Document:

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                                                      EXHIBIT 10.1

                                 COHERENT, INC.

                          EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

         The following constitutes the provisions of the Employee Stock
Purchase Plan (herein called the "Plan") of Coherent, Inc. (herein called the
"Company").

         1. PURPOSE. The purpose of the Plan is to provide employees of the
Company and its subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common Stock of
the Company through payroll deductions. It is the intention of the Company to
have the Plan qualify as an "Employee Stock Purchase Plan" under Section 423
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The provisions of the Plan shall,
accordingly, be construed so as to extend and limit participation in a manner
consistent with the requirements of that Section of the Code.

         2.       DEFINITIONS.

                  (a) "Base pay" or "base salary" means regular straight-time
earnings and commissions, excluding payments for overtime, shift premiums,
incentive compensation, bonuses and any other special payments.

                  (b) "Employee" means any person, including an officer, who
is customarily employed for at least twenty (20) hours per week by the
Company or its subsidiaries (50% or more of whose voting shares are owned
directly or indirectly by the Company).

         3.       ELIGIBILITY.

                  (a) Any employee as defined in paragraph 2 who shall be
employed by the Company on the date his participation in the Plan is effective
shall be eligible to participate in the Plan, subject to limitations imposed by
Section 423(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.

                  (b) Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary
notwithstanding, no

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employee shall be granted an option under the Plan (i) if, immediately after
the grant, such employee would own shares and/or hold outstanding options to
purchase stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined
voting power or value of the Company, or (ii) which permits his rights to
purchase shares under all employee stock purchase plans of the Company and
its subsidiaries to accrue at a rate which exceeds Twenty Five Thousand
Dollars ($25,000) for each calendar year in which such stock option is
outstanding at any time, where the value of the option is calculated as the
fair market value of the shares (determined at the time such option is
granted).

         4.       OFFERING DATES. The Plan shall be implemented by two
Offerings during each fiscal year, each of twelve months duration. Offering I
shall commence on or about May 1 of each year and Offering II shall commence
on or about November 1 of each year. Both shall continue thereafter until
terminated in accordance with paragraph 19 hereof.

         5.       PARTICIPATION.

                  (a) An eligible employee may become a participant in the
Plan by completing a subscription agreement authorizing payroll deduction on
the form provided by the Company and filing it with the Company's payroll
office prior to the applicable offering date.

                  (b) Payroll deductions for a participant shall commence on
the first payroll following the commencement offering date and shall end on
the termination date of the offering to which such authorization is
applicable, unless sooner terminated by the participant as provided in
paragraph 10.

         6.       PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS.

                  (a) At the time a participant files his subscription
agreement, he shall elect to have payroll deductions made on each payday
during the offering period. The aggregate of payroll deductions elected to be
made under Offering I and Offering II shall not be greater than ten percent
(10%) of the base pay which he received on such payday

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nor less than ten dollars ($10.00) per pay period, and the aggregate of such
payroll deductions during the offering period shall not exceed ten percent
(10%) of his aggregate base salary during said offering period.

                  (b) All payroll deductions made by a participant shall be
credited to his account under the Plan. A participant may not make any
additional payments into such account.

                   (c) A participant may discontinue his participation in the
Plan as provided in paragraph 10, or may lower, but not increase, the rate of
his payroll deductions (within the limitations set forth in subparagraph (a)
above) during the offering by completing or filing with the Company a new
authorization for payroll deduction. The change in rate shall be effective
within fifteen (15) days following the Company's receipt of the new
authorization.

         7.       GRANT OF OPTION.

                  (a) At the beginning of each twelve month offering period
under each of the two Offerings, each eligible employee participating in the
Plan shall be granted an option to purchase (at the per share option price)
up to a number of shares of the Company's Common Stock purchasable by each
employee's accumulated payroll deductions (not to exceed an aggregate amount
under both Offerings equal to ten percent (10%) of his base salary for the
offering period as of the date of the commencement of the applicable offering
period) divided by eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market value of a
share of the Company's Common Stock at the beginning of said offering period,
subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3(b) and 12 hereof. Fair
market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock shall be determined as
provided in Section 7(b) herein.

                  (b) The option price per share of such shares shall be the
lower of: (I) 85% of the fair market value of a share of the Common Stock of
the Company at the commencement of the twelve month offering period; or (ii)
85% of the fair market value of a share of the Common Stock of the Company at
the time the option is exercised at the termination of the twelve month
offering period. The fair market value of the Company's

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Common Stock on said dates shall be determined by the Company's Board of
Directors in the exercise of their discretion in good faith.

         8.       EXERCISE OF OPTION. Unless a participant withdraws from the
Plan as provided in paragraph 10, his option for the purchase of shares will
be exercised automatically at the end of the offering period, and the maximum
number of full shares subject to option will be purchased for him at the
applicable option price with the applicable amount of the accumulated payroll
deductions in his account. During hi lifetime, a participant's option to
purchase shares hereunder is exercisable only by him.

         9.       DELIVERY. As promptly as practicable after the termination
of each Offering, the Company shall arrange the delivery to each participant,
as appropriate, of a certificate representing the shares purchased upon
exercise of his option. Any cash remaining to the credit of a participant's
account under the Plan after a purchase by him of shares at the termination
of each offering period, or which is insufficient to purchase a full share of
Common Stock of the Company, shall be returned to said participant.

         10.      WITHDRAWAL; TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

                  (a) A participant may withdraw all but not less than all the
payroll deductions credited to his account under the Plan for one or both
Offerings at any time prior to the end of the applicable offering period by
giving written notice to the Company. All of the participant's payroll
deductions credited to his account for the Offering or Offerings from which he
has withdrawn will be paid to him promptly after receipt of his notice of
withdrawal and his option for the current period under the Offering or Offerings
will be automatically terminated, and no further payroll deductions for the
purchase of shares under the Offering or Offerings withdrawn from will be made
during the applicable offering period.

                  (b) Upon termination of the participant's employment prior
to the end of an offering period for any reason, including retirement or
death, the payroll deductions credited to his account will be returned to him
or, in the case of his death, to the person or

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persons entitled thereto under paragraph 14, and his option will be
automatically terminated.

                  (c) In the event an employee fails to remain in the
continuous employ of the Company for at least twenty (20) hours per week
during the offering period in which the employee is a participant, he will be
deemed to have elected to withdraw from the Plan and the payroll deductions
credited to his account will be returned to him and his option terminated.

                  (d) A participant's withdrawal from one of the two
Offerings will not have any effect upon his eligibility to participate in the
other Offering or any succeeding Offering or in any similar plan which may
hereafter be adopted by the Company.

         11.      INTEREST. To the extent that a participant's payroll
deductions exceed that amount required to purchase shares subject to option
at the end of an offering period, he shall be refunded such excess amount
with interest on said refundable amount at a net rate of 3%. Otherwise, no
interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions of a participant in the Plan.

         12.      STOCK.

                  (a) The maximum number of shares of the Company's Common
Stock which shall be made available for sale under the Plan shall be
6,325,000 shares, subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the
Company as provided in paragraph 18. The shares to be sold to participants
under the Plan may, at the election of the Company, be either treasury shares
or shares authorized but unissued. If the total number of shares which would
otherwise be subject to options granted pursuant to Section 7(a) hereof at
the beginning of an offering period exceeds the number of shares then
available under the Plan (after deduction of all shares for which options
have been exercised or are then outstanding), the Company shall make a pro
rata allocation of the shares remaining available for option grant in as
uniform a manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine to be
equitable. In such event, the Company shall give written notice of such
reduction of the number of shares subject to the option to each employee
affected thereby

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and shall similarly reduce the rate of payroll deductions, if necessary.

                  (b) The participant will have no interest or voting right
in shares covered by his option until such option has been exercised.

                  (c) Shares to be delivered to a participant under the Plan
will be registered in the name of the participant or in the name of the
participant and his spouse.

         13.      ADMINISTRATION. The Plan shall be administered by the Board
of Directors of the Company or a committee appointed by the Board. The
administration, interpretation or application of the Plan by the Board or its
committee shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all participants.
Members of the Committee who are eligible employees are permitted to
participate in the Plan.

         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 the offering period but prior to delivery to him 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
prior to the end of an offering period.

                  (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 if no such executor or administrator has been
appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its 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 know to the Company, then to such other person as the Company may
designate.

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         15.      TRANSFERABILITY. Neither payroll deductions credited a
participant's account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option
or to receive shares under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or
otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and
distribution or as provided in paragraph 14 hereof) by the participant. Any
such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be
without effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to
withdraw funds in accordance with paragraph 10.

         16.      USE OF FUNDS. All payroll deductions received or held by
the Company under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate
purpose, and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll
deductions.

         17.      REPORTS. Individual accounts will be maintained for each
participant in the Plan. Statements of account will be given to participating
employees annually promptly following the stock purchase date, which
statements will set forth the total amount of payroll deductions, the amount
applicable to each of the two Offerings, the per share purchase price, the
number of shares purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.

         18.      CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION. If any option under this Plan is
exercised subsequent to any stock dividend, stock split, spin-off,
recapitalization, merger, consolidation, exchange of shares or the like,
occurring after such option was granted, as a result of which shares of any
class shall be issued in respect of the outstanding shares, or shares shall
be changed into the same, whether a different number of the same or another
class or classes, the number of shares to which such option shall be
applicable and the option price for such shares shall be appropriately
adjusted by the Company.

         19.      AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION. The Board of Directors of the
Company may at any time terminate or amend the Plan. No such termination can
affect options previously granted, nor may an amendment make any change in
any option theretofore

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granted which adversely affects the rights of any participant, nor may an
amendment be made without prior approval of the shareholders of the Company
if such amendment would:

                  (a)      Increase the number of shares that may be issued
under the plan;

                  (b)      Permit payroll deductions at an aggregate rate in
excess of ten percent (10%) of the participant's base salary;

                  (c)      Change the designation of the employees (or class
of employees) eligible for participation in the Plan; or

                  (d) Materially increase the benefits which may accrue to
participants under the Plan.

         20.      NOTICES. All notices or other communications by a
participant to the Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be
deemed to have been duly given when received in the form specified by the
Company at the location or by the person, designated by the Company for the
receipt thereof.<PAGE>

                                 COHERENT, INC.

                                 1995 STOCK PLAN

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

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

          -    to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants, and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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          (i)  "CONTINUOUS STATUS AS AN EMPLOYEE OR CONSULTANT" means that the
employment or consulting relationship with the Company, any Parent, or
Subsidiary, is not interrupted or terminated. Continuous Status as an Employee
or Consultant shall not be considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave
of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the
Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor. A
leave of absence approved by the Company shall include sick leave, military
leave, or any other personal leave approved by an authorized representative of
the Company. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed
ninety days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by
statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence
approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of such leave any
Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an
Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory
Stock Option.

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

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

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

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

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

               (i)   If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, the
Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the closing price for such
stock as quoted on such system or exchange (or the exchange with the greatest
volume of trading in Common Stock) on the day of determination, as reported in
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL or such other source as the Administrator deems
reliable;

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

               (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair

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Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Administrator.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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conditions of the Plan and the Notice of Grant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     4.   ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.

          (a)  PROCEDURE.

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

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               (ii)  ADMINISTRATION WITH RESPECT TO DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
SUBJECT TO SECTION 16(b). With respect to Option or Stock Purchase Right grants
made to Employees who are also Officers or Directors subject to Section 16(b) of
the Exchange Act, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board, if the Board
may administer the Plan in a manner complying with the rules under Rule 16b-3
relating to the disinterested administration of employee benefit plans under
which Section 16(b) exempt discretionary grants and awards of equity securities
are to be made, or (B) a committee designated by the Board to administer the
Plan, which committee shall be constituted to comply with the rules under Rule
16b-3 relating to the disinterested administration of employee benefit plans
under which Section 16(b) exempt discretionary grants and awards of equity
securities are to be made. Once appointed, such Committee shall continue to
serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From
time to time the Board may increase the size of the Committee and appoint
additional members, remove members (with or without cause) and substitute new
members, fill vacancies (however caused), and remove all members of the
Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent
permitted by the rules under Rule 16b-3 relating to the disinterested
administration of employee benefit plans under which Section 16(b) exempt
discretionary grants and awards of equity securities are to be made.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

               (vi)   to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent
with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder. Such terms and
conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or
times when Options or Stock Purchase Rights may be exercised (which may be based
on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture
restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Option or Stock
Purchase Right or the shares of Common Stock relating thereto, based in each
case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall
determine;

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

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

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

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

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

               (xii)  to institute an Option Exchange Program;

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

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

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

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Stock Purchase Rights.

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

     6.   LIMITATIONS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Purchase Right and the grant of a new Option or Stock Purchase Right.

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

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

     9.   OPTION EXERCISE PRICE AND CONSIDERATION.

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

               (i)  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>

period.

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

               (i)    cash;

               (ii)   check;

               (iii)  promissory note;

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

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

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

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

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

     10.  EXERCISE OF OPTION.

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

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

               An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives:
(i) written notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option Agreement) from
the person entitled to exercise the

<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

          (c)  DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE. In the event that an Optionee's
Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant terminates as a result of the
Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option at any time
within twelve (12) months from the date of such termination, but only to the
extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it at the date of such
termination (but

<PAGE>

in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in
the Notice of Grant). If, at the date of termination, the Optionee is not
entitled to exercise his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the
unexercisable portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after
termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time
specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such
Option shall revert to the Plan.

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

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

     11.  STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS.

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

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

<PAGE>

shall lapse at a rate determined by the Administrator.

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

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

          (e)  RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
shareholder, and shall be a shareholder when his or her purchase is entered upon
the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment
will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to
the date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 13
of the Plan.

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

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

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

<PAGE>

be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject
to an Option or Stock Purchase Right.

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

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

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

<PAGE>

grant.

     15.  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.

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

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

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

<PAGE>

     16.  CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES.

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

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

     17.  LIABILITY OF COMPANY.

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

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

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

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

<PAGE>

                                 COHERENT, INC.

                                 1995 STOCK PLAN

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

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

I.  NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

[Optionee's Name and Address]

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

        Grant Number                        _________________________

        Date of Grant                       _________________________

        Vesting Commencement Date           _________________________

        Exercise Price per Share            $________________________

        Total Number of Shares Granted      _________________________

        Total Exercise Price                $_________________________

        Type of Option:                     ___  Incentive Stock Option

                                            ___  Nonstatutory Stock Option

        Term/Expiration Date:               _________________________

VESTING SCHEDULE:

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

     25% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest each year on the 1st,
2nd, 3rd and 4th anniversary dates of the Vesting Commencement Date.

     TERMINATION PERIOD:

<PAGE>

     This Option may be exercised for thirty (30) days after termination of the
Optionee's employment or consulting relationship with the Company. Upon the
death or Disability of the Optionee, this Option may be exercised for such
longer period as provided in the Plan. In the event of the Optionee's change in
status from Employee to Consultant or Consultant to Employee, this Option
Agreement shall remain in effect. In no event shall this Option be exercised
later than the Term/Expiration Date as provided above.

II.  AGREEMENT

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

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

     2a   EXERCISE OF OPTION.

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

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

          No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option
unless such issuance and exercise complies with all relevant provisions of law
and the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation service upon which the
Shares are then listed. Assuming such compliance, for income

<PAGE>

tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be considered transferred to the
Optionee on the date the Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised
Shares.

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

          (a)  cash;

          (b)  check;

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

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

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

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

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

          (a)  EXERCISING THE OPTION.

               (i)  NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION. The Optionee may incur regular
federal income tax and California income tax liability upon exercise of a NSO.
The Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at
ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value
of the Exercised Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise
Price. If the Optionee is an Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be
required to withhold from his or her compensation or collect from Optionee and
pay to the applicable taxing

<PAGE>

authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this compensation income
at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to
deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of
exercise.

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

          (b)  DISPOSITION OF SHARES.

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

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

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

     7a   ENTIRE AGREEMENT; GOVERNING LAW. The Plan is incorporated herein by
reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of
the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their
entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the
Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and
Optionee. This agreement is governed by California law except for that body of
law pertaining to conflict of laws.

<PAGE>

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

OPTIONEE:                                   COHERENT, INC.

____________________________________        By:_________________________________
Signature

____________________________________        Title:______________________________
Print Name

____________________________________
Residence Address

____________________________________

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

                                 1995 STOCK PLAN

                                 EXERCISE NOTICE

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

Attention:  Secretary

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

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

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

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

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

     6a   ENTIRE AGREEMENT; GOVERNING LAW. The Plan and Option Agreement are
incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Option
Agreement constitute the entire

<PAGE>

agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede
in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and
Purchaser with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified
adversely to the Purchaser's interest except by means of a writing signed by the
Company and Purchaser. This agreement is governed by California law except for
that body of law pertaining to conflict of laws.

Submitted by:                       Accepted by:

PURCHASER:                          COHERENT, INC.

__________________________________  By: _________________________________
Signature

__________________________________  Its: ________________________________
Print Name

ADDRESS:                            ADDRESS:

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

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