SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 14, 2008 -- Coherent Inc. said the new Talisker combines the advantages of fiber-based and free-space lasers in a rugged industrial package that offers high power, picosecond output.

With over 18 W of average power at a pulse repetition rate of 200 kHz (pulsewidth < 15 ps), the Talisker will enable precision micromachining at high throughput rates with a negligible HAZ (heat-affected zone). And, with a choice of infrared (1064 nm), visible (532 nm) or ultraviolet (355 nm) output, Talisker can be used on virtually any material type, including metals, polymers, glass and semiconductors, the company said.

Talisker is also configured to facilitate integration and for ease of use, as its internal Web server simplifies remote diagnostics and preventative maintenance, Coherent said, and the compact laser head measures only 17 x 39 x 77 cm.

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

According to the company, 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, micromilling, wafer dicing and metal surface treatments.

For more information, visit: www.coherent.com; e-mail: tech.sales@coherent.com

Coherent Inc.
5100 Patrick Henry Dr.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Phone: (408) 764-4000
Fax: (408) 764-4800

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