Advanced photonics technologies supplier Newport Corp. of Irvine, Calif., yesterday announced that its Fiber Laser Business Group has shipped the first units of a new laser system based on its fiber technology platform to select international customers. The laser system operates in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range and generates picosecond laser pulses to perform processes such as cutting, dicing, scribing and ablation with higher precision and less damage to the material, Newport said. The fiber laser has applications in the microelectronics and industrial markets, such as semiconductor, solar cell and flat-panel display manufacturing. "The laser system shipped recently is the first in a series of new fiber-based laser products Newport will introduce this year," said Newport Chairman and CEO Robert G. Deuster.