------------------
Robert G. Klimasewski
 
* RICHARD C. LAIRD                       Director                                June 10, 1997
- -------------------------------------
Richard C. Laird
 
* SIEGFRIED MEDER                        Director                                June 10, 1997
- -------------------------------------
Siegfried Meder
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   84
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              SIGNATURE                                 TITLE                         DATE
- -------------------------------------    ------------------------------------    --------------
 
<S>                                      <C>                                     <C>
 
* KENNETH E. OLSON                       Director                                June 10, 1997
- -------------------------------------
Kenneth E. Olson
 
* JOHN C. STISKA                         Director                                June 10, 1997
- -------------------------------------
John C. Stiska
 
* MARC VAN SANDE                         Director                                June 10, 1997
- -------------------------------------
Marc Van Sande
 
*By: /s/ GLENN H. SHERMAN
     --------------------------------
     Glenn H. Sherman
     Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   85
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT                                                                                  NUMBERED
NUMBER                               DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT                              PAGES
- ------       ------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
<C>     <C>  <S>                                                                       <C>
 1.1*     -- Form of Underwriting Agreement and Representatives' Warrant attached as
             an Exhibit thereto......................................................
 3.1*     -- Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation..........
 3.2*     -- Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws................................
 3.3*     -- Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, to be
             effective upon the closing of this offering.............................
 3.4*     -- Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws, to be effective upon the
             closing of this offering................................................
 4.1*     -- Series A Convertible Subordinated Debenture issued by Registrant in
             favor of Union Mines, Inc. (currently held by Union Miniere Inc.) dated
             December 29, 1988.......................................................
 4.2*     -- Series A Convertible Subordinated Debenture issued by Registrant in
             favor of Union Mines, Inc. (currently held by Union Miniere Inc.) dated
             June 18, 1990...........................................................
 4.3      -- Amendment to Convertible Debentures entered into between Registrant and
             Union Miniere Inc. on June 9, 1997......................................
 4.4      -- Form of Common Stock Certificate of Registrant..........................
 5.1      -- Opinion of Cooley Godward LLP...........................................
10.1*     -- Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into between Registrant and its
             directors and executive officers........................................
10.2*     -- Registrant's Second Amended and Restated 1981 Stock Option Plan (the
             "1981 Plan")............................................................
10.3*     -- Incentive Stock Option Agreement Under Registrant's 1981 Plan...........
10.4*     -- Registrant's 1993 Stock Option Plan (the "1993 Plan")...................
10.5*     -- Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 1993 Plan............
10.6*     -- Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement under the 1993 Plan.........
10.7      -- Registrant's 1997 Equity Incentive Plan (the "1997 Plan")...............
10.8      -- Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 1997 Plan............
10.9      -- Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement under the 1997 Plan.........
10.10     -- Registrant's Employee Stock Purchase Plan...............................
10.11*    -- Form of Warrant issued by Registrant in favor of Cruttenden Roth
             Incorporated and L. H. Friend, Weinress, Frankson & Pressor, Inc.
             Reference is made to Exhibit 1.1........................................
10.12*    -- Form of Warrant issued by Registrant in favor of certain directors of
             Registrant and attached schedule........................................
10.13+*   -- Cooperative Development and License Agreement between Proxima
             Corporation and Registrant dated January 11, 1994.......................
10.14     -- Registration Rights Agreement between Registrant, Union Miniere Inc. and
             Proxima Corporation dated June 9, 1997..................................
10.15+*   -- Assignment Agreement between Registrant and ATx Telecom Systems, Inc.
             dated September 30, 1996................................................
10.16*    -- Credit Agreement between Registrant and Wells Fargo dated January 29,
             1997....................................................................
10.17*    -- Form of Employment Agreement and attached schedule......................
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   86
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT                                                                                  NUMBERED
NUMBER                               DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT                              PAGES
- ------       ------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
<C>     <C>  <S>                                                                       <C>
10.18*    -- Consulting Agreement dated December 1, 1996 between Registrant and
             Arthur P. Minich........................................................
10.19*    -- Lease dated August 30, 1984 between the Registrant and Highlands Park
             Partnership and amendments thereto......................................
10.20+    -- Development and Manufacturing Agreement for RGB -- Lasers between
             Registrant and LDT GmbH & Co. dated July 1, 1996........................
11.1*     -- Statement re: computation of per share earnings.........................
21.1*     -- Subsidiaries of the Registrant..........................................
23.1      -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
23.2      -- Consent of Cooley Godward LLP. Reference is made to Exhibit 5.1.........
24.1*     -- Power of Attorney. Reference is made to page II-5.......................
27.1*     -- Financial Data Schedule.................................................
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 * Previously filed.
 
   
 + Confidential Treatment will be requested with respect to certain portions of
   this exhibit. Omitted portions will be filed separately with the Securities
   and Exchange Commission.
    

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.3


                            AMENDMENT TO CONVERTIBLE
                             SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

        This Amendment is entered into as of the ____ day of May, 1997, by and
between Laser Power Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and
Union Miniere Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Union Miniere").

        WHEREAS, Union Miniere is the holder of (1) that certain Series A
Convertible Debenture in the original principal amount of $1,340,000 issued by
the Company in favor of Union Mines Inc. ("Union Mines") on June 18, 1990, as
amended (the "Primary Debenture"), and (2) that certain Series A Convertible
Debenture in the original principal amount of $320,000 issued by the Company in
favor of Union Mines on December 29, 1988, as amended (the "Option Debenture")
(the Primary Debenture and the Option Debenture are sometimes referred to herein
collectively as the "Debentures");

        WHEREAS, on April 25, 1997, the Company effected a 1 for 1.5 reverse
stock split of its Common Stock;

        WHEREAS, Union Mines has assigned all of its rights and obligations
under the Debentures to Union Miniere and Union Miniere has assumed all such
rights and obligations pursuant to that certain Asset Transfer Agreement between
Union Mines and Union Miniere dated December 31, 1993;

        WHEREAS, the Company intends to register certain of its shares of Common
Stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with an
underwritten public offering of such stock on Form SB-2 Registration Statement
No. 333-24421 (the "Offering");

        WHEREAS, amendment of the Debentures is a condition to the completion of
the Offering;

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the
mutual promises set forth below, and for good and valuable consideration, the
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree to amend the
Debentures effective immediately prior to the closing of the Offering as
follows:

        1. MATURITY DATE. The Debentures shall be due and payable on November 2,
2000.

        2. CONVERSION PRICE. The Conversion Price, as defined in Section 1 of
the Debentures, shall be $5.25 per share; provided, however, in the event that
the Offering price of the Company's Common Stock is less than $6.50 per share,
the Conversion Price will be reduced by one-half (0.5) cent for every one (1.0)
cent that the Offering price is below $6.50 per share, but in no event shall the
Conversion Price be reduced below $4.50 per share.

        3. NO OTHER CHANGES. Except to the extent necessary to effect the
amendments set forth in sections 1 and 2 hereof, all other terms and conditions
of the Debentures shall remain in full force and effect.

                                       1.
<PAGE>   2

        4. APPLICABLE LAW. This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of California.

        5. COUNTERPARTS. This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original and enforceable against the party actually
executing such counterpart, and which taken together shall constitute one
instrument.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto set forth their respective
signatures as of the date first set forth above.



LASER POWER CORPORATION



By:__________________________

Name:________________________

Title:_______________________



UNION MINIERE INC.



By:__________________________

Name:________________________

Title:_______________________


                                       2.


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 4.4

FRONT


NUMBER                                [LOGO]                          SHARES

LPC


      COMMON STOCK                              COMMON STOCK

INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS          SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE                        CUSIP 51806K 10 4
             


THIS CERTIFIES THAT


IS THE RECORD HOLDER OF


FULLY PAID AND NONASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK, $0.001 PAR VALUE, OF

                            LASER POWER CORPORATION

transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in person or
by a duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this Certificate properly
endorsed. This Certificate is not valid unless countersigned and registered by
the Transfer Agent and Registrar.

        WITNESS the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile
signatures of its duly authorized officers. 


Dated:

                             LASER POWER CORPORATION
                                 CORPORATE SEAL
                                      1983
                                    DELAWARE

  [SIG]                                                    [SIG]

SECRETARY                                          CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
                                                AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:
AMERICAN SECURITIES TRANSFER & TRUST, INC.
P.O. Box 1596, Denver, Colorado 80201

BY

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

<PAGE>   2


BACK




                            LASER POWER CORPORATION

        The Corporation shall furnish without charge to each stockholder who so
requests a statement of the powers, designations, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock of the
Corporation or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. Such requests shall be made to
the Corporation's Secretary at the principal office of the Corporation.

        The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

<TABLE>
        <S>                                                  <C>
        TEN COM - as tenants in common                       UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -  ............. Custodian ...............
        TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties                                        (Cust)                  (Minor)
        JT TEN  - as joint tenants with right of                                  under Uniform Gifts to Minors
                  survivorship and not as tenants                                 Act ................................... 
                  in common                                                                       (State)
                                                             UNIF TRF MIN ACT  -  ............. Custodian (until age ....)
                                                                                     (Cust)
                                                                                  ............... under Uniform Transfers
                                                                                     (Minor)
                                                                                  to Minors Act .........................
                                                                                                       (State)
</TABLE>

    Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

FOR VALUE RECEIVED,________________________hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

  PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
     IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE


________________________________________________________________________________
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________ Shares
of the common stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby 
irrevocably constitute and appoint

________________________________________________________________________Attorney
to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Corporation with
full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated_________________

                                       X______________________________

                                       X______________________________
                                NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE(S) TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST
                                        CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME(S) AS WRITTEN
                                        UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN
                                        EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR
                                        ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.
                                        


Signature(s) Guaranteed


By_____________________________________

THE SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY
AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION
(BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN
ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH
MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE
GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM), PURSUANT
TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                        [Cooley Godward LLP Letterhead]



June 10, 1997

Laser Power Corporation
12777 High Bluff Drive
San Diego, CA 92130

Ladies and Gentlemen:

You have requested our opinion with respect to certain matters in connection
with the filing by Laser Power Corporation (the "Company") of a Registration
Statement on Form SB-2, as amended (the "Registration Statement"), with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), including a related
prospectus to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of Regulation
C (the "Prospectus") promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and the underwritten public offering of (i) up to 2,760,000, including 350,000
shares to be sold by selling stockholders and 360,000 shares of common stock for
which the Underwriters have been granted an over allotment option shares of
common stock (the "Common Stock").

In connection with this opinion, we have (i) examined and relied upon the
Registration Statement and related Prospectus, the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and Restated and Amended Bylaws and
the originals or copies certified to our satisfaction of such records,
documents, certificates, memoranda and other instruments as in our judgment are
necessary or appropriate to enable us to render the opinion expressed below and
(ii) assumed that the shares of the Common Stock will be sold by the
Underwriters at a price established by the Pricing Committee of the Company's
Board of Directors.

On the basis of the foregoing, and in reliance thereon, we are of the opinion
that the Common Stock, when sold and issued in accordance with the Registration
Statement and related Prospectus, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Legal Matters" in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement and to the filing of this
opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,

COOLEY GODWARD LLP


By:  /s/ D. BRADLEY PECK
    -----------------------
         D. Bradley Peck



<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.7




                            LASER POWER CORPORATION

                           1997 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

                             ADOPTED MARCH 25, 1997

                    APPROVED BY STOCKHOLDERS APRIL 18, 1997



1.       PURPOSES.

         (a)   The purpose of the Plan is to provide a means by which selected
Employees and Directors and Consultants may be given an opportunity to benefit
from increases in value of the common stock of the Company ("Common Stock")
through the granting of (i) Incentive Stock Options, (ii) Nonstatutory Stock
Options, (iii) stock bonuses, and (iv) rights to purchase restricted stock, and
(v) stock appreciation rights, all as defined below.

         (b)   The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to retain the services
of persons who are now Employees or Directors of or Consultants to the Company
and its Affiliates, to secure and retain the services of new Employees,
Directors and Consultants, and to provide incentives for such persons to exert
maximum efforts for the success of the Company and its Affiliates.

         (c)   The Company intends that the Stock Awards issued under the Plan
shall, in the discretion of the Board or any Committee to which responsibility
for administration of the Plan has been delegated pursuant to subsection 3(c),
be either (i) Options granted pursuant to Section 6 hereof, including Incentive
Stock Options and Nonstatutory Stock Options, or (ii) stock bonuses or rights to
purchase restricted stock granted pursuant to Section 7 hereof, or (iii) stock
appreciation rights granted pursuant to Section 8 hereof.  All Options shall be
separately designated Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options at
the time of grant, and in such form as issued pursuant to Section 6, and a
separate certificate or certificates will be issued for shares purchased on
exercise of each type of Option.

2.       DEFINITIONS.

          (a)    "AFFILIATE" means any parent corporation or subsidiary
corporation, whether now or hereafter existing, as those terms are defined in
Sections 424(e) and (f) respectively, of the Code.

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

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

          (d)    "COMMITTEE" means a Committee appointed by the Board in
accordance with subsection 3(c) of the Plan.

          (e)    "COMPANY" means Laser Power Corporation a Delaware
corporation.
<PAGE>   2
        (f)      "CONCURRENT STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT" OR "CONCURRENT RIGHT"
mean a right granted pursuant to subsection 8(b)(2) of the Plan.

        (g)      "CONSULTANT" means any person, including an advisor, engaged
by the Company or an Affiliate to render consulting services and who is
compensated for such services, provided that 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.

        (h)      "CONTINUOUS STATUS AS AN EMPLOYEE, DIRECTOR OR CONSULTANT"
means the employment or relationship as a Director or Consultant is not
interrupted or terminated.  The Board, in its sole discretion, may determine
whether Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant shall be
considered interrupted in the case of:  (i) any leave of absence approved by
the Board, including sick leave, military leave, or any other personal leave;
or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company,
Affiliates or their successors.

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

        (j)      "EMPLOYEE" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Affiliate 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.

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

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

                 (i)      If the Common Stock is listed on any established
stock exchange, or traded on the Nasdaq National Market or the Nasdaq SmallCap
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 exchange or market (or the exchange or market 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 Board deems reliable;

                 (ii)     In the absence of such markets for the Common Stock,
the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Board.

        (m)      "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.

        (n)      "INDEPENDENT STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT" OR INDEPENDENT RIGHT"
means a right granted pursuant to subsection 8(b)(3) of the Plan.

   
        (o)      "LISTING DATE" means the first date upon which any security of
the Company is listed (or approved for listing) upon notice of issuance on any
securities exchange, or designated (or approved for designation) upon notice of
issuance as a national market security on an interdealer quotation system if
such securities exchange or interdealer quotation system has been certified in
accordance with the provisions of Section 25100(o) of the California Corporate
Securities Law of 1968.
    

        (p)      "NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR" means a Director who either (i) is not
a current





<PAGE>   3
Employee or Officer of the Company or its parent or subsidiary, does not
receive compensation (directly or indirectly) from the Company or its parent or
subsidiary for services rendered as a consultant or in any capacity other than
as a Director (except for an amount as to which disclosure would not be
required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated pursuant to the
Securities Act of 1933 ("Regulation S-K"), does not possess an interest in any
other transaction as to which disclosure would be required under Item 404(a) of
Regulation S-K, and is not engaged in a business relationship as to which
disclosure would be required under Item 404(b) of Regulation S-K; or (ii) is
otherwise considered a "non-employee director" for purposes of Rule 16b-3.

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

        (q)      "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.

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

        (s)      "OPTION AGREEMENT" means a written agreement between the
Company and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual
Option grant.  Each Option Agreement shall be subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan.

        (t)      "OPTIONEE" means a person to whom an Option is granted
pursuant to the Plan.

        (u)      "OUTSIDE DIRECTOR" means a Director who either (i) is not a
current employee of the Company or an "affiliated corporation" (within the
meaning of Treasury regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Code),
is not a former employee of the Company or an "affiliated corporation"
receiving compensation for prior services (other than benefits under a tax
qualified pension plan), was not an officer of the Company or an "affiliated
corporation" at any time, and is not currently receiving direct or indirect
remuneration from the Company or an "affiliated corporation" for services in
any capacity other than as a Director, or (ii) is otherwise considered an
"outside director" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.

        (v)      "PLAN" means this Laser Power Corporation 1997 Equity
Incentive Plan.

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

        (x)      "STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT" means any of the various types of
rights which may be granted under Section 8 of the Plan.

        (y)      "STOCK AWARD" means any right granted under the Plan,
including any Option, any stock bonus and any right to purchase restricted
stock, and any Stock Appreciation Right.

        (z)      "STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT" means a written agreement between the
Company and a holder of a Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an
individual Stock Award grant.





<PAGE>   4
Each Stock Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the
Plan.

         (aa)    "TANDEM STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT" OR "TANDEM RIGHT" means a
right granted pursuant to subsection 8(b)(1) of the Plan.

3.       ADMINISTRATION.

         (a)     The Plan shall be administered by the Board unless and until
the Board delegates administration to a Committee, as provided in subsection
3(c).

         (b)     The Board shall have the power, subject to, and within the
limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:

                 (i)      To determine from time to time which of the persons
eligible under the Plan shall be granted Stock Awards; when and how each Stock
Award shall be granted; whether a Stock Award will be an Incentive Stock
Option, a Nonstatutory Stock Option, a stock bonus, a right to purchase
restricted stock, a Stock Appreciation Right, or a combination of the
foregoing; the provisions of each Stock Award granted (which need not be
identical), including the time or times when a person shall be permitted to
receive stock pursuant to a Stock Award; whether a person shall be permitted to
receive stock upon exercise of an Independent Stock Appreciation Right; and the
number of shares with respect to which a Stock Award shall be granted to each
such person.

                 (ii)     To construe and interpret the Plan and Stock Awards
granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for
its administration.  The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any
defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Stock Award Agreement,
in a manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to make the
Plan fully effective.

                 (iii)    To amend the Plan or a Stock Award as provided in
Section 14.

                 (iv)     Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform
such acts as the Board deems necessary or expedient to promote the best
interests of the Company which are not in conflict with the provisions of the
Plan.

         (c)     The Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a
committee or committees ("Committee") of one or more members of the Board.  In
the discretion of the Board, a Committee may consist solely of two or more
Outside Directors, in accordance with Code Section 162(m), or solely of two or
more Non-Employee Directors, in accordance with Rule 16(b)-3.  If
administration is delegated to a Committee, the Committee shall have, in
connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore
possessed by the Board (and references in this Plan to the Board shall
thereafter be to the Committee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not
inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to
time by the Board.  The Board may abolish the Committee at any time and revest
in the Board the administration of the Plan.

4.       SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.





<PAGE>   5
         (a)     Subject to the provisions of Section 13 relating to adjustments
upon changes in stock, the stock that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards
shall not exceed in the aggregate one million (1,000,000) shares of the Common
Stock after adjustment for the reverse split of 1 for 1.5 shares.  If any Stock
Award shall for any reason expire or otherwise terminate, in whole or in part,
without having been exercised in full (or vested in the case of Restricted
Stock), the stock not acquired under such Stock Award shall revert to and again
become available for issuance under the Plan.  Shares subject to Stock
Appreciation Rights exercised in accordance with Section 8 of the Plan shall not
be available for subsequent issuance under the Plan.

         (b)     The stock subject to the Plan may be unissued shares or
reacquired shares, bought on the market or otherwise.

5.       ELIGIBILITY.

         (a)     Incentive Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
appurtenant thereto may be granted only to Employees.  Stock Awards other than
Incentive Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights appurtenant thereto may
be granted only to Employees, Directors or Consultants.

         (b)     No person shall be eligible for the grant of an Option or an
award to purchase restricted stock if, at the time of grant, such person owns
(or is deemed to own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing
more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock of the Company or of any of its Affiliates unless the exercise price of
such Option is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value
of such stock at the date of grant and, the Option is not exercisable after the
expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant, or in the case of a
restricted sock purchase award, the purchase price is at least one hundred
percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value  of such stock at the date of grant.

         (c)     Subject to the provisions of Section 13 relating to
adjustments upon changes in stock, no person shall be eligible to be granted
Options and Stock Appreciation Rights covering more than three hundred thousand
(300,000) shares of the Common Stock in any calendar year.  This subsection 5(c)
shall not apply until (i) the earliest of:  (A) the first material modification
of the Plan (including any increase to the number of shares reserved for
issuance under the Plan in accordance with Section 4); (B) the issuance of all
of the shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan; (C) the
expiration of the Plan; or (D) the first meeting of stockholders at which
directors are to be elected that occurs after the close of the third calendar
year following the calendar year in which occurred the first registration of an
equity security under Section 12 of the Exchange Act; or (ii) such other date
required by Section 162(m) of the Code and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder.

6.       OPTION PROVISIONS.

         Each Option shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and
conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate.  The provisions of separate
Options need not be identical, but each Option shall include (through
incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Option or otherwise)





<PAGE>   6
the substance of each of the following provisions:

         (a)     TERM.  No Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of
ten (10) years from the date it was granted.

         (b)     PRICE.  The exercise price of each Incentive Stock Option
shall be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of
the stock subject to the Option on the date the Option is granted and the
exercise price of each Nonstatutory Stock Option shall be not less than
eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of the stock subject to the
Option on the date the Option is granted.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, an
Option may be granted with an exercise price lower than that set forth in the
preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or
substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of
Section 424(a) of the Code.

         (c)     CONSIDERATION.  The purchase price of stock acquired pursuant
to an Option shall be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable statutes and
regulations, either  in cash at the time the Option is exercised, or  at the
discretion of the Board or the Committee, at the time of the grant of the
Option,  by delivery to the Company of other Common Stock of the Company,
according to a deferred payment arrangement, except that payment of the common
stock's "par value" (as defined in the Delaware General Corporation Law) shall
not be made by deferred payment, or other arrangement (which may include,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the use of other Common Stock
of the Company) with the person to whom the Option is granted or to whom the
Option is transferred pursuant to subsection 6(d), or (C) in any other form of
legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board.

         In the case of any deferred payment arrangement, interest shall be
payable at least annually and shall be charged at the minimum rate of interest
necessary to avoid the treatment as interest, under any applicable provisions
of the Code, of any amounts other than amounts stated to be interest under the
deferred payment arrangement.

         (d)     TRANSFERABILITY.  Prior to the Listing Date an Option shall 
not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution,
and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the person to whom the Option is
granted only by such person.  After the Listing Date, a Nonstatutory Stock
Option may be transferred to the extent provided in the Option Agreement;
provided that if the Option Agreement does not expressly permit the transfer of
a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the Nonstatutory Stock Option shall not be
transferable except by will, by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant
to a domestic relations order satisfying the requirements of Rule 16b-3 and
shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the person to whom the Option is
granted only by such person or any transferee pursuant to a domestic relations
order. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the person to whom the Option is granted
may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the
Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Optionee,
shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option.

         (e)     VESTING.  The total number of shares of stock subject to an
Option may, but need not, be allotted in periodic installments (which may, but
need not, be equal).  The Option Agreement may provide that from time to time
during each of such installment periods, the Option may become exercisable
("vest") with respect to some or all of the shares allotted to that period, and
may be exercised with respect to some or all of the shares allotted to such
period and/or any prior period as to which the Option became vested but was not
fully exercised, provided however that an Option granted to a non-officer
Employee shall vest at least twenty percent (20%) of the shares per year. The
Option may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times
when it may be exercised (which may be based on performance or other criteria)
as the Board may deem appropriate.  The provisions of this subsection 6(e) are
subject to any Option provisions governing the minimum number of shares as to
which an Option may be exercised.

         (f)     TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR RELATIONSHIP AS A DIRECTOR OR
CONSULTANT.  In the event an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee,
Director or Consultant terminates (other than upon the Optionee's death or
disability), the Optionee may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that
the Optionee was entitled to exercise it at the date of termination) but only
within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date thirty (30)
days after the termination of the Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee,
Director or Consultant (or after the Listing Date such longer or shorter period
specified in the Option Agreement), or (ii) the expiration of the term of the
Option as set forth in the Option Agreement.  If, after termination, the
Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified in the
Option Agreement, the Option shall terminate, and the shares covered by such
Option shall revert to and again become available for issuance under the Plan.

<PAGE>   7
         An Optionee's Option Agreement may also provide that if the exercise
of the Option following the termination of the Optionee's Continuous Status as
an Employee, Director, or Consultant (other than upon the Optionee's death or
disability) would result in liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act,
then the Option shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the
term of the Option set forth in the Option Agreement, or (ii) the tenth (10th)
day after the last date on which such exercise would result in such liability
under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.  Finally, an Optionee's Option
Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the
termination of the Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or
Consultant (other than upon the Optionee's death or disability) would be
prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of shares would violate the
registration requirements under the Act, then the Option shall terminate on the
earlier of (i) the expiration of the term of the Option set forth in the first
paragraph of this subsection 6(f), or (ii) the expiration of a period of thirty
(30) days after the termination of the Optionee's Continuous Status as an
Employee, Director or Consultant during which the exercise of the Option would
not be in violation of such registration requirements.

         (g)     DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE.  In the event an Optionee's Continuous
Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant terminates as a result of the
Optionee's disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option (to the
extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it at the date of
termination), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i)
the date six (6) months following such termination (or after the Listing Date
such longer or shorter period specified in the Option Agreement), or (ii) the
expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement.  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 and again become available for issuance under 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





<PAGE>   8
such Option shall revert to and again become available for issuance under the
Plan.

             (h) DEATH OF OPTIONEE.  In the event of the death of an Optionee
during, or within a period specified in the Option after the termination of, the
Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant, the Option
may be exercised (to the extent the Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option
at the date of death) by the Optionee's estate, by a person who acquired the
right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated
to exercise the option upon the Optionee's death pursuant to subsection 6(d),
but only within the period ending on the earlier of (i) the date twelve (12)
months following the date of death (or after the Listing Date such longer or
shorter period specified in the Option Agreement), or (ii) the expiration of the
term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement.  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 revert to and
again become available for issuance under the Plan.  If, after death, the Option
is not exercised within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate,
and the shares covered by such Option shall revert to and again become available
for issuance under the Plan.

             (i) EARLY EXERCISE.  The Option may, but need not, include a
provision whereby the Optionee may elect at any time while an Employee,
Director or Consultant to exercise the Option as to any part or all of the
shares subject to the Option prior to the full vesting of the Option.  Any
unvested shares so purchased may be subject to a repurchase right in favor of
the Company or to any other restriction the Board determines to be appropriate.

             (j) RE-LOAD OPTIONS.  Without in any way limiting the authority of
the Board or Committee to make or not to make grants of Options hereunder, the
Board or Committee shall have the authority (but not an obligation) to include
as part of any Option Agreement a provision entitling the Optionee to a further
Option (a "Re-Load Option") in the event the Optionee exercises the Option
evidenced by the Option agreement, in whole or in part, by surrendering other
shares of Common Stock in accordance with this Plan and the terms and conditions
of the Option Agreement.  Any such Re-Load Option (i) shall be for a number of
shares equal to the number of shares surrendered as part or all of the exercise
price of such Option; (ii) shall have an expiration date which is the same as
the expiration date of the Option the exercise of which gave rise to such
Re-Load Option; and (iii) shall have an exercise price which is equal to one
hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to
the Re-Load Option on the date of exercise of the original Option.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Re-Load Option which is granted to a 10%
stockholder (as described in subsection 5(c)), shall have an exercise price
which is equal to one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the
stock subject to the Re-Load Option on the date of exercise of the original
Option and shall have a term which is no longer than five (5) years.

         Any such Re-Load Option may be an Incentive Stock Option or a
Nonstatutory Stock Option, as the Board or Committee may designate at the time
of the grant of the original Option; provided, however, that the designation of
any Re-Load Option as an Incentive Stock Option shall be subject to the one
hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) annual limitation on exercisability of
Incentive Stock Options described in subsection 11(d) of the Plan and in
Section 422(d) of the Code.  There shall be no Re-Load Options on a Re-Load
Option.  Any such Re-Load Option shall be subject to the availability of
sufficient shares under subsection 4(a) and shall be subject to such





<PAGE>   9
other terms and conditions as the Board or Committee may determine which are
not inconsistent with the express provisions of the Plan regarding the terms of
Options.

7.       TERMS OF STOCK BONUSES AND PURCHASES OF RESTRICTED STOCK.

         Each stock bonus or restricted stock purchase agreement shall be in
such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board or the
Committee shall deem appropriate.  The terms and conditions of stock bonus or
restricted stock purchase agreements may change from time to time, and the
terms and conditions of separate agreements need not be identical, but each
stock bonus or restricted stock purchase agreement shall include (through
incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise)
the substance of each of the following provisions as appropriate:

         (a)     PURCHASE PRICE.  The purchase price under each restricted
stock purchase agreement shall be such amount as the Board or Committee shall
determine and designate in such agreement but in no event shall the purchase
price be less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the stock's Fair Market Value
on the date such award is made.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board or
the Committee may determine that eligible participants in the Plan may be
awarded stock pursuant to a stock bonus agreement in consideration for past
services actually rendered to the Company for its benefit.

         (b)     TRANSFERABILITY.  No rights under a stock bonus or restricted
stock purchase agreement shall be transferable except by will or the laws of
descent and distribution or, after the Listing Date and if the agreement so
provides, pursuant to a domestic relations order satisfying the requirements of
Rule 16b-3 so long as stock awarded under such agreement remains subject to the
terms of the agreement.

         (c)     CONSIDERATION.  The purchase price of stock acquired pursuant
to a stock purchase agreement shall be paid either:  (i) in cash at the time of
purchase; (ii) at the discretion of the Board or the Committee, according to a
deferred payment arrangement, except that payment of the common stock's "par
value" (as defined in the Delaware General Corporation Law) shall not be made
by deferred payment, or other arrangement with the person to whom the stock is
sold; or (iii) in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable
to the Board or the Committee in its discretion.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Board or the Committee to which administration of the Plan has
been delegated may award stock pursuant to a stock bonus agreement in
consideration for past services actually rendered to the Company or for its
benefit.

         (d)     VESTING.  Shares of stock sold or awarded under the Plan may,
but need not, be subject to a repurchase option in favor of the Company in
accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the Board or the
Committee, provided however that stock sold or awarded to a non-officer
Employee shall vest at least twenty percent (20%) of the shares per year. Prior
to the Listing Date the terms of such repurchase option shall otherwise comply
with the requirements of Section 260.140.42 of Title 10 of the California Code
of Regulations.

         (e)     TERMINATION OF CONTINUOUS STATUS AS AN EMPLOYEE, DIRECTOR OR
CONSULTANT.  In the event a Participant's Continuous Status as an Employee,
Director or Consultant terminates, the Company may repurchase or otherwise
reacquire any or all of the shares of stock held by that person which have not
vested as of the date of termination under the terms of the stock bonus or
restricted stock purchase agreement between the Company and such person.





<PAGE>   10
8.       STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.

         (a)     The Board or Committee shall have full power and authority,
exercisable in its sole discretion, to grant Stock Appreciation Rights under
the Plan to Employees or Directors of or Consultants to, the Company or its
Affiliates.  To exercise any outstanding Stock Appreciation Right, the holder
must provide written notice of exercise to the Company in compliance with the
provisions of the Stock Award Agreement evidencing such right.   Except as
provided in subsection 5(c), no limitation shall exist on the aggregate amount
of cash payments the Company may make under the Plan in connection with the
exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right.

         (b)     Three types of Stock Appreciation Rights shall be authorized
for issuance under the Plan:

                 (i)      TANDEM STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.  Tandem Stock
Appreciation Rights will be granted appurtenant to an Option, and shall, except
as specifically set forth in this Section 8, be subject to the same terms and
conditions applicable to the particular Option grant to which it pertains.
Tandem Stock Appreciation Rights will require the holder to elect between the
exercise of the underlying Option for shares of stock and the surrender, in
whole or in part, of such Option for an appreciation distribution.  The
appreciation distribution payable on the exercised Tandem Right shall be in
cash (or, if so provided, in an equivalent number of shares of stock based on
Fair Market Value on the date of the Option surrender) in an amount up to the
excess of (A) the Fair Market Value (on the date of the Option surrender) of
the number of shares of stock covered by that portion of the surrendered Option
in which the Optionee is vested over (B) the aggregate exercise price payable
for such vested shares.

                 (ii)     CONCURRENT STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.  Concurrent
Rights will be granted appurtenant to an Option and may apply to all or any
portion of the shares of stock subject to the underlying Option and shall,
except as specifically set forth in this Section 8, be subject to the same
terms and conditions applicable to the particular Option grant to which it
pertains.  A Concurrent Right shall be exercised automatically at the same time
the underlying Option is exercised with respect to the particular shares of
stock to which the Concurrent Right pertains.  The appreciation distribution
payable on an exercised Concurrent Right shall be in cash (or, if so provided,
in an equivalent number of shares of stock based on Fair Market Value on the
date of the exercise of the Concurrent Right) in an amount equal to such
portion as shall be determined by the Board or the Committee at the time of the
grant of the excess of (A) the aggregate Fair Market Value (on the date of the
exercise of the Concurrent Right) of the vested shares of stock purchased under
the underlying Option which have Concurrent Rights appurtenant to them over (B)
the aggregate exercise price paid for such shares.

                 (iii)    INDEPENDENT STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.  Independent
Rights will be granted independently of any Option and shall, except as
specifically set forth in this Section 8, be subject to the same terms and
conditions applicable to Nonstatutory Stock Options as set forth in Section 6.
They shall be denominated in share equivalents.  The appreciation distribution
payable on the exercised Independent Right shall be not greater than an amount
equal to the excess of (A) the aggregate Fair Market Value (on the date of the
exercise of the Independent Right) of a number





<PAGE>   11
of shares of Company stock equal to the number of share equivalents in which
the holder is vested under such Independent Right, and with respect to which
the holder is exercising the Independent Right on such date, over (B) the
aggregate Fair Market Value (on the date of the grant of the Independent Right)
of such number of shares of Company stock.  The appreciation distribution
payable on the exercised Independent Right shall be in cash or, if so provided,
in an equivalent number of shares of stock based on Fair Market Value on the
date of the exercise of the Independent Right.

9.       CANCELLATION AND RE-GRANT OF OPTIONS.

         (a)     The Board or the Committee shall have the authority to effect,
at any time and from time to time,  (i) the repricing of any outstanding
Options and/or any Stock Appreciation Rights under the Plan and/or (ii) with
the consent of any adversely affected holders of Options and/or Stock
Appreciation Rights, the cancellation of any outstanding Options and/or Stock
Appreciation Rights under the Plan and the grant in substitution therefor of
new Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights under the Plan covering the same
or different numbers of shares of stock, but having an exercise price per share
not less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value for a
Nonstatutory Stock Option, one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value
for an Incentive Stock Option or, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option held
by a 10% stockholder (as described in subsection 5(c)), not less than one
hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per share of stock on the
new grant date.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board or the Committee may
grant an Option and/or Stock Appreciation Rights with an exercise price lower
than that set forth above if such Option and/or Stock Appreciation Rights is
granted as part of a transaction to which section 424(a) of the Code applies.

         (b)     Shares subject to an Option or Stock Appreciation Right
canceled under this Section 8 shall continue to be counted against the maximum
award of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights permitted to be granted pursuant
to subsection 5(c) of the Plan.  The repricing of an Option and/or Stock
Appreciation Right under this Section 8, resulting in a reduction of the
exercise price, shall be deemed to be a cancellation of the original Option
and/or Stock Appreciation Right and the grant of a substitute Option and/or
Stock Appreciation Rights; in the event of such repricing, both the original
and the substituted Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall be counted
against the maximum awards of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights permitted
to be granted pursuant to subsection 5(c) of the Plan.  The provisions of this
subsection 8(b) shall be applicable only to the extent required by Section
162(m) of the Code.

10.      COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.

         (a)     During the terms of the Stock Awards, the Company shall keep
available at all times the number of shares of stock required to satisfy such
Stock Awards.

         (b)     The Company shall seek to obtain from each regulatory
commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be
required to issue and sell shares under Stock Awards; provided, however, that
this undertaking shall not require the Company to register under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") either the Plan, any Stock Award
or any stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Stock Award.  If, after
reasonable





<PAGE>   12
efforts, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or
agency the authority which counsel for the Company deems necessary for the
lawful issuance and sale of stock under the Plan, the Company shall be relieved
from any liability for failure to issue and sell stock upon exercise of such
Stock Awards unless and until such authority is obtained.

11.      USE OF PROCEEDS FROM STOCK.

         Proceeds from the sale of stock pursuant to Stock Awards shall
constitute general funds of the Company.

12.      MISCELLANEOUS.

         (a)     The Board shall have the power to accelerate the time at which
a Stock Award may first be exercised or the time during which a Stock Award or
any part thereof will vest pursuant to subsection 6(e) or 7(d), notwithstanding
the provisions in the Stock Award stating the time at which it may first be
exercised or the time during which it will vest.

         (b)     Neither an Employee, Director nor a Consultant nor any person
to whom a Stock Award is transferred in accordance with the Plan shall be
deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with
respect to, any shares subject to such Stock Award unless and until such person
has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Stock Award pursuant to its
terms.

         (c)     Nothing in the Plan or any instrument executed or Stock Award
granted pursuant thereto shall confer upon any Employee, Consultant or other
holder of Stock Awards any right to continue in the employ of the Company or
any Affiliate or to continue serving as a Consultant and Director, or shall
affect the right of the Company or any Affiliate to terminate the employment of
any Employee with or without notice and with or without cause, or the right to
terminate the relationship of any Consultant pursuant to the terms of such
Consultant's agreement with the Company or Affiliate or service as a Director
pursuant to the Company's Bylaws and the laws of the state in which the Company
is incorporated.

         (d)     To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined
at the time of grant) of stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options
are exercisable for the first time by any Optionee during any calendar year
under all plans of the Company and its Affiliates exceeds one hundred thousand
dollars ($100,000), the Options or portions thereof which exceed such limit
(according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as
Nonstatutory Stock Options.

         (e)     The Company may require any person to whom a Stock Award is
granted, or any person to whom a Stock Award is transferred in accordance with
the Plan, as a condition of exercising or acquiring stock under any Stock
Award,  to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company as to such
person's knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and/or to
employ a purchaser representative reasonably satisfactory to the Company who is
knowledgeable and experienced in financial and business matters, and that he or
she is capable of evaluating, alone or together with the purchaser
representative, the merits and risks of exercising the Stock Award; and  to
give written assurances satisfactory to the Company stating that such person is
acquiring the





<PAGE>   13
stock subject to the Stock Award for such person's own account and not with any
present intention of selling or otherwise distributing the stock.  The
foregoing requirements, and any assurances given pursuant to such requirements,
shall be inoperative if  the issuance of the shares upon the exercise or
acquisition of stock under the Stock Award has been registered under a then
currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or  as to
any particular requirement, a determination is made by counsel for the Company
that such requirement need not be met in the circumstances under the then
applicable securities laws.  The Company may, upon advice of counsel to the
Company, place legends on stock certificates issued under the Plan as such
counsel deems necessary or appropriate in order to comply with applicable
securities laws, including, but not limited to, legends restricting the
transfer of the stock.

         (f)   To the extent provided by the terms of a Stock Award Agreement,
the person to whom a Stock Award is granted may satisfy any federal, state or
local tax withholding obligation relating to the exercise or acquisition of
stock under a Stock Award by any of the following means or by a combination of
such means:  (1) tendering a cash payment; (2) authorizing the Company to
withhold shares from the shares of the Common Stock otherwise issuable to the
participant as a result of the exercise or acquisition of stock under the Stock
Award; or (3) delivering to the Company owned and unencumbered shares of the
Common Stock of the Company.

         (g)     Throughout the term of any Stock Award, the Company shall
deliver to the holder of such Stock Award, not later than one hundred twenty
(120) days after the close of each of the Company's fiscal years during the
term of such Stock Award, a balance sheet and an income statement. This
subsection shall not apply (i) after the Listing Date, or (ii) when issuance is
limited to key employees whose duties in connection with the Company assure
them access to equivalent information.

13.      ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN STOCK.

         (a)     If any change is made in the stock subject to the Plan, or
subject to any Stock Award, without the receipt of consideration by the Company
(through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization,
reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock
split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change
in corporate structure or other transaction not involving the receipt of
consideration by the Company), the Plan will be appropriately adjusted in the
class(es) and maximum number of shares subject to the Plan pursuant to
subsection 4(a) and the maximum number of shares subject to award to any person
during any calendar year pursuant to subsection 5(d), and the outstanding Stock
Awards will be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and number of shares and
price per share of stock subject to such outstanding Stock Awards.  Such
adjustments shall be made by the Board or the Committee, the determination of
which shall be final, binding and conclusive.  (The conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be treated as a "transaction
not involving the receipt of consideration by the Company".)

         (b)     In the event of:  (1) a dissolution, liquidation or sale of
substantially all of the assets of the Company; (2) a merger or consolidation
in which the Company is not the surviving corporation; (3) a reverse merger in
which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of the Company's
common stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger are converted by
virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of securities,
cash or otherwise; or (4) after the Listing Date the acquisition by any person,
entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange
Act, or any comparable successor provisions (excluding any employee benefit
plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Affiliate
of the Company) of the beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3
promulgated under the Exchange Act, or comparable successor rule) of securities
of the Company representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting
power entitled to vote in the





<PAGE>   14
election of directors, then to the extent permitted by applicable law:  (i) any
surviving corporation or an Affiliate of such surviving corporation shall
assume any Stock Awards outstanding under the Plan or shall substitute similar
Stock Awards for those outstanding under the Plan, or (ii) such Stock Awards
shall continue in full force and effect.  In the event any surviving
corporation and its Affiliates refuse to assume or continue such Stock Awards,
or to substitute similar stock award for those outstanding under the Plan,
then, with respect to Stock Awards held by persons then performing services as
Employees, Directors or Consultants, the time during which such Stock Awards
may be exercised shall be accelerated and the Stock Awards terminated if not
exercised (if applicable) after such acceleration and at or prior to such
event, and (B) with respect to any other Stock Awards outstanding under the
Plan, such Stock Awards shall be terminated if not exercised (if applicable)
prior to such event.

14.      AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN AND STOCK AWARDS.

         (a)     The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend the
Plan.  However, except as provided in Section 13 relating to adjustments upon
changes in stock, no amendment shall be effective unless approved by the
stockholders of the Company to the extent stockholder approval is necessary for
the Plan to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, Rule 16b-3 or
any Nasdaq or securities exchange listing requirements.

         (b)     The Board may in its sole discretion submit any other
amendment to the Plan for stockholder approval, including, but not limited to,
amendments to the Plan intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m)
of the Code and the regulations thereunder regarding the exclusion of
performance-based compensation from the limit on corporate deductibility of
compensation paid to certain executive officers.

         (c)     It is expressly contemplated that the Board may amend the Plan
in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable to provide eligible
Employees, Directors or Consultants with the maximum benefits provided or to be
provided under the provisions of the Code and the regulations promulgated
thereunder relating to Incentive Stock Options and/or to bring the Plan and/or
Incentive Stock Options granted under it into compliance therewith.

         (d)     Rights and obligations under any Stock Award granted before
amendment of the Plan shall not be impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless
(i) the Company requests the consent of the person to whom the Stock Award was
granted and (ii) such person consents in writing.

         (e)     The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend the
terms of any one or more Stock Award; provided, however, that the rights and
obligations under any Stock Award shall not be impaired by any such amendment
unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the person to whom the Stock
Award was granted and (ii) such person consents in writing.

15.      TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF THE PLAN.

         (a)     The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time.
Unless sooner terminated, the Plan shall terminate ten (10) years from the date
the Plan is adopted by the Board





<PAGE>   15
or approved by the stockholders of the Company, whichever is earlier.  No Stock
Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is
terminated.

        (b)      Rights and obligations under any Stock Award granted while the
Plan is in effect shall not be impaired by suspension or termination of the
Plan, except with the consent of the person to whom the Stock Award was
granted.

16.      EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN.

   
         The Plan shall become effective on adoption by the Board, but no 
Stock Awards granted under the Plan shall be exercised unless and until the Plan
has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, which approval shall be
within twelve (12) months before or after the date the Plan is adopted by the
Board.
    







<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.8




                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
                           1997 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
                             INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION


__________________________________, Optionee:

         Laser Power Corporation (the "Company"), pursuant to its 1997 Equity
Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), has granted to you, the optionee named above, an
option to purchase shares of the common stock of the Company ("Common Stock").
This option is intended to qualify as an "incentive stock option" within the
meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code").  Defined terms not explicitly defined in this agreement but defined in
the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Plan.

         The details of your option are as follows:

         1.      TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES SUBJECT TO THIS OPTION.  The total
number of shares of Common Stock subject to this option is ____________________
(__________).

         2.      VESTING.  Subject to the limitations contained herein,
twenty-five percent (25%) of the shares will vest (become exercisable) on the
first anniversary of the date of grant and one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the
shares will then vest each month thereafter until either (i) you cease to
provide services to the Company for any reason, or (ii) this option becomes
fully vested.

         3.      EXERCISE PRICE AND METHOD OF PAYMENT.

                 (a)      EXERCISE PRICE.  The exercise price of this option is
___________________________ ($___________) per share, being not less than the
fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant of this option.

                 (b)      METHOD OF PAYMENT.  Payment of the exercise price per
share is due in full upon exercise of all or any part of each installment which
has accrued to you.  You may elect, to the extent permitted by applicable
statutes and regulations, to make payment of the exercise price under one of
the following alternatives:

                          (i)           Payment of the exercise price per share
in cash (including check) at the time of exercise;

                          (ii)          Payment pursuant to a program developed
under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board which, prior to
the issuance of Common Stock, results in either the receipt of cash (or check)
by the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the aggregate
exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds;

                          (iii)         Provided that at the time of exercise
the Company's Common Stock is publicly traded and quoted regularly in the Wall
Street Journal, payment by delivery of already-owned shares of Common Stock,
held for the period required to avoid a charge to the
<PAGE>   2
Company's reported earnings, and owned free and clear of any liens, claims,
encumbrances or security interests, which Common Stock shall be valued at its
fair market value on the date of exercise; or

                 (iv)                   Payment by a combination of the methods
of payment permitted by subparagraph 3(b)(i) through 3(b)(iii) above.

        4.       WHOLE SHARES.  This option may not be exercised for any number
of shares which would require the issuance of anything other than whole shares.

        5.       SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE.  Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, this option may not be exercised unless the shares
issuable upon exercise of this option are then registered under the Act or, if
such shares are not then so registered, the Company has determined that such
exercise and issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the
Act.

        6.       TERM.  The term of this option commences on __________, 19__,
the date of grant, and expires on the day before the tenth anniversary of the
date of grant (the "Expiration Date"), unless this option expires sooner as set
forth below or in the Plan.  In no event may this option be exercised on or
after the Expiration Date.  This option shall terminate prior to the Expiration
Date as follows:  three (3) months after the termination of your Continuous
Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant with the Company or an Affiliate
unless one of the following circumstances exists:

                 (a)      Your termination of Continuous Status as an Employee,
Director or Consultant is due to your disability.  This option will then expire
on the earlier of the Expiration Date set forth above or twelve (12) months
following such termination of Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or
Consultant.  You should be aware that if your disability is not considered a
permanent and total disability within the meaning of Section 422(c)(6) of the
Code, and you exercise this option more than three (3) months following the
date of your termination of employment, your exercise will be treated for tax
purposes as the exercise of a "nonstatutory stock option" instead of an
"incentive stock option."

                 (b)      Your termination of Continuous Status as an Employee,
Director or Consultant is due to your death or your death occurs within three
(3) months following your termination of Continuous Status as an Employee,
Director or Consultant for any other reason.  This option will then expire on
the earlier of the Expiration Date set forth above or twelve (12) months after
your death.

                 (c)      If during any part of such three (3) month period you
may not exercise your option solely because of the condition set forth in
paragraph 6 above, then your option will not expire until the earlier of the
Expiration Date set forth above or until this option shall have been
exercisable for an aggregate period of three (3) months after your termination
of Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant.





<PAGE>   3
                 (d)      If your exercise of the option within three (3)
months after termination of your Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or
Consultant with the Company or with an Affiliate would result in liability
under section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, then your option
will expire on the earlier of  the Expiration Date set forth above,  the tenth
(10th) day after the last date upon which exercise would result in such
liability or  six (6) months and ten (10) days after the termination of your
Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant with the Company or an
Affiliate.

         However, this option may be exercised following termination of
Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant only as to that number
of shares as to which it was exercisable on the date of termination of
Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant under the provisions
of paragraph 2 of this option.

         In order to obtain the federal income tax advantages associated with
an "incentive stock option," the Code requires that at all times beginning on
the date of grant of the option and ending on the day three (3) months before
the date of the option's exercise, you must be an employee of the Company or an
Affiliate, except in the event of your death or permanent and total disability.
The Company has provided for continued vesting or extended exercisability of
your option under certain circumstances for your benefit, but cannot guarantee
that your option will necessarily be treated as an "incentive stock option" if
you provide services to the Company or an Affiliate as a Consultant or exercise
your option more than three (3) months after the date your employment with the
Company and all Affiliates terminates.

         7.      EXERCISE.

                 (a)      This option may be exercised, to the extent specified
above, by delivering a notice of exercise (in a form designated by the Company)
together with the exercise price to the Secretary of the Company, or to such
other person as the Company may designate, during regular business hours,
together with such additional documents as the Company may then require pursuant
to subsection 12(f) of the Plan.

                 (b)      By exercising this option you agree that:

                          (i)     as a precondition to the completion of any
exercise of this option, the Company may require you to enter an arrangement
providing for the payment by you to the Company of any tax withholding
obligation of the Company arising by reason of (1) the exercise of this option;
(2) the lapse of any substantial risk of forfeiture to which the shares are
subject at the time of exercise; or (3) the disposition of shares acquired upon
such exercise;

                          (ii)    you will notify the Company in writing within
fifteen (15) days after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of the
Common Stock issued upon exercise of this option that occurs within two (2)
years after the date of this option grant or within one (1) year after such
shares of Common Stock are transferred upon exercise of this option; and

                          (iii)   the Company (or a representative of the
underwriters) may, in connection with the first underwritten registration of the
offering of any securities of the





<PAGE>   4
Company under the Act, require that you not sell, dispose of, transfer, make
any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any
hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale, any
shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company held by you, for a
period of time specified by the underwriter(s) (not to exceed one hundred
eighty (180) days) following the effective date of a registration statement of
the Company filed under the Act.  You further agree to execute and deliver such
other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company and/or the
underwriter(s) which are consistent with the foregoing or which are necessary
to give further effect thereto.  In order to enforce the foregoing covenant,
the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to your Common
Stock until the end of such period.

        8.       TRANSFERABILITY.  This option is not transferable, except by
will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during your
life only by you.

        9.       OPTION NOT A SERVICE CONTRACT.  This option is not an
employment contract and nothing in this option shall be deemed to create in any
way whatsoever any obligation on your part to continue in the employ of the
Company, or of the Company to continue your employment with the Company.  In
addition, nothing in this option shall obligate the Company or any Affiliate,
or their respective shareholders, Board of Directors, officers or employees to
continue any relationship which you might have as a Director or Consultant for
the Company or Affiliate.

        10.      NOTICES.  Any notices provided for in this option or the Plan
shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon receipt
or, in the case of notices delivered by the Company to you, five (5) days after
deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to you at the
address specified below or at such other address as you hereafter designate by
written notice to the Company.

        11.      GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENT.  This option is subject to all the
provisions of the Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto and its provisions
are hereby made a part of this option, including without limitation the
provisions of Section 6 of the Plan relating to option provisions, and is
further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations which
may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan.  In the
event of any conflict between the provisions of this option and those of the
Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.

         Dated the ____ day of __________________, 19__.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        


                                        By_____________________________________
                                          Duly authorized on behalf of the 
                                          Board of Directors


Attachments

        Laser Power Corporation 1997 Equity Incentive Plan
        Acknowledgment of Option Terms
        Notice of Exercise
<PAGE>   5
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
                           1997 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
                         ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF OPTION TERMS

The undersigned:

                 Acknowledges receipt of the foregoing option and the
attachments referenced therein and understands that all rights and liabilities
with respect to this option are set forth in the option and the Plan; and

                 Acknowledges that as of the date of grant of this option, it
sets forth the entire understanding between the undersigned optionee and the
Company and its Affiliates regarding the acquisition of stock in the Company
and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements on that subject with the
exception of (i) the options previously granted and delivered to the
undersigned under stock option plans of the Company, and (ii) the following
agreements only:

         NONE             
                          (Initial)

         OTHER   
                 
                 



Date                                    OPTIONEE

                                        Address:


<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.9




                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
                           1997 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
                           NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION


__________________________________, Optionee:

         Laser Power Corporation (the "Company"), pursuant to its 1997 Equity
Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), has granted to you, the optionee named above, an
option to purchase shares of the common stock of the Company ("Common Stock").
This option is not intended to qualify and will not be treated as an "incentive
stock option" within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code").  Defined terms not explicitly defined in this
agreement but defined in the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the
Plan.

         The details of your option are as follows:

        1.       TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES SUBJECT TO THIS OPTION.  The total
number of shares of Common Stock subject to this option is
_____________________ (____________).

        2.       VESTING.  Subject to the limitations contained herein,
twenty-five percent (25%) of the shares will vest (become exercisable) on the
first anniversary of the date of grant and one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the
shares will then vest each month thereafter until either (i) you cease to
provide services to the Company for any reason, or (ii) this option becomes
fully vested.

        3.       EXERCISE PRICE AND METHOD OF PAYMENT.

                 (a)      EXERCISE PRICE.  The exercise price of this option is
_______________ ($____________) per share, being not less than 85% of the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant of this option.

                 (b)      METHOD OF PAYMENT.  Payment of the exercise price per
share is due in full upon exercise of all or any part of each installment which
has accrued to you.  You may elect, to the extent permitted by applicable
statutes and regulations, to make payment of the exercise price under one of
the following alternatives:

                          (i)     Payment of the exercise price per share in
cash (including check) at the time of exercise;

                          (ii)    Payment pursuant to a program developed under
Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board which, prior to the
issuance of Common Stock, results in either the receipt of cash (or check) by
the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the aggregate
exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds;

                          (iii)   Provided that at the time of exercise the
Company's Common Stock is publicly traded and quoted regularly in the Wall
Street Journal, payment by delivery of already-owned shares of Common Stock,
held for the period required to avoid a charge to the
<PAGE>   2
Company's reported earnings, and owned free and clear of any liens, claims,
encumbrances or security interests, which Common Stock shall be valued at its
fair market value on the date of exercise; or

                        (iv)      Payment by a combination of the methods of
payment permitted by subparagraph 3(b)(i) through 3(b)(iii) above.

        4.       WHOLE SHARES.  This option may not be exercised for any number
of shares which would require the issuance of anything other than whole shares.

        5.       SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE.  Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, this option may not be exercised unless the shares
issuable upon exercise of this option are then registered under the Act or, if
such shares are not then so registered, the Company has determined that such
exercise and issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the
Act.

        6.       TERM.  The term of this option commences on _________, 19__,
the date of grant and expires on the day before the tenth anniversary of the
date of grant (the "Expiration Date"), unless this option expires sooner as set
forth below or in the Plan.  In no event may this option be exercised on or
after the Expiration Date.  This option shall terminate prior to the Expiration
Date as follows:  three (3) months after the termination of your Continuous
Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant with the Company or an Affiliate
for any reason or for no reason unless:

                 (a)      such termination of Continuous Status as an Employee,
Director or Consultant is due to your disability (within the meaning of Section
422(c)(6) of the Code), in which event the option shall expire on the earlier
of the Expiration Date set forth above or twelve (12) months following such
termination of Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant; or

                 (b)      such termination of Continuous Status as an Employee,
Director or Consultant is due to your death or your death occurs within three
(3) months following your termination for any other reason, in which event the
option shall expire on the earlier of the Expiration Date set forth above or
twelve (12) months after your death; or

                 (c)      during any part of such three (3) month period the
option is not exercisable solely because of the condition set forth in
paragraph 6 above, in which event the option shall not expire until the earlier
of the Expiration Date set forth above or until it shall have been exercisable
for an aggregate period of three (3) months after the termination of Continuous
Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant; or

                 (d)      exercise of the option within three (3) months after
termination of your Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant
with the Company or with an Affiliate would result in liability under section
16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act), in which case
the option will expire on the earlier of (i) the Expiration Date set forth
above, (ii) the tenth (10th) day after the last date upon which exercise would
result in such liability or (iii) six (6) months and ten (10) days after the
termination of your Continuous Status as an





<PAGE>   3
Employee, Director or Consultant with the Company or an Affiliate.

         However, this option may be exercised following termination of
Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant only as to that number
of shares as to which it was exercisable on the date of termination of
Continuous Status as an Employee, Director or Consultant under the provisions
of paragraph 2 of this option.

        7.       EXERCISE.

                 (a)      This option may be exercised, to the extent specified
above, by delivering a notice of exercise (in a form designated by the Company)
together with the exercise price to the Secretary of the Company, or to such
other person as the Company may designate, during regular business hours,
together with such additional documents as the Company may then require
pursuant to subsection 12(f) of the Plan.

                 (b)      By exercising this option you agree that:

                          (i)     as a precondition to the completion of any
exercise of this option, the Company may require you to enter an arrangement
providing for the cash payment by you to the Company of any tax withholding
obligation of the Company arising by reason of: (1) the exercise of this
option; (2) the lapse of any substantial risk of forfeiture to which the shares
are subject at the time of exercise; or (3) the disposition of shares acquired
upon such exercise.  You also agree that any exercise of this option has not
been completed and that the Company is under no obligation to issue any Common
Stock to you until such an arrangement is established or the Company's tax
withholding obligations are satisfied, as determined by the Company; and

                          (ii)    the Company (or a representative of the
underwriters) may, in connection with the first underwritten registration of
the offering of any securities of the Company under the Act, require that you
not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for
the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same
economic effect as a sale, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of
the Company held by you, for a period of time specified by the underwriter(s)
(not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days) following the effective date of a
registration statement of the Company filed under the Act.  You further agree
to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by
the Company and/or the underwriter(s) which are consistent with the foregoing
or which are necessary to give further effect thereto.  In order to enforce the
foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with
respect to your Common Stock until the end of such period.

        8.       TRANSFERABILITY.  This option is not transferable, except by
will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during your
life only by you.

        9.       OPTION NOT A SERVICE CONTRACT.  This option is not an
employment contract and nothing in this option shall be deemed to create in any
way whatsoever any obligation on your part to continue in the employ of the
Company, or of the Company to continue your employment with the Company.  In
addition, nothing in this option shall obligate the Company or any Affiliate,
or their respective shareholders, Board of Directors, officers, or employees to
continue any





<PAGE>   4
relationship which you might have as a Director or Consultant for the Company
or Affiliate.

         10.     NOTICES.  Any notices provided for in this option or the Plan
shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon receipt
or, in the case of notices delivered by the Company to you, five (5) days after
deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to you at the
address specified below or at such other address as you hereafter designate by
written notice to the Company.

         11.     GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENT.  This option is subject to all the
provisions of the Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto and its provisions
are hereby made a part of this option, including without limitation the
provisions of Section 6 of the Plan relating to option provisions, and is
further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations which
may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan.  In the
event of any conflict between the provisions of this option and those of the
Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.

         Dated the ____ day of __________________, 19__.

                                        Very truly yours,




                                        By_____________________________________
                                          Duly authorized on behalf
                                          of the Board of Directors

ATTACHMENTS:

         Laser Power Corporation 1997 Equity Incentive Plan
         Acknowledgment of Option Terms
         Notice of Exercise





<PAGE>   5
                            LASER POWER CORPORATION
                           1997 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
                         ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF OPTION TERMS

The undersigned:

                 Acknowledges receipt of the foregoing option and the
attachments referenced therein and understands that all rights and liabilities
with respect to this option are set forth in the option and the Plan; and

                 Acknowledges that as of the date of grant of this option, it
sets forth the entire understanding between the undersigned optionee and the
Company and its Affiliates regarding the acquisition of stock in the Company
and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements on that subject with the
exception of (i) the options previously granted and delivered to the
undersigned under stock option plans of the Company, and (ii) the following
agreements only:

         NONE
                          (Initial)

         OTHER





                                        OPTIONEE

                                        Address:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.10




                            LASER POWER CORPORATION

                          EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

                             ADOPTED MARCH 25, 1997

                 APPROVED BY THE STOCKHOLDERS ON APRIL 18, 1997


1.       PURPOSE.

         (a)     The purpose of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan")
is to provide a means by which employees of Laser Power Corporation,a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), and its Affiliates, as defined in subparagraph
1(b), which are designated as provided in subparagraph 2(b), may be given an
opportunity to purchase stock of the Company.

         (b)     The word "Affiliate" as used in the Plan means any parent
corporation or subsidiary corporation of the Company, as those terms are
defined in Sections 424(e) and (f), respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

         (c)     The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to retain the
services of its employees, to secure and retain the services of new employees,
and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the
success of the Company.

         (d)     The Company intends that the rights to purchase stock of the
Company granted under the Plan be considered options issued under an "employee
stock purchase plan" as that term is defined in Section 423(b) of the Code.

2.       ADMINISTRATION.

         (a)     The Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors (the
"Board") of the Company unless and until the Board delegates administration to
a Committee, as provided in subparagraph 2(c).  Whether or not the Board has
delegated administration, the Board shall have the final power to determine all
questions of policy and expediency that may arise in the administration of the
Plan.

         (b)     The Board shall have the power, subject to, and within the
limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:

                 (i)      To determine when and how rights to purchase stock of
the Company shall be granted and the provisions of each offering of such rights
(which need not be identical).

                 (ii)     To designate from time to time which Affiliates of
the Company shall be eligible to participate in the Plan.
<PAGE>   2
                 (iii)     To construe and interpret the Plan and rights
granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for
its administration.  The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any
defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan, in a manner and to the extent it
shall deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan fully effective.

                 (iv)     To amend the Plan as provided in paragraph 13.

                 (v)      Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform
such acts as the Board deems necessary or expedient to promote the best
interests of the Company and its Affiliates and to carry out the intent that
the Plan be treated as an "employee stock purchase plan" within the meaning of
Section 423 of the Code.

         (c)     The Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a
Committee composed of not fewer than two (2) members of the Board (the
"Committee").  If administration is delegated to a Committee, the Committee
shall have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers
theretofore possessed by the Board, subject, however, to such resolutions, not
inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to
time by the Board.  The Board may abolish the Committee at any time and revest
in the Board the administration of the Plan.

3.       SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

   
         (a)     Subject to the provisions of paragraph 12 relating to
adjustments upon changes in stock, the stock that may be sold pursuant to
rights granted under the Plan shall not exceed in the aggregate two hundred
fifty thousand (250,000) shares of the Company's common stock after adjustment
for the reverse split of 1 for 1.5 shares (the "Common Stock").  If any right
granted under the Plan shall for any reason terminate without having been
exercised, the Common Stock not purchased under such right shall again become
available for the Plan.
    

         (b)     The stock subject to the Plan may be unissued shares or
reacquired shares, bought on the market or otherwise.

4.       GRANT OF RIGHTS; OFFERING.

         (a)     The Board or the Committee may from time to time grant or
provide for the grant of rights to purchase Common Stock of the Company under
the Plan to eligible employees (an "Offering") on a date or dates (the
"Offering Date(s)") selected by the Board or the Committee.  Each Offering
shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board
or the Committee shall deem appropriate, which shall comply with the
requirements of Section 423(b)(5) of the Code that all employees granted rights
to purchase stock under the Plan shall have the same rights and privileges.
The terms and conditions of an Offering shall be incorporated by reference into
the Plan and treated as part of the Plan.  The provisions of separate Offerings
need not be identical, but each Offering shall include (through incorporation
of the provisions of this Plan by reference in the document comprising the
Offering or otherwise) the period during which the Offering shall be effective,
which period shall not exceed twenty-seven (27) months beginning with the
Offering Date, and the substance of the provisions contained in paragraphs 5
through 8, inclusive.





<PAGE>   3
         (b)     If an employee has more than one right outstanding under the
Plan, unless he or she otherwise indicates in agreements or notices delivered
hereunder:  (1) each agreement or notice delivered by that employee will be
deemed to apply to all of his or her rights under the Plan, and (2) a right
with a lower exercise price (or an earlier-granted right, if two rights have
identical exercise prices), will be exercised to the fullest possible extent
before a right with a higher exercise price (or a later-granted right, if two
rights have identical exercise prices) will be exercised.

5.       ELIGIBILITY.

         (a)     Rights may be granted only to employees of the Company or, as
the Board or the Committee may designate as provided in subparagraph 2(b), to
employees of any Affiliate of the Company.  Except as provided in subparagraph
5(b), an employee of the Company or any Affiliate shall not be eligible to be
granted rights under the Plan, unless, on the Offering Date, such employee has
been in the employ of the Company or any Affiliate for such continuous period
preceding such grant as the Board or the Committee may require, but in no event
shall the required period of continuous employment be equal to or greater than
two (2) years.  In addition, unless otherwise determined by the Board or the
Committee and set forth in the terms of the applicable Offering, no employee of
the Company or any Affiliate shall be eligible to be granted rights under the
Plan, unless, on the Offering Date, such employee's customary employment with
the Company or such Affiliate is for at least twenty (20) hours per week and at
least five (5) months per calendar year.

         (b)     The Board or the Committee may provide that each person who,
during the course of an Offering, first becomes an eligible employee of the
Company or designated Affiliate will, on a date or dates specified in the
Offering which coincides with the day on which such person becomes an eligible
employee or occurs thereafter, receive a right under that Offering, which right
shall thereafter be deemed to be a part of that Offering.  Such right shall
have the same characteristics as any rights originally granted under that
Offering, as described herein, except that:

                 (i)      the date on which such right is granted shall be the
"Offering Date" of such right for all purposes, including determination of the
exercise price of such right;

                 (ii)     the period of the Offering with respect to such right
shall begin on its Offering Date and end coincident with the end of such
Offering; and

                 (iii)     the Board or the Committee may provide that if such
person first becomes an eligible employee within a specified period of time
before the end of the Offering, he or she will not receive any right under that
Offering.

         (c)     No employee shall be eligible for the grant of any rights
under the Plan if, immediately after any such rights are granted, such employee
owns stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting
power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Affiliate.  For
purposes of this subparagraph 5(c), the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code
shall apply in determining the stock ownership of any employee, and stock which
such employee





<PAGE>   4
may purchase under all outstanding rights and options shall be treated as stock
owned by such employee.

         (d)     An eligible employee may be granted rights under the Plan only
if such rights, together with any other rights granted under "employee stock
purchase plans" of the Company and any Affiliates, as specified by Section
423(b)(8) of the Code, do not permit such employee's rights to purchase stock
of the Company or any Affiliate to accrue at a rate which exceeds twenty-five
thousand dollars ($25,000) of fair market value of such stock (determined at
the time such rights are granted) for each calendar year in which such rights
are outstanding at any time.

         (e)     Officers of the Company and any designated Affiliate shall be
eligible to participate in Offerings under the Plan, provided, however, that
the Board may provide in an Offering that certain employees who are highly
compensated employees within the meaning of Section 423(b)(4)(D) of the Code
shall not be eligible to participate.

6.       RIGHTS; PURCHASE PRICE.

         (a)     On each Offering Date, each eligible employee, pursuant to an
Offering made under the Plan, shall be granted the right to purchase up to the
number of shares of Common Stock of the Company purchasable with a percentage
designated by the Board or the Committee not exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of
such employee's Earnings (as defined in subparagraph 7(a)) during the period
which begins on the Offering Date (or such later date as the Board or the
Committee determines for a particular Offering) and ends on the date stated in
the Offering, which date shall be no later than the end of the Offering.  The
Board or the Committee shall establish one or more dates during an Offering
(the "Purchase Date(s)") on which rights granted under the Plan shall be
exercised and purchases of Common Stock carried out in accordance with such
Offering.

         (b)     In connection with each Offering made under the Plan, the
Board or the Committee may specify a maximum number of shares that may be
purchased by any employee as well as a maximum aggregate number of shares that
may be purchased by all eligible employees pursuant to such Offering.  In
addition, in connection with each Offering that contains more than one Purchase
Date, the Board or the Committee may specify a maximum aggregate number of
shares which may be purchased by all eligible employees on any given Purchase
Date under the Offering.  If the aggregate purchase of shares upon exercise of
rights granted under the Offering would exceed any such maximum aggregate
number, the Board or the Committee shall make a pro rata allocation of the
shares available in as nearly a uniform manner as shall be practicable and as
it shall deem to be equitable.

         (c)     The purchase price of stock acquired pursuant to rights
granted under the Plan shall be not less than the lesser of:

                 (i)      an amount equal to eighty-five percent (85%) of the
fair market value of the stock on the Offering Date; or

                 (ii)     an amount equal to eighty-five percent (85%) of the
fair market value of the stock on the Purchase Date.





<PAGE>   5
7.       PARTICIPATION; WITHDRAWAL; TERMINATION.

         (a)     An eligible employee may become a participant in the Plan
pursuant to an Offering by delivering a participation agreement to the Company
within the time specified in the Offering, in such form as the Company
provides.  Each such agreement shall authorize payroll deductions of up to the
maximum percentage specified by the Board or the Committee of such employee's
Earnings during the Offering.  "Earnings" is defined as an employee's regular
salary or wages (including amounts thereof elected to be deferred by the
employee, that would otherwise have been paid, under any arrangement
established by the Company intended to comply with Section 401(k), Section
402(e)(3), Section 125, Section 402(h), or Section 403(b) of the Code, and also
including any deferrals under a non-qualified deferred compensation plan or
arrangement established by the Company), which shall include or exclude (as
provided for each Offering) the following items of compensation: bonuses,
commissions, overtime pay, incentive pay, profit sharing, other remuneration
paid directly to the employee, the cost of employee benefits paid for by the
Company or an Affiliate, education or tuition reimbursements, imputed income
arising under any group insurance or benefit program, traveling expenses,
business and moving expense reimbursements, income received in connection with
stock options, contributions made by the Company or an Affiliate under any
employee benefit plan, and similar items of compensation, as determined by the
Board or Committee.    The payroll deductions made for each participant shall
be credited to an account for such participant under the Plan and shall be
deposited with the general funds of the Company.  A participant may reduce
(including to zero) or increase such payroll deductions, and an eligible
employee may begin such payroll deductions, after the beginning of any Offering
only as provided for in the Offering.  A participant may make additional
payments into his or her account only if specifically provided for in the
Offering and only if the participant has not had the maximum amount withheld
during the Offering.

         (b)     At any time during an Offering, a participant may terminate
his or her payroll deductions under the Plan and withdraw from the Offering by
delivering to the Company a notice of withdrawal in such form as the Company
provides.  Such withdrawal may be elected at any time prior to the end of the
Offering except as provided by the Board or the Committee in the Offering.
Upon such withdrawal from the Offering by a participant, the Company shall
distribute to such participant all of his or her accumulated payroll deductions
(reduced to the extent, if any, such deductions have been used to acquire stock
for the participant) under the Offering, without interest, and such
participant's interest in that Offering shall be automatically terminated.  A
participant's withdrawal from an Offering will have no effect upon such
participant's eligibility to participate in any other Offerings under the Plan
but such participant will be required to deliver a new participation agreement
in order to participate in subsequent Offerings under the Plan.

         (c)     Rights granted pursuant to any Offering under the Plan shall
terminate immediately upon cessation of any participating employee's employment
with the Company and any designated Affiliate, for any reason, and the Company
shall distribute to such terminated employee all of his or her accumulated
payroll deductions (reduced to the extent, if any, such deductions have been
used to acquire stock for the terminated employee), under the Offering, without
interest.

         (d)     Rights granted under the Plan shall not be transferable by a
participant otherwise





<PAGE>   6
than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, or by a beneficiary
designation as provided in paragraph 14 and, otherwise during his or her
lifetime, shall be exercisable only by the person to whom such rights are
granted.

8.       EXERCISE.

         (a)     On each Purchase Date specified therefor in the relevant
Offering, each participant's accumulated payroll deductions and other
additional payments specifically provided for in the Offering (without any
increase for interest) will be applied to the purchase of whole shares of stock
of the Company, up to the maximum number of shares permitted pursuant to the
terms of the Plan and the applicable Offering, at the purchase price specified
in the Offering.  No fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of
rights granted under the Plan.  The amount, if any, of accumulated payroll
deductions remaining in each participant's account after the purchase of shares
which is less than the amount required to purchase one share of stock on the
final Purchase Date of an Offering shall be held in each such participant's
account for the purchase of shares under the next Offering under the Plan,
unless such participant withdraws from such next Offering, as provided in
subparagraph 7(b), or is no longer eligible to be granted rights under the
Plan, as provided in paragraph 5, in which case such amount shall be
distributed to the participant after such final Purchase Date, without
interest.  The amount, if any, of accumulated payroll deductions remaining in
any participant's account after the purchase of shares which is equal to the
amount required to purchase whole shares of stock on the final Purchase Date of
an Offering shall be distributed in full to the participant after such Purchase
Date, without interest.

         (b)     No rights granted under the Plan may be exercised to any
extent unless the shares to be issued upon such exercise under the Plan
(including rights granted thereunder) are covered by an effective registration
statement pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act") and the Plan is in material compliance with all applicable state, foreign
and other securities and other laws applicable to the Plan.  If on a Purchase
Date in any Offering hereunder the Plan is not so registered or in such
compliance, no rights granted under the Plan or any Offering shall be exercised
on such Purchase Date, and the Purchase Date shall be delayed until the Plan is
subject to such an effective registration statement and such compliance, except
that the Purchase Date shall not be delayed more than twelve (12) months and
the Purchase Date shall in no event be more than twenty-seven (27) months from
the Offering Date.  If on the Purchase Date of any Offering hereunder, as
delayed to the maximum extent permissible, the Plan is not registered and in
such compliance, no rights granted under the Plan or any Offering shall be
exercised and all payroll deductions accumulated during the Offering (reduced
to the extent, if any, such deductions have been used to acquire stock) shall
be distributed to the participants, without interest.

9.       COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.

         (a)     During the terms of the rights granted under the Plan, the
Company shall keep available at all times the number of shares of stock
required to satisfy such rights.

         (b)     The Company shall seek to obtain from each federal, state,
foreign or other regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the
Plan such authority as may be required to issue and sell shares of stock upon
exercise of the rights granted under the Plan.  If,





<PAGE>   7
after reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain from any such
regulatory commission or agency the authority which counsel for the Company
deems necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of stock under the Plan, the
Company shall be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell
stock upon exercise of such rights unless and until such authority is obtained.

10.      USE OF PROCEEDS FROM STOCK.

         Proceeds from the sale of stock pursuant to rights granted under the
Plan shall constitute general funds of the Company.

11.      RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER.

         A participant shall not be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any
of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares subject to rights granted
under the Plan unless and until the participant's shareholdings acquired upon
exercise of rights hereunder are recorded in the books of the Company.

12.      ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN STOCK.

         (a)     If any change is made in the stock subject to the Plan, or
subject to any rights granted under the Plan (through merger, consolidation,
reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, dividend in property other
than cash, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange
of shares, change in corporate structure or other transaction not involving the
receipt of consideration by the Company), the Plan and outstanding rights will
be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and maximum number of shares subject
to the Plan and the class(es) and number of shares and price per share of stock
subject to outstanding rights.  Such adjustments shall be made by the Board or
the Committee, the determination of which shall be final, binding and
conclusive.  (The conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall
not be treated as a "transaction not involving the receipt of consideration by
the Company.")

         (b)     In the event of:  (1) a dissolution or liquidation of the
Company; (2) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the
surviving corporation; (3) a reverse merger in which the Company is the
surviving corporation but the shares of the Company's Common Stock outstanding
immediately preceding the merger are converted by virtue of the merger into
other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise; or (4)
the acquisition by any person, entity or group within the meaning of Section
13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act") or any comparable successor provisions (excluding any employee
benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by the Company or any
Affiliate of the Company) of the beneficial ownership (within the meaning of
Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or comparable successor rule) of
securities of the Company representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the
combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of directors, then, as
determined by the Board in its sole discretion (i) any surviving or acquiring
corporation may assume outstanding rights or substitute similar rights for
those under the Plan, (ii) such rights may continue in full force and effect,
or (iii) participants' accumulated payroll deductions may be used to purchase
Common Stock immediately prior to the transaction described above and the
participants' rights under the ongoing Offering terminated.





<PAGE>   8
13.      AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN.

         (a)     The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend the
Plan.  However, except as provided in paragraph 12 relating to adjustments upon
changes in stock, no amendment shall be effective unless approved by the
stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or after the
adoption of the amendment, where the amendment will:

                 (i)      Increase the number of shares reserved for rights
         under the Plan;

                 (ii)     Modify the provisions as to eligibility for
         participation in the Plan (to the extent such modification requires
         stockholder approval in order for the Plan to obtain employee stock
         purchase plan treatment under Section 423 of the Code or to comply
         with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Rule 16b-3")); or

                 (iii)    Modify the Plan in any other way if such
         modification requires stockholder approval in order for the Plan to
         obtain employee stock purchase plan treatment under Section 423 of the
         Code or to comply with the requirements of Rule 16b-3.

It is expressly contemplated that the Board may amend the Plan in any respect
the Board deems necessary or advisable to provide eligible employees with the
maximum benefits provided or to be provided under the provisions of the Code
and the regulations promulgated thereunder relating to employee stock purchase
plans and/or to bring the Plan and/or rights granted under it into compliance
therewith.

         (b)     Rights and obligations under any rights granted before
amendment of the Plan shall not be altered or impaired by any amendment of the
Plan, except with the consent of the person to whom such rights were granted,
or except as necessary to comply with any laws or governmental regulations, or
except as necessary to ensure that the Plan and/or rights granted under the
Plan comply with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.


14.      DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY.

         (a)     A participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary
who is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from the participant's account
under the Plan in the event of such participant's death subsequent to the end
of an Offering but prior to delivery to the participant of such shares and
cash.  In addition, a participant may file a written designation of a
beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the participant's account under the
Plan in the event of such participant's death during an Offering.

         (b)     Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the
participant at any time by written notice.  In the event of the death of a
participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under the
Plan who is living at the time of such participant's death, the Company shall
deliver such shares and/or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate
of the participant, or





<PAGE>   9
if no such executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of
the Company), the Company, in its sole discretion, may deliver such shares
and/or cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of the
participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company,
then to such other person as the Company may designate.

15.      TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF THE PLAN.

         (a)     The Board in its discretion, may suspend or terminate the Plan
at any time.  No rights may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is
suspended or after it is terminated.

         (b)     Rights and obligations under any rights granted while the Plan
is in effect shall not be altered or impaired by suspension or termination of
the Plan, except as expressly provided in the Plan or with the consent of the
person to whom such rights were granted, or except as necessary to comply with
any laws or governmental regulation, or except as necessary to ensure that the
Plan and/or rights granted under the Plan comply with the requirements of
Section 423 of the Code.

16.      EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN.

         The Plan shall become effective on the same day that the Company's
initial public offering of shares of common stock becomes effective (the
"Effective Date"), but no rights granted under the Plan shall be exercised
unless and until the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company
within twelve (12) months before or after the date the Plan is adopted by the
Board or the Committee, which date may be prior to the Effective Date.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.14








                             LASER POWER CORPORATION


                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT




<PAGE>   2
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         PAGE
<S>         <C>                                                                           <C>
SECTION 1.  GENERAL.........................................................................2
        1.1    Effective Date...............................................................2
        1.2    Definitions..................................................................2
SECTION 2.  REGISTRATION; RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER..........................................3
        2.1    Restrictions on Transfer.....................................................3
        2.2    Demand Registration..........................................................4
        2.3    Piggyback Registrations......................................................5
        2.4    Expenses of Registration.....................................................6
        2.5    Obligations of the Company...................................................6
        2.6    Termination of Registration Rights...........................................7
        2.7    Delay of Registration; Furnishing Information................................7
        2.8    Indemnification..............................................................7
        2.9    Assignment of Registration Rights............................................9
        2.10   Amendment of Registration Rights............................................10
        2.11   Limitation on Subsequent Registration Rights................................10
        2.12   Rule 144 Reporting..........................................................10
SECTION 3.  MISCELLANEOUS..................................................................10
        3.1    Governing Law...............................................................10
        3.2    Survival....................................................................10
        3.3    Successors and Assigns......................................................11
        3.4    Entire Agreement............................................................11
        3.5    Severability................................................................11
        3.6    Delays or Omissions.........................................................11
        3.7    Notices.....................................................................11
        3.8    Titles and Subtitles........................................................12
        3.9    Counterparts................................................................12
</TABLE>


                                       i.

<PAGE>   3
                             LASER POWER CORPORATION

                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

        THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is entered into as
of the ______ day of May, 1997, by and among LASER POWER CORPORATION, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), PROXIMA CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
("Proxima"), and UNION MINIERE INC., a _______ corporation ("Union Miniere").

                                    RECITALS

        WHEREAS, the Company and Proxima are parties to that certain Stock
Exchange Agreement of even date herewith (the "Stock Exchange Agreement"),
pursuant to which all of the shares of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock
held by Proxima will be exchanged for 1,193,252 shares of the Company's Common
Stock (the "Proxima Shares");

        WHEREAS, the Company and Proxima have entered into the Amendment to
Stock Purchase Agreement of even date herewith, pursuant to which the certain
registration rights and certain other rights granted to Proxima under that
certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 11, 1994, have been terminated;

        WHEREAS, Proxima holds an additional [125,000] shares of the Company's
Common Stock (such shares and the Proxima Shares shall hereinafter be referred
to collectively as the "Proxima Shares");

        WHEREAS, the Company and Union Miniere are parties to that certain
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated October 30, 1987, pursuant to which Union
Miniere purchased 725,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock (the "Union
Miniere Shares") and Convertible Subordinated Debentures, as amended, in the
aggregate principal amount of $1,660,000 (the "Debentures");

        WHEREAS, the Company and Union Miniere have entered into the Amendment
to the Securities Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which certain registration
rights and certain other rights granted to Union Miniere under the Securities
Purchase Agreement have been terminated; and

        WHEREAS, Union Miniere holds an additional 3,693 shares of the Company's
Common Stock received in lieu of Board of Directors fees (such shares and the
Union Miniere Shares shall hereinafter be referred to collectively as the "Union
Miniere Shares").

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises,
representations, warranties, covenants and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, the parties mutually agree as follows:

                                       1.
<PAGE>   4

SECTION 1. GENERAL

        1.1 EFFECTIVE DATE. This Agreement shall become effective only upon the
closing of the Initial Offering, as defined below.

        1.2 DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement the following terms shall
have the following respective meanings:

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

               "HOLDER" means either Proxima or Union Miniere or any assignee of
record of the Registrable Securities in accordance with Section 2.9 hereof.

               "INITIAL OFFERING" means the Company's first firm commitment
underwritten public offering of its Common Stock registered under the Securities
Act.

               "REGISTER," "REGISTERED," AND "REGISTRATION" refer to a
registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement in
compliance with the Securities Act, and the declaration or ordering of
effectiveness of such registration statement or document.

               "REGISTRABLE SECURITIES" means (a) the Proxima Shares and the
Union Miniere Shares; (b) Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the
Debentures and (c) any Common Stock of the Company issued as (or issuable upon
the conversion or exercise of any warrant, right or other security which is
issued as) a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for
or in replacement of, such shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Registrable
Securities shall not include any securities sold by any Holder or a person to
the public either pursuant to a registration statement or Rule 144 or sold in a
private transaction in which the transferor's rights under Section 2 of this
Agreement are not assigned.

               "REGISTRABLE SECURITIES THEN OUTSTANDING" shall be the number of
shares determined by calculating the total number of shares of the Company's
Common Stock that are Registrable Securities and either (a) are then issued and
outstanding or (b) are issuable pursuant to then exercisable or convertible
securities.

               "REGISTRATION EXPENSES" shall mean all expenses incurred by the
Company in complying with Sections 2.2 and 2.3 hereof, including, without
limitation, all registration and filing fees, printing expenses, fees and
disbursements of counsel for the Company, reasonable fees and disbursements of a
single special counsel for the Holders and all other selling stockholders, if
any, blue sky fees and expenses and the expense of any special audits incident
to or required by any such registration (but excluding the compensation of
regular employees of the Company which shall be paid in any event by the
Company).

               "SECURITIES ACT" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.

               "SELLING EXPENSES" shall mean all underwriting discounts and
selling commissions applicable to the sale.

                                       2.
<PAGE>   5

               "SEC" OR "COMMISSION" means the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

SECTION 2. REGISTRATION; RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER

        2.1 RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER.

               (a) Each Holder agrees not to make any disposition of all or any
portion of the Registrable Securities unless and until:

                             (i)    There is then in  effect a  registration  
statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed disposition and such
disposition is made in accordance with such registration statement; or

                             (ii)   (A) The  transferee  has  agreed in writing 
to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, (B) such Holder shall have notified
the Company of the proposed disposition and shall have furnished the Company
with a detailed statement of the circumstances surrounding the proposed
disposition, and (C) if reasonably requested by the Company, such Holder shall
have furnished the Company with an opinion of counsel, reasonably satisfactory
to the Company, that such disposition will not require registration of such
shares under the Securities Act. It is agreed that the Company will not require
opinions of counsel for transactions made pursuant to Rule 144 except in unusual
circumstances.

               (b) Each certificate representing Registrable Securities shall
(unless otherwise permitted by the provisions of the Agreement) be stamped or
otherwise imprinted with a legend substantially similar to the following (in
addition to any legend required under applicable state securities laws or as
provided elsewhere in this Agreement):

        THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
        SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR
        OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND
        UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR UNLESS THE COMPANY HAS RECEIVED AN
        OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY AND ITS COUNSEL THAT SUCH
        REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.

               (c) The Company shall be obligated to reissue promptly unlegended
certificates at the request of any holder thereof if the holder shall have
obtained an opinion of counsel (which counsel may be counsel to the Company)
reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that the securities proposed
to be disposed of may lawfully be so disposed of without registration,
qualification or legend.

               (d) Any legend endorsed on an instrument pursuant to applicable
state securities laws and the stop-transfer instructions with respect to such
securities shall be removed upon receipt by the Company of an order of the
appropriate blue sky authority authorizing such removal.

                                       3.
<PAGE>   6

        2.2 DEMAND REGISTRATION.

               (a) Subject to the conditions of this Section 2.2, if the Company
shall receive a written request from any Holder (the "Initiating Holder") that
the Company file a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the
registration of Registrable Securities, then the Company shall, within thirty
(30) days of the receipt thereof, give written notice of such request to all
Holders, and subject to the limitations of this Section 2.2, use its best
efforts to effect, as soon as practicable, the registration under the Securities
Act of all Registrable Securities that the Holders request to be registered.
Proxima (including all of its permitted transferees as a whole) and Union
Miniere (including all of its permitted transferees as a whole) shall each have
the right to request two (2) such registrations pursuant to this Section 2.2.

               (b) The Registrable Securities covered by such request shall be
distributed by means of an underwriting. The right of any Holder to include its
Registrable Securities in such registration shall be conditioned upon such
Holder's participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of such Holder's
Registrable Securities in the underwriting to the extent provided herein. All
Holders proposing to distribute their securities through such underwriting shall
enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriter or
underwriters selected for such underwriting by the Company (which underwriter or
underwriters shall be reasonably acceptable to the Initiating Holder).
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.2, if the underwriter
advises the Company that marketing factors require a limitation of the number of
securities to be underwritten (including Registrable Securities) then the
Company shall so advise all holders of the Company's securities which would
otherwise participate in such underwriting, and the number of shares that may be
included in the underwriting shall be allocated, first, to the Holders on a pro
rata basis based on the total number of securities which are subject to
registration rights granted by the Company held by such holders. Any Registrable
Securities excluded or withdrawn from such underwriting shall be withdrawn from
the registration.

               (c) The Company shall not be required to effect a registration
pursuant to this Section 2.2:

                             (i) if a request for registration is received prior
to the completion of 12 full calendar months after the effective date of the
Company's registration statement on Form SB-2 filed in connection with the
Initial Offering; or

                             (ii) on behalf of Proxima (or any of its permitted
transferees) after the Company has effected two (2) registrations at the request
of Proxima (or any of its permitted transferee), and such registrations have 
been declared or ordered effective; or

                             (iii) on behalf of Union Miniere (or any of its
permitted transferees) after the Company has effected two (2) registrations at
the request of Union Miniere (or any of its permitted transferee), and such 
registrations have been declared or ordered effective; or

                             (iv) if the Company shall furnish to Holders
requesting a registration statement pursuant to this Section 2.2, a certificate
signed by the Chairman of the Board stating that in the good faith judgment of
the Board of Directors of the Company, it would be seriously 

                                       4.
<PAGE>   7
detrimental to the Company and its stockholders for such registration statement
to be effected at such time, in which event the Company shall have the right to
defer such filing for a period of not more than ninety (90) days after receipt
of the request of the Initiating Holder; provided that such right to delay a
request shall be exercised by the Company not more than once in any twelve (12)
month period.

        2.3 PIGGYBACK REGISTRATIONS. The Company shall notify all Holders of
Registrable Securities in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to the filing
of any registration statement under the Securities Act for purposes of a public
offering of securities of the Company (including, but not limited to,
registration statements relating to secondary offerings of securities of the
Company, but excluding the registration statement on Form SB-2 filed in
connection with the Initial Offering and registration statements relating to
employee benefit plans or with respect to corporate reorganizations or other
transactions under Rule 145 of the Securities Act), and will afford each such
Holder an opportunity to include in such registration statement all or part of
such Registrable Securities held by such Holder. Each Holder desiring to include
in any such registration statement all or any part of the Registrable Securities
held by it shall, within fifteen (15) days after the above-described notice from
the Company, so notify the Company in writing. Such notice shall state the
intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities by such Holder. If
a Holder decides not to include any of its Registrable Securities in any
registration statement thereafter filed by the Company, such Holder shall
nevertheless continue to have the right to include its Registrable Securities in
any subsequent registration statement or registration statements as may be filed
by the Company with respect to offerings of its securities, all upon the terms
and conditions set forth herein.

               (a) UNDERWRITING. If the registration statement under which the
Company gives notice under this Section 2.3 is for an underwritten offering, the
Company shall so advise the Holders of Registrable Securities. In such event,
the right of any such Holder to be included in a registration pursuant to this
Section 2.3 shall be conditioned upon such Holder's participation in such
underwriting and the inclusion of such Holder's Registrable Securities in the
underwriting to the extent provided herein. All Holders proposing to distribute
their Registrable Securities through such underwriting shall enter into an
underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriter or underwriters
selected for such underwriting by the Company. Notwithstanding any other
provision of the Agreement, if the underwriter determines in good faith that
marketing factors require a limitation of the number of shares to be
underwritten, the number of shares that may be included in the underwriting
shall be allocated, first, to the Company; second, to the Holders on a pro rata
basis based on the total number of Registrable Securities held by the Holders;
and third, to any stockholder of the Company (other than a Holder) on a pro rata
basis. No such reduction shall (i) reduce the securities being offered by the
Company for its own account to be included in the registration and underwriting,
or (ii) reduce the amount of securities of each selling Holder (including its
permitted transferees) included in the registration below fifteen percent (15%)
of the total amount of securities included in such registration; provided,
however, if only one Holder (including its permitted transferees) is
participating in such registration, then such reduction shall not be below
twenty percent (20%) of the total amount of the securities included in such
registration.

               (b) RIGHT TO TERMINATE REGISTRATION. The Company shall have the
right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this
Section 2.3 prior to the effectiveness of such registration whether or not any
Holder has elected to include securities in 

                                       5.
<PAGE>   8
such registration. The Registration Expenses of such withdrawn registration
shall be borne by the Company in accordance with Section 2.4 hereof.

        2.4 EXPENSES OF REGISTRATION. Except as specifically provided herein,
all Registration Expenses incurred in connection with any registration,
qualification or compliance pursuant to Section 2.2 or any registration under
Section 2.3 herein shall be borne by the Company; provided, however, the Company
shall not be required to pay for expenses of any registration begun pursuant to
Section 2.2, and the Initiating Holder (or any permitted transferee) shall
forfeit its right to one of its requested registrations pursuant to Section 2.2,
if such request were subsequently withdrawn by the Initiating Holder, unless the
withdrawal is based upon material adverse information concerning the Company of
which the Initiating Holder was not aware at the time of such request. All
Selling Expenses incurred in connection with any registrations hereunder, shall
be borne by the holders of the securities so registered pro rata on the basis of
the number of shares so registered. If the Holders are required to pay the
Registration Expenses, such expenses shall be borne by the holders of securities
(including Registrable Securities) requesting such registration in proportion to
the number of shares for which registration was requested.

        2.5 OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY. Whenever required to effect the
registration of any Registrable Securities, the Company shall, as expeditiously
as reasonably possible:

               (a) Prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement with
respect to such Registrable Securities and use all reasonable efforts to cause
such registration statement to become effective, and, upon the request of the
Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities registered thereunder, keep
such registration statement effective for up to one hundred twenty (120) days
or, if earlier, until the Holder or Holders have completed the distribution
related thereto.

               (b) Prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements
to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection with such
registration statement as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the
Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such
registration statement.

               (c) Furnish to the Holders such number of copies of a prospectus,
including a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the requirements of the
Securities Act, and such other documents as they may reasonably request in order
to facilitate the disposition of Registrable Securities owned by them.

               (d) Use all reasonable efforts to register and qualify the
securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities or
blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as shall be reasonably requested by the
Holders, provided that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith
or as a condition thereto to qualify to do business or to file a general consent
to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions.

               (e) In the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into
and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and
customary form, with the managing

                                       6.
<PAGE>   9
underwriter(s) of such offering. Each Holder participating in such underwriting
shall also enter into and perform its obligations under such an agreement.

               (f) Notify each Holder of Registrable Securities covered by such
registration statement at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is
required to be delivered under the Securities Act of the happening of any event
as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration statement, as
then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then
existing.

        2.6 TERMINATION OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS. All registration rights granted
under this Section 2 shall terminate and be of no further force and effect six
(6) years after the date of the Company's Initial Offering. In addition, a
Holder's registration rights shall expire if (a) such Holder (together with its
affiliates, partners and former partners) holds less than two and one-half
percent (2.5%) of the Company's outstanding Common Stock or (b) all Registrable
Securities held by and issuable to such Holder (and its affiliates, partners and
former partners) may be sold under Rule 144 during any ninety (90) day period.

        2.7 DELAY OF REGISTRATION; FURNISHING INFORMATION.

               (a) No Holder shall have any right to obtain or seek an
injunction restraining or otherwise delaying any such registration as the result
of any controversy that might arise with respect to the interpretation or
implementation of this Section 2.

               (b) It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the
Company to take any action pursuant to Section 2.2 or 2.3 that the selling
Holders shall furnish to the Company such information regarding themselves, the
Registrable Securities held by them and the intended method of disposition of
such securities as shall be required to effect the registration of their
Registrable Securities.

        2.8 INDEMNIFICATION. In the event any Registrable Securities are
included in a registration statement under Sections 2.2 or 2.3:

               (a) To the extent permitted by law, the Company will indemnify
and hold harmless each Holder, the partners, officers, directors and legal
counsel of each Holder, any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act) for
such Holder and each person, if any, who controls such Holder or underwriter
within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against any
losses, claims, damages, or liabilities (joint or several) to which they may
become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or
state law, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in
respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any of the following statements,
omissions or violations (collectively a "Violation") by the Company: (i) any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in
such registration statement, including any preliminary prospectus or final
prospectus contained therein or any amendments or supplements thereto, (ii) the
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be
stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or
(iii) any Violation or alleged Violation by the Company of the Securities Act,

                                       7.
<PAGE>   10
the Exchange Act, any state securities law or any rule or regulation promulgated
under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any state securities law in
connection with the offering covered by such registration statement; and the
Company will reimburse each such Holder, partner, officer, director, legal
counsel, underwriter or controlling person for any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any
such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided however, that the
indemnity agreement contained in this Section 2.8(a) shall not apply to amounts
paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action if such
settlement is effected without the consent of the Company, which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld, nor shall the Company be liable in any such case
for any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action to the extent that it
arises out of or is based upon a Violation which occurs in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information furnished expressly for use in connection
with such registration by such Holder, partner, officer, director, legal
counsel, underwriter or controlling person of such Holder; provided further that
the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 2.8(a) with respect to any
preliminary prospectus shall not inure to the benefit of any indemnified party
from whom the person asserting any loss, claim, damage, liability or action
based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of material fact or
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact purchased shares
covered by such prospectus, if a copy of the prospectus in which such untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was
corrected had not been sent or given to such person within the time required by
the Securities Act.

               (b) To the extent permitted by law, each Holder will, if
Registrable Securities held by such Holder are included in the securities as to
which such registration qualifications or compliance is being effected,
indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, its officers,
and legal counsel and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the
meaning of the Securities Act, any underwriter and any other Holder selling
securities under such registration statement or any of such other Holder's
partners, directors or officers or any person who controls such Holder, against
any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (joint or several) to which the
Company or any such director, officer, controlling person, underwriter or other
such Holder, or partner, director, officer or controlling person of such other
Holder may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other
federal or state law, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or
actions in respect thereto) arise out of or are based upon any Violation, in
each case to the extent (and only to the extent) that such Violation occurs in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by such
Holder under an instrument duly executed by such Holder and stated to be
specifically for use in connection with such registration; and each such Holder
will reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company or
any such director, officer, legal counsel, controlling person, underwriter or
other Holder, or partner, officer, director, legal counsel or controlling person
of such other Holder in connection with investigating or defending any such
loss, claim, damage, liability or action if it is judicially determined that
there was such a Violation; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement
contained in this Section 2.8(b) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement
of any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action if such settlement is
effected without the consent of the Holder, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld; provided further, that in no event shall any indemnity
under this Section 2.8(b) exceed the proceeds from the offering received by such
Holder.

                                       8.
<PAGE>   11
               (c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this
Section 2.8 of notice of the commencement of any action (including any
governmental action), such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof
is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Section 2.8, deliver to
the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof and the
indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent
the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party
similarly noticed, to assume the defense thereof with counsel mutually
satisfactory to the parties; provided, however, that an indemnified party shall
have the right to retain its own counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid
by the indemnifying party, if representation of such indemnified party by the
counsel retained by the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual
or potential differing interests between such indemnified party and any other
party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The failure to deliver
written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the
commencement of any such action, if materially prejudicial to its ability to
defend such action, shall relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to
the indemnified party under this Section 2.8, but the omission so to deliver
written notice to the indemnifying party will not relieve it of any liability
that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 2.8.

               (d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 2.8 is
held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to an indemnified
party with respect to any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to
herein, the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party
thereunder, shall to the extent permitted by applicable law contribute to the
amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss,
claim, damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the
relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and of the indemnified
party on the other in connection with the Violation(s) that resulted in such
loss, claim, damage or liability, as well as any other relevant equitable
considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the
indemnified party shall be determined by a court of law by reference to, among
other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
or the omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the
indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such
statement or omission; provided, that in no event shall any contribution by a
Holder hereunder exceed the proceeds from the offering received by such Holder.

               (e) The obligations of the Company and Holders under this Section
2.8 shall survive completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a
registration statement and the termination of this agreement. No Indemnifying
Party, in the defense of any such claim or litigation, shall, except with the
consent of each Indemnified Party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter
into any settlement which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the
giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Indemnified Party of a release from
all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.

        2.9 ASSIGNMENT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS. The rights to cause the Company
to register Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2 may be assigned by
a Holder to a transferee or assignee of Registrable Securities which acquires at
least one hundred and sixty-seven thousand

                                       9.
<PAGE>   12
(167,000) shares of Registrable Securities (as adjusted for stock splits and
combinations); provided, however, (i) the transferor shall, within ten (10) days
after such transfer, furnish to the Company written notice of the name and
address of such transferee or assignee and the securities with respect to which
such registration rights are being assigned and (ii) such transferee shall agree
to be subject to all restrictions set forth in this Agreement.

        2.10 AMENDMENT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS. Any provision of this Section 2
may be amended and the observance thereof may be waived (either generally or in
a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), only with the
written consent of the Company and each of Proxima and Union Miniere, or
provided that if either Proxima or Union Miniere has assigned its rights
hereunder with respect to any shares of Registrable Securities, then with the
written consent of the Holder or Holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds
percent (66-2/3%) of the Registrable Securities then outstanding that had been
originally held by Proxima or Union Miniere. Any amendment or waiver effected in
accordance with this Section 2.11 shall be binding upon each Holder and the
Company. By acceptance of any benefits under this Article II, Holders of
Registrable Securities hereby agree to be bound by the provisions hereunder.

        2.11 LIMITATION ON SUBSEQUENT REGISTRATION RIGHTS. After the date of
this Agreement, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the
Holders of sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the Registrable
Securities then outstanding, enter into any agreement with any holder or
prospective holder of any securities of the Company that would grant such holder
registration rights senior to those granted to the Holders hereunder.

        2.12 RULE 144 REPORTING. With a view to making available to the Holders
the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the SEC which may permit the
sale of the Registrable Securities to the public without registration, the
Company agrees to use its best efforts to:

               (a) Make and keep public information available, as those terms
are understood and defined in SEC Rule 144 or any similar or analogous rule
promulgated under the Securities Act, at all times after the effective date of
the Initial Offering; and

               (b) File with the SEC, in a timely manner, all reports and other
documents required of the Company under the Exchange Act.

SECTION 3. MISCELLANEOUS.

        3.1 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
under the laws of the State of California as applied to agreements among
California residents entered into and to be performed entirely within
California.

        3.2 SURVIVAL. The representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements
made herein shall survive any investigation made by any Holder and the closing
of the transactions contemplated hereby. All statements as to factual matters
contained in any certificate or other instrument delivered by or on behalf of
the Company pursuant hereto in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby shall be deemed to be representations and warranties by the Company
hereunder solely as of the date of such certificate or instrument.

                                      10.
<PAGE>   13
        3.3 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding
upon, the successors, assigns, heirs, executors, and administrators of the
parties hereto and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by each
person who shall be a holder of Registrable Securities from time to time;
provided, however, that prior to the receipt by the Company of adequate written
notice of the transfer of any Registrable Securities specifying the full name
and address of the transferee, the Company may deem and treat the person listed
as the holder of such shares in its records as the absolute owner and holder of
such shares for all purposes, including the payment of dividends or any
redemption price.

        3.4 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, the Exhibits and Schedules hereto,
the Purchase Agreement and the other documents delivered pursuant thereto
constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties
with regard to the subjects hereof and no party shall be liable or bound to any
other in any manner by any representations, warranties, covenants and agreements
except as specifically set forth herein and therein.

        3.5 SEVERABILITY. In case any provision of the Agreement shall be
invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

        3.6 DELAYS OR OMISSIONS. It is agreed that no delay or omission to
exercise any right, power, or remedy accruing to any Holder, upon any breach,
default or noncompliance of the Company under this Agreement shall impair any
such right, power, or remedy, nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any
such breach, default or noncompliance, or any acquiescence therein, or of any
similar breach, default or noncompliance thereafter occurring. It is further
agreed that any waiver, permit, consent, or approval of any kind or character on
any Holder's part of any breach, default or noncompliance under the Agreement or
any waiver on such Holder's part of any provisions or conditions of this
Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent
specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this
Agreement, by law, or otherwise afforded to Holders, shall be cumulative and not
alternative.

        3.7 NOTICES. All notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the
party to be notified, (b) when sent by confirmed telex or facsimile if sent
during normal business hours of the recipient; if not, then on the next business
day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) day after deposit with
a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with
written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the party
to be notified at the address as set forth on the signature pages hereof or
Exhibit A hereto or at such other address as such party may designate by ten
(10) days advance written notice to the other parties hereto.

                                      11.
<PAGE>   14
        3.8 TITLES AND SUBTITLES. The titles of the sections and subsections of
this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be
considered in construing this Agreement.

        3.9 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together
shall constitute one instrument.


                                      12.
<PAGE>   15

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this REGISTRATION
RIGHTS AGREEMENT as of the date set forth in the first paragraph hereof.

THE COMPANY:

LASER POWER CORPORATION



By:_________________________________________

Title:______________________________________




THE HOLDERS:

PROXIMA CORPORATION



By: ________________________________________

Title:______________________________________



UNION MINIERE INC.



By: ________________________________________

Title:______________________________________


                                      13.

<PAGE>   1
CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED UNDER 17 C.F.R. SECTIONS 200.80(b)(4), 200.83
AND 230.406. * INDICATES OMITTED MATERIAL THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF A CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT REQUEST THAT IS FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION.


                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.20


                   DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING AGREEMENT FOR
                                   RGB-LASERS


This Development and Manufacturing Agreement (The "Agreement") is dated July
1st, 1996 and is by and between the following Parties:


LASER POWER CORPORATION
1277 High Bluff Drive
San Diego, California
USA
                                            - hereinafter referred to as "LPC" -

and

LDT GmbH & Co.
LASER-DISPLAY-TECHNOLOGIE KG
Carl-Zeiss-Stra(beta)e 2 (Haus 4)
07552 Gera
GERMANY
                                            - hereinafter referred to as "LDT" -


SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 LPC is very experienced in the field of the development and manufacturing of
red, green and blue (RGB) solid-state microlasers. LDT is a company established
for the development and marketing of scanning single beam direct write laser
display systems and the technology associated with such systems.

1.2 During the past year the parties conducted discussions concerning the
development of RGB microlasers for the LDT display systems described in Section
1.1 and further in Section 2.4. The parties executed a Non Disclosure Agreement
on February 22, 1996 and a memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 22, 1996 on
the basis of LPC's development offer dated March 28, 1996, supplemented on April
12, 1996.




                                      -1-
<PAGE>   2
1.3 By signing of the above mentioned MOU the parties agreed that the
development activities of LPC shall begin after payment of [ *** ]. The payment
was received by LPC on June 20, 1996 and work began officially on July 1, 1996.

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS

2.1 "Development Project" is that development project which is the subject of
this Agreement and described in Annexes A and B.

2.2 "LPC Microlaser" means a separate red, green, or blue diode-pumped solid
state microlaser based on technology developed by LPC.

2.3 "RGB Solid-State Microlaser" means an assembly of red, green, and blue LPC
Microlasers to be used in a Contract Product or License Product as defined in
Sections 2.5 and 2.6.

2.4 "LDT Product" means a scanning beam direct write laser display system, such
system using RGB lasers based on any laser technology, each red, green, and blue
beam from said lasers being modulated by some fashion in order to impress
information onto said beams, said beams being combined into one beam which is
focused into a light guide, such light guide meant to deliver the modulated,
combined beam to a beam scanning head.

2.5 "Contract Product" means an LDT Product according to the specifications
listed in Annex A, where the laser technology employed is an RGB Solid-State
Microlaser, the modulation technology employed is [ *** ] and
the [ *** ].

2.6 License product is a product or one of its components which is derived from
the Contract Product and incorporates Project Technology and/or Project
Intellectual Property.

2.7 "Other Technology" means the technology in and to the LPC Microlasers and
displays employing same, including (without limitation) all designs, drawings,
prototypes, software, data, know-how and other proprietary information relating
to microlasers and displays that were (1) previously created or developed in
connection with other projects conducted by LPC, alone or with others, prior to
the beginning of the Development Project, or (2) are or will be created or
developed in connection with other projects not funded by LDT during or after
the performance period of the Development Project.

2.8 "Other Patents" means patents, patent applications and inventions that were
(1) previously conceived by LPC prior to the beginning of this Development
Project or (2) are or will be created in connection with other projects not
funded by LDT during or after the performance period of the Development Project.


                       * CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
2.9 "Project Technology" means the technology, designs, know-how, soft-ware and
firmware developed or created in connection with the Development Project by LPC
excluding Other Technology.

2.10 "Project Intellectual Property" shall mean the Intellectual Property such
as patents, patent applications, inventions, copyrights, etc. in or to the
Project Technology, excluding Other Patents.

2.11 An "Affiliate" of a party shall mean any person, corporation or entity (a)
who is directly or indirectly controlled by the party, or (b) who directly or
indirectly controls the party, or (c) who is controlled by any person(s),
corporation(s) or entity(ies) who also control(s) the party. Control may be
direct or indirect with a share interest - direct or indirect - of 50% or more.
Each party is responsible for its Affiliates and for ensuring the compliance of
its Affiliates with this Agreement.

2.12 "Confidential Information" means all confidential or proprietary
information disclosed or made available by the disclosing party to the receiving
party, which is designated in writing, or verbally as confidential or
proprietary information, or is observed by the receiving party while on the
premises of the disclosing party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential
Information shall not include any Information which the receiving party can show
(a) is now or later becomes available in the public domain without breach of
this Agreement by the receiving party, (b) was in the possession of the
receiving party prior to the disclosure to the receiving party by the disclosing
party, (c) was received from a third party without breach of any nondisclosure
obligations to the disclosing party or otherwise in violation of the disclosing
party's rights, or (d) was developed by the receiving party independently of any
Confidential Information received from the disclosing party.

2.13 "LDT Licensees" means third parties who may enter into a license agreement
with LDT with respect to the production, sale, lease, use or any other disposal
of an LDT Product for professional or commercial purposes including TV systems.

2.14 "LDT Business Field" means business activities which are related to the LDT
Product.

2.15 "LPC Business Field" means all LPC activities at the closing date of the
Agreement including Proxima business field as defined in the MOU.

2.16 "Annex A" is that certain Annex A attached hereto which sets forth the
performance specifications for the Contract Product and the License Product,
which may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement of the
parties.

2.17 "Annex B" is that certain Annex B attached hereto which sets forth the work
plan and schedule for the Development Project, which may be amended from time to
time by mutual written agreement of the parties.



                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4



2.18 "Basic Program" and "Option Program" are as defined in Annex A and Annex B.

SECTION 3: SCOPE OF DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

3.1 LPC shall make reasonable efforts to develop the Contract Product with the
performance specifications set forth in Annex A, and in accordance with the work
plan and time schedule set forth in Annex B.

3.2 LPC shall use reasonable efforts to develop the Contract Product in a
manufacturing technology appropriate for production by LPC.

3.3 LPC agrees to provide sufficient and approved engineering resources and
development tools necessary for the execution of the Development Program in
accordance with the provisions of Annex B.

3.4 Annexes A and B are hereby made a part of the Agreement.

SECTION 4: EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT AND COLLABORATION OF LDT

4.1 LDT will furnish to LPC, [***] and in a timely fashion, the documents
and information necessary to perform the development activities within the
specified time frame as set forth in Annex B. All documents and information are
provided to LPC on loan for the purpose of LPC performing its obligation under
this Agreement and shall be returned to LDT upon termination of the Agreement.

4.2 During the performance period of the Agreement, LDT also will provide, [***]
and in a timely fashion, the required collaborative actions as set forth in
Annex B, including (without limitation) the discussion and testing of interim
milestone results.

4.3 LPC will transmit to LDT [***] reports concerning the development
progress. The report shall set forth any actual or potential delay in completing
the Development Program in accordance with the time schedule set forth in Annex
B or the discovery of any fact which could adversely impact the development
goals.

4.4 The parties shall meet every [***] when LPC will verbally report to LDT
on the development status, necessary modifications of the specifications and any
risk to the development progress. LPC shall provide LDT with copies of all
documents and information concerning the attained development results except
those which would violate third party rights.

4.5 LPC shall fulfill its obligations to perform the development activities by
exploiting newest state of the art technology and utilizing the know-how and
experience at its disposal to the extent not in violation of any law, rule or
regulation, or the rights of any third parties.

4.6 The results of the development activities shall be written in technical
documentation, including construction drawings, which shall be provided to LDT
upon termination of the Basic Program and the Option Program; provided, however,
if disclosure of any of the information to be provided by LPC pursuant to this
section would violate third party rights, LPC shall have the right to exclude
such information from such documentation.

4.7 LDT will receive the developed prototypes as described in Annex A [***]
within the agreed time frame as set forth in Annex B. but subject to delays
beyond the reasonable control of LPC. Documentation as described in Section 4.6
will be delivered to LDT concurrent with the prototypes. Upon delivery the above
items become the property of LDT.

                       *CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5


SECTION 5: CHANGES OF THE SPECIFICATION

5.1 LDT has the right, during the development activities, to make changes in the
specifications as set forth in Annex A, to the extent such modifications are
both necessary and possible, but subject to the agreement of LPC. Before a
modification desired by LDT is implemented,the parties shall agree in writing,
whether such change requires (1) a reduction or increase of costs and/or (2) a
chance in the time schedule set forth in Annex B. If the parties are not able to
agree, such failure shall not Give use to the other party's right to terminate
the Agreement with cause.

5.2 LPC may request chances to the specifications set forth in Annex A due to
unforeseen events or other reasons beyond the reasonable control of LPC, subject
to agreement of LDT. Before proposed changes are implemented, both parties shall
agree in writing as to the terms of the chance, the appropriate increase or
decrease in price and the modification in the time schedule set forth in Annex
B, as necessary.

SECTION 6: ACCEPTANCE

6.1 LPC shall submit to LDT the development results in accordance with the
milestones schedule set forth in Annex B, subject to delays beyond the
reasonable control of LPC. LDT shall test the RGB laser prototypes delivered by
LPC at the end of the Basic Program and the system delivered at the end of the
Option Program.

6.2 The prototypes and the system will be considered as conforming to
specification. unless within 20 days after submission. LDT submits to LPC in
writing a specific, detailed complaint. In the event that LPC receives such a
complaint, LPC shall respond to the complaints within 20 days and, if necessary,
to repair, replace, or otherwise correct any deviation from specifications
within a mutually agreed upon period of time.

6.3 If the deviations are not correctable or a deviation from specification is
not possible, the parties will discuss whether the Development Program may be
continued by adaptation of specification under terms and conditions mutually
agreed upon, or shall be terminated. In the event that LDT decides to terminate
the development activities caused by non-fulfillment of the specification
according to Annex A, [***] except as provided in Section 9.3).

6.4 Development costs paid to LPC in accordance with successfully accomplished
milestones are [***].

SECTION 7: IMPLEMENTATION DATES

7.1 Contractually agreed upon implementation dates of LPC according to Annex B
are binding fixed dates, unless the circumstances specified in Section 7.2
occur. The parties will inform each other as soon as possible about any fact
which such party believes could adversely impact the time schedule set forth in
Annex B and will initiate any reasonable step to avoid such time delay.


                       *CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
7.2 Implementation dates will be extended by a suitable period, to be upon in
each individual case, if unforeseen events beyond the reasonable control of LPC
occur, including without limitation force majeure events.

7.3 If the implementation dates set forth in Annex B are exceeded by more than
30 days for reasons which are not beyond the reasonable control of LPC, LDT
shall have the right to demand immediate fulfillment of said implementation no
later than 60 days from the original implementation date. If LPC is still in
arrears after expiration of said 60-day period, then at LDT's election it may
extend the period for fulfillment or terminate the Agreement, stop further
payments and withhold the last holdback amount, subject to the provisions of
Section 9.3.

7.4 Unless LPC is guilty of malfeasance or gross negligence, then LDT's sole
remedy hereunder for any breach or failure under the Agreement shall be to
terminate this Agreement, to stop additional payment, and withhold holdback
amount per section 9.3.

SECTION 8: TERMINATION BY LDT

LDT has the right to terminate the Agreement at any time with cause or without
cause. "With cause" shall not include a failure by LPC to fulfill or perform any
of its obligations hereunder if such failure is beyond the reasonable control of
LPC. If LDT terminates the Agreement without cause, then LDT shall pay to LPC
the amount of development costs already incurred by LPC for development
activities plus unavoidable termination costs of LPC. The unavoidable
termination costs in no case shall be higher than [***]. All invoiced costs must
be adequately documented by LPC. If LDT terminates this Agreement with cause,
then, except as otherwise provided in Section 7.4, its sole remedy shall be to
terminate this Agreement and withhold payment of any holdback amounts, subject
to the provisions of Section 9.3.

SECTION 9:        DEVELOPMENT COSTS

9.1 The development costs of LPC for all development activities as defined in
Annex A and B are fixed costs, except as mutually agreed to by the parties as
follows and payable by LDT in advance for each phase:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Basic Program
- -------------
<S>                                   <C>
9.1.1 Milestone I                     [***]
9.1.2 Milestone II                    [***]
9.1.3 Milestone III                   [***]
                                      -----
                                      [***]
</TABLE>

Additional Program (in parallel to the Basic program)

<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>
9.1.4 Milestone IV                    [***]
9.1.5 Milestone V                     [***]
9.1.6 Milestone VI                    [***]
                                      -----
                                      [***]
</TABLE>
  
                       *CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED


                                      -6-

<PAGE>   7

9.2 In accordance with the MOU, LDT has paid to LPC a start up amount of
[***]. This amount will be [***] for the first
Milestone according to Section 9.1.1

9.3 LDT will pay the development costs according to Section 9.1 for each
Milestone program as defined in Annex B [***]. [***] will be paid by LDT to LPC
in the event that LDT decides, after reviewing the development results of the
specific milestone program, to proceed with the next milestone or, in the event
that LDT terminates the Agreement without cause. If LDT elects to terminate
because LPC has not met a milestone, yet the milestone has been partially met
(for example, blue and green portion is met, red portion is not met), then LDT
will [***] which can be [***] of the milestone. Similar considerations apply at
the end of the Development Program.

9.4 LDT will review the development results of each milestone within [***] of
submission by LPC, but agrees that LPC shall proceed with its development
activities with respect to the next milestone in order to avoid any time delay.
In the event that LDT terminates the Agreement after such review, then such
termination shall be a termination without cause pursuant to Section 8 thereof.
Failure to notify within [***] will be deemed an approval to proceed with the
next milestone.

9.5 LDT shall make payments in US-Dollars immediately upon approval or deemed
approval for proceeding with the next milestone.

SECTION 10: DEVELOPMENT RESULTS AND PROTECTIVE RIGHTS

10.1 Other Technology and Other Patents of LPC shall remain in the sole
ownership of LPC and LDT shall not succeed to any interest therein by the virtue
of this Agreement or the activities contemplated hereunder. LPC agrees, that in
the case that LPC cannot or does not wish to fulfill the supply needs (in
respect to commercially reasonable prices, volume, delivery time and quality) of
LDT, its Affiliates and/or LDT Licensees such that a second source for such
products is required or two years after the end of development program LDT
decides that a second source is necessary. Then LPC will grant to another
manufacturer necessary licenses, provided reasonable terms and conditions can be
agreed upon, including without limitations royalties payable to LPC.

10.2 All Project Technology and all Project Intellectual Property shall be
jointly owned by LDT and LPC, except as otherwise provided herein. With respect
to patents and patent applications included within the Project Intellectual
Property the inventions covered thereby shall be jointly owned by the parties
and LPC shall be responsible for (i) filing the patent applications first in USA
and later on in other foreign countries as mutually agreed upon by both parties,
and (ii) preparing for execution such documents as required to vest ownership
jointly in LPC and LDT.

10.3 Except as otherwise provided herein the parties will [***] related to the
formal protection of Project Intellectual Property.

                       *CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
10.4 At least three months before the one year priority period after filing of
patent applications in USA the parties will decide about the filing of
corresponding applications in other countries. If a party decides not to
participate in the filing of a patent application in USA or later on in any
other country the other party has the right to do it in its own name and must
[***] to the respective patent application. In such case the
party acting as sole applicant owns all rights in such patents and patent
applications, and the nonparticipating party agrees to cooperate as necessary to
allow the other party to obtain patent protection, such as reviewing
applications and signing documents associated therewith.

If one party decides at any time to not further participate in the [***] for
patents and patent applications according to Section 10.3, then that party must
notify the other party in writing, and subsequent thereto, if the other party
decides to continue [***] the patent or patent application then such party will
become the [***] of the patent applications and patents resulting therefrom and
will [***]. The notifying party agrees to perform all necessary tasks, including
executing necessary documents to [***] to the [***] and the [***] will not be
required to [***] the notifying party for previously [***], and the [***] has no
responsibility to [***] for such patents to the other party and such patent is
no longer Project Intellectual Property.

10.5 LPC shall take all efforts necessary to protect any invention arising
during the development activities. LPC will inform LDT as soon as possible about
any invention and to the extent patentable both parties will cooperate in the
preparation, filing and prosecution of mutually owned patent applications in USA
and any other country.

10.6 All Project Technology and Project Intellectual Property may be used
without restriction by LPC for its LPC Business Field and by LDT for its LDT
Business Field. Neither party shall be required to account to the other party
for such use and both parties agree not to interfere in the business activity
reserved for the other party as described above.

10.7 In its reserved business activity each party has the right to grant
sublicenses or user rights under the Project Technology and Project Intellectual
Property jointly owned under terms and conditions which are subject to the sole
discretion of the entitled party. User rights and sublicenses for Project
Technology and Project Intellectual Property in common ownership for all other
business fields may be granted by both parties under terms and conditions
mutually agreed upon.

10.8 In undertaking to develop and in developing the Contract Products
hereunder, LPC will not knowingly infringe any valid patent, copyright, trade
secret right or any other intellectual property right of any third party except
for any exceptions listed in Annex C, which may be amended from time to time by
mutual agreement. The parties will inform each other immediately about any third
party Intellectual Property Right which comes to the knowledge of the party and
which could be infringed by manufacturing use or sale of Contract Products or
License Products.



                       *CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
10.9 LPC will use best efforts to a) avoid any infringement of third party
patents or, if this is not possible, b) to design around or, c) to obtain a
license under such third party patents. LDT and LPC will agree to any amendments
to the Agreement necessary to ensure that technology used in the Development
Project does not infringe upon existing valid patents.

SECTION 11: PRODUCTION OF CONTRACT PRODUCTS

11.1 LPC takes the obligation to manufacture and sell the developed Contract
Products and License Products [***] in the necessary quantities and quality
under reasonable and marketable but in any case most favorable supply and price
conditions for like product and quantity. For the delivery of Contract Products
and License Products in quantities the parties will close separately
corresponding supply agreements.

11.2 LPC has the right to sell Contract Products and License Products to any
third party. For sales to companies which are not Affiliates of LDT or LDT
Licensees [***]. In such case LDT shall receive for [***]:

                  - [***] of the net sales price of the sold Contract Products
                    and License Products by LPC up to a total volume of 
                    [***].

                  - [***] of the net sales price of the sold Contract Products
                    and License Products for volume beyond [***].

The royalty payments are valid for only [ *** ] from the end of the
Development Project, as far as Project Technology is concerned, and for the
lifetime of patents as far as Project Intellectual Property is concerned. Net
sales price shall mean [ *** ].

11.3 Commencing with the [ *** ], and each [ *** ] thereafter, within [ *** ]
days after the end of each [ *** ]. LPC shall [ *** ].

11.4 LDT shall have the right to have an independent third party accounting firm
acceptable to both parties, audit LPC's compliance with the terms of this
Agreement upon reasonable notice to LPC. Such audit shall be conducted not more
than once a year. The auditor shall not disclose any financial information but
shall only state that the remitted royalty payments were correct or that a
credit or additional amounts are due and owing. LPC shall maintain and retain
appropriate records for three (3) years after the end of each accounting year.
If payment of royalties are underpaid by [ *** ] or more, then LPC shall pay the
costs for the audit. Otherwise, the audit costs shall be paid by LDT. Any
additional payments shall be made within [ *** ] days of the audit. Any credit
shall be credited with the [ *** ] under this Agreement.


                       * CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED

                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10
SECTION 12: COMPETITIVE PROHIBITION

LPC agrees, for the duration of the Development Project plus an additional two
year periods, not to develop or deliver Contract Products or License Products to
be used in payment applications based on or substantially similar to the LDT
Product for any third party without prior approval of LDT. Any publication of
the existence and content of this Agreement, the development results or the
intention to start series production for LDT respectively, its Affiliates or its
LDT Licensees is only allowed after prior written approval of LDT.

SECTION 13: CONFIDENTIALITY

13.1 It may become necessary during the course of this Agreement for a party to
disclose to the other Confidential Information. Written Confidential Information
shall be clearly labeled "Proprietary", "Confidential", or the like. Oral,
visual or machine readable Confidential Information shall be so identified at
the time of disclosure and summarized within (30) days of the disclosure by the
disclosing party in writing to the receiving party.

13.2 The receiving party shall maintain all such Confidential Information in
confidence and shall not disclose it to a third party without the prior written
consent of the disclosing party.

These nondisclosure obligations shall terminate ten (10) years after receipt of
such information. This section 13.2 shall survive the expiration or any
termination of this Agreement.

13.3 Project Technology shall not be considered as Confidential Information
related to LDT as far as no Other Technology is involved. LDT has the right to
provide Confidential Information to its Affiliates and LDT Licensees as far as
this is necessary for the introduction and commercialization of Contract
Products respectively, any equipment containing such Contract Products, except
that when such Confidential Information would violate third party rights, then
LPC's permission to provide the Confidential Information is required.

SECTION 14: REPRESENTATIONS

LPC and LDT, each for itself, represents and warrants that it is duly organized,
existing and in good standing under the laws of its applicable jurisdiction,
with full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its
obligations herein and under any instrument executed pursuant hereto, except for
any exceptions listed in Annex C. LPC and LDT represent and warrant that the
execution of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations herein and
under any instruments executed pursuant hereto have been duly authorized by all
necessary action and do not and will not conflict with, result in a violation
of, or constitute a default under any provision of any Agreement binding upon it
or restricting the use of its properties, or of any law, regulation or court
order applicable to it, except for any exceptions listed in Annex C.




                                      -10-

<PAGE>   11
SECTION 15: TERM AND TERMINATION

15.1 This Agreement becomes effective retrospective on July 1, 1996 with the
signature of both parties and shall continue until December 31, 1999. Section
10, 11 and 12 shall survive the termination of the Agreement for the lifetime of
Contract Products, License Products, and Project Intellectual Property. Section
13 shall survive according to the stipulation in Section 13.

15.2 LDT may terminate the Agreement at any time according to the stipulation in
Section 8.

15.3 If a party breaches this Agreement and fails to cure said breach within 30
days of written notice from the non-breaching party, the non-breaching party may
terminate this Agreement upon 45 days advance notice of termination. If the
breaching party reasonably requires more than 30 days to cure the breach, the 30
day period shall be extended as reasonably necessary, provided that the
breaching party is diligent in pursuing the cure to completion. Such termination
shall be in addition to any other relief and remedies to which the non-breaching
party may be entitled.

SECTION 16: PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Place of performance for all development activities according to this Agreement
by LPC is San Diego, California, USA, and/or other locations as the parties may
mutually agree.




                                      -11-



<PAGE>   12
SECTION 17: JURISDICTION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The rights and obligations of the parties under this Agreement shall be covered
by and construed under the laws of the State of California, including its
Uniform Commercial Code. Any dispute or claim arising out of this Agreement
shall be finally settled by binding arbitration in San Diego, California by one
(1) arbitrator, which arbitration shall be administered by and in accordance
with the then existing Rules of Practice and Procedure of Judicial Arbitration
and Mediation Services, Inc. ("JAMS"), or a similar organization to be mutually
agreed upon by the parties. Such arbitration shall be governed by the
substantive laws of the State of California, without reference to conflict of
law principles. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered
in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

SECTION 18: SEVERABILITY

In case any one or more of the provisions contained herein shall, for any
reason, be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions
of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision(s) had never been contained herein; provided
that such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions shall firsts be
curtailed, limited or amended to the extent necessary to remove such invalidity,
illegality or unenforceability with respect to the applicable law as it shall
then be applied. This provision shall be enforced to the extent that it is
enforceable.

SECTION 19: FINAL PROVISION

19.1 Neither party has the rights nor the power to assign this Agreement without
first obtaining the written consent of the other party except to the assignment
to an Affiliate of the respective party. Such consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld. Such consent is deemed given if the assignment is to a person or
entity which purchases or acquires substantially all of the business assets of a
party. Any assignee must deliver to the other party a written acceptance of this
Agreement and the assigning party's obligations thereunder.

19.2 This Agreement constitutes the final and complete agreement between the
parties concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior
agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, written or oral,
between the parties with respect thereto, including, without limitation, the
MOU. Any modification, revision or amendment of this Agreement shall not be
effective unless made in a writing executed by both of the parties.

19.3 All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be
in writing and shall be sent by registered certified mail, return receipt
requested, or by commercial courier or by facsimile transmission to the parties
at the addresses set forth at the beginning of the Agreement, or to such other
person and place as either party shall designate for itself by notice to the
other party.


                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13

19.4 To the extent that any version of the Agreement exists in a language other
that English, the English version shall be controlling and represent the
agreement of the parties.






LASER POWER CORPORATION                         LDT GmbH & Co.
                                                Laser-Display-Technologie KG

Gera, the  20th September 1996                  Gera, the  Sept. 20th, 1996   
          ----------------------                          --------------------
Signature  /s/ GLENN H. SHERMAN                 Signature  /s/ BERNHARDT DETER
          ----------------------                          --------------------
Name    Glenn H. Sherman                        Name   Bernhardt Deter
     ---------------------------                     -------------------------
Title   CEO                                     Title    General Manager
      --------------------------                      ------------------------



                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14


                                     ANNEX A




<PAGE>   15
                   Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary




                             REQUIREMENT DEFINITION





                                   [ * * * ]


                                                                               

                   Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary




                       * CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED


<PAGE>   16
                  Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary

                                     TABLE I
                                     ANNEX A

                          RGB MICROLASER SPECIFICATION


                                   [ * * * ]


                   Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary



                       * CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED
<PAGE>   17










                                     ANNEX B




<PAGE>   18
                   Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary





                                   [ * * * ]






                   Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary



                       * CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED
<PAGE>   19

                   Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary




                                   [ * * * ]




                   Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary



                       * CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED


<PAGE>   20

                   Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary




                                   [ * * * ]




                   Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary



                       * CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED




<PAGE>   21


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                PROGRAM SCHEDULE
                              ANNEX B - TABLE  II
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     [***]

* CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED
<PAGE>   22
                   Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary





                                     ANNEX C





                   Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary

                                      -23-
<PAGE>   23
                   Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary


                                     ANNEX C

United States patent number 4,809,291 entitled "Diode Pumped Laser and Doubling
to Obtain Blue Light" covers certain blue laser technology (the "Stanford
Patent"). LPC's blue microlaser may infringe upon the Stanford Patent.

LPC is at present working on various means to avoid infringement of the Stanford
Patent in the future, including licensing and design-around, and holds a good
faith belief that a satisfactory solution will be found, but can give no
guarantee that this will be the case.

While LPC has demonstrated a high degree of competency in performing research
and development on microlasers and microlaser-based display systems, it has
little experience manufacturing products based on these technologies. Although
LPC believes it will be able to successfully manufacture volumes of microlasers
necessary to fulfill the needs of LDT, its Affiliates, and its Licensees, LPC
can give no guarantee that this will be the case.

The field of diode pumped solid-state lasers is rapidly growing, and there may
be issued or pending patents of which LPC is not aware upon which LPC microlaser
technology infringes. If LPC becomes aware of such patents, LPC believes it can
obtain licenses or design around such patents, but LPC can give no guarantee
that this will be the case.



                   Laser Power Corporation Company Proprietary

                                      -24-

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
   
               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
    
 
   
     We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Experts" and
"Selected Consolidated Financial Information" and to the use of our report dated
October 9, 1996, except for Note 5 ("Changes in Capitalization"), as to which
the date is March 25, 1997, in Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement
(Form SB-2) and the related Prospectus of Laser Power Corporation for the
registration of shares of its common stock.
    
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
San Diego, California
   
June 9, 1997
    


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission