SKYLARK LASERS
Laser manufacturer of spectrally pure, high performance CW single frequency DPSS lasers
Our single frequency laser systems are precision engineered under Class 5 cleanroom conditions at our headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland.
We work collaboratively with our customers and research partners to understand their needs and tailor our lasers to their application – helping reveal the unseen, detect the imperceptible, and measure the unknown.
Skylark Lasers origin
The skylark is a remarkable species distinguished by its ability to maintain a sustained, controlled ascent while producing a pure, uninterrupted song. This mirrors the core engineering philosophy of our lasers: continuous, stable operation over an extended lifetime.
With Skylark Lasers, you get more than a beam of light — you get a commitment to precision, stability, and spectral purity.
Established in 2013 with a focus on the R&D of uncommon and hard-to-reach wavelengths, Skylark Lasers now deliver commercial systems trusted by leading researchers and OEMs worldwide.
Core values
Our core values guide how we innovate, collaborate, and grow. We are driven by ambition to tackle the toughest challenges, and by innovation to uncover new possibilities through leading-edge laser technology. With collaboration, we build strong partnerships that transform ideas into real-world solutions. And through continuous learning, we nurture a growth mindset that keeps us curious, adaptable, and always moving forward.
Ambition
Our team pursues the challenge of developing spectrally pure laser technology to enable the world’s most demanding and cutting-edge applications – reducing cost, weight, and size while maximising power and performance.
Innovation
We develop and commercialise reliable, long lifetime lasers with the purest spectral properties that enable customers to reveal the unseen, detect the imperceptible, and measure the unknown.
Collaboration
We work with our customers and partners to gain a deep understanding of their needs - connecting the dots between lasers and application to deliver tailored solutions.
Continuous learning
Embodying a growth mindset, we value continuous learning and thrive in an environment of curiosity and exploration.
Skylark Lasers team
CEO
Chris Madin
Chris brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the photonics and laser instrumentation industry, and extensive experience in building global sales channels, managing new product development, and driving operational excellence in high growth photonics environments with customers across semiconductor inspection and life science instrumentation.
Executive Chairman
Ewan McLellan
Deeply embedded in the start-up and scale-up ecosystem since 2008, Ewan serves in pivotal roles ranging from CEO to Chair. An engineer by training, his leadership experience spans across nanomaterials and advanced engineering. Since 2020, he has Chaired Skylark Lasers, guiding the company through strategic milestones and positioning it for long-term success.
Non-Executive Director
Mark Hanson
Mark brings a wealth of experience working for entrepreneurial technology companies, holding various management and leadership positions across global R&D, procurement, engineering, and commercial development. At Skylark Lasers, Mark drives the company’s commercial strategy, leveraging his broad expertise to deliver sustainable growth and customer success.
Head of Operations
Scott Early
Scott has been the Skylark Lasers head of operations since 2021. With over 10 years of experience in single frequency laser development and technical management, Scott covers a wide range of roles; driving operational excellence, nurturing talent, and empowering his teams to succeed.
Head of Marketing
Lauren Percy
Lauren is a driven marketer with a track record of developing and executing successful marketing strategies in the deep tech sector with experience across photonics and the semiconductor industry. Lauren has a passion for solving commercial challenges and driving successful business outcomes.
Research Project Manager
Mark Mackenzie
Mark holds a PhD in Ultrafast Laser Inscription and Microfluidic Devices from Heriot-Watt University. Since joining Skylark Lasers in 2018, he has led multidisciplinary R&D programs; establishing process frameworks that enable consistent prototype-to-production transfer and successful commercialised outcomes.
Head of Engineering
Gregor McDowall
With a passion for innovation and design, Gregor guides our team towards exciting new developments. Gregor has been instrumental in driving our journey towards excellence, and continues to challenge the industry status quo.
Head of Hardware
Robin Shears
Robin joined Skylark Lasers in 2021, bringing experience in delivering specialised projects from rocket avionics to quantum sensors. Robin leads the hardware and software team while driving a 'right first time' approach to development.