Coherent introduces first fiber-based high-power picosecond laser for industrial applications

May 8, 2007, San Jose, CA--At the Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO) in San Jose this week, Coherent, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA) has launched the Talisker as the "world's first" fiber-based laser to offer high-power picosecond output in a rugged industrial package. With over 18 W of average power at a pulse repetition rate of 200 kHz (pulsewidth less than 15 ps), this first fiber-based laser from Coherent will enable precision micromachining at high throughput rates with a negligible heat-affected zone.

The Talisker is offered with infrared (1064 nm), visible (532 nm), or ultraviolet (355 nm) outputs, and can be used on virtually any material type, including metals, polymers, glass, and semiconductors. Talisker is also configured to facilitate integration and for ease of use. For instance, its internal web server simplifies remote diagnostics and preventative maintenance. Plus, the compact laser head measures only 17 x 39 x 77 cm.

Talisker is a mode-locked laser with a unique architecture that combines the desirable characteristics of both fiber-based and free-space lasers, while avoiding the inherent limitations of each. Specifically, Talisker uses a fiber-based oscillator that ensures industrial-grade stability, together with a bulk amplifier that boosts peak powers to higher than 10 megawatts. In contrast, traditional fiber lasers are limited to peak powers that are orders of magnitude lower than this to avoid self-damage.

Talisker is intended for micromachining applications in the microelectronics, biomedical, semiconductor, and solar device industries. Specific applications include drilling high quality holes in silicon and metals, direct write of flexible circuits/displays, scribing of flat panel displays/solar cells, micro milling, wafer dicing, and metal surface treatments.

For more information on the Talisker and to view a video about the technology, visit www.cohr.com/lasers.

--V.C.