Coherent 10-K 2007 FY Annual report

QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

        I, Helene Simonet certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Annual Report of Coherent, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Coherent, Inc.

Date: February 5, 2008

By: /s/  HELENE SIMONET      Helene Simonet
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

QuickLinks

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002