Santa Clara, Calif. – Spectra-Physics, a Newport Corporation brand, is celebrating 50 years of pioneering new laser technologies, products and solutions for industry and science. Notably, the company became the first commercial laser company in 1961, less than a year after the invention of the laser. Spectra-Physics® will begin the celebration of this milestone year at SPIE’s Photonics West, January 25-27, 2011.
"We are proud to announce our 50th year as the catalyst for the laser industry, innovating numerous ‘firsts’ in breakthrough laser technologies," says Dave Allen, VP and gM of Spectra-Physics. "We look forward to continuing to partner with our customers to deliver leading laser products and solutions that enable new applications and satisfy the expanding needs of our scientific and industrial communities, both today and for the next 50 years."
Kim Abair, director of global marketing for Newport Corporation, notes, "We are planning a variety of activities this coming year to celebrate all the ‘firsts’ in laser solutions that Spectra-Physics has introduced. To kick off our anniversary year, we invite all Photonics West attendees to come celebrate with us at our South Hall booth #1301 during the show."
Some of the newest innovations from Spectra-Physics will be showcased in the booth, including the Explorer® XP, the industry’s first all-in-one mid-power green laser that fits in the palm of your hand, and other soon to be announced products. Product experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide demonstrations.
Show attendees are invited to visit the Newport booth on Tuesday, Jan. 25, between 11 am and 12 pm to meet Dr. Charles Townes. A raffle will also be held and booth visitors may enter to win one of three signed copies of Dr. Townes’ book, How the Laser Happened.