Powerlase Photonics, West Sussex, UK, has unveiled a new 355 nm UV q-switched diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) laser with 10-50 kHz output, targeting materials processing and micromachining applications

The Starlase AO40 UV emits at 355 nm wavelength, operating at 10-50 kHz. Output power ranges from 40W at the low end of the repetition rate range, to 5W at the high end of the range. An acousto-optical q-switch is used, so pulse width of the laser changes with the repetition rate -- 60 nm at 10 kHz, growing to 200 nm at 50 kHz.

The Starlase AO40 UV is available from distributor RPMC Lasers in the US. A RPMC rep tells us an 80 W UV version is due in the third quarter of 2012.

In addition to materials processing and micromachining, the lasers are used in other areas ranging from microelectronics and photovoltaics to medical and automotive.