New Ultrafast Amplifier Combines High Power and Superior Mode Quality
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - The new Spitfire HPR from Spectra-Physics is the world's first all solid state, regenerative amplifier to simultaneously deliver high power ultrafast pulses, high mode quality and both excellent energy and beam pointing stability. Specifically, the Spitfire HPR is a single stage regenerative amplifier with output power up to 2.25 watts, pulse duration from <50fs to >80ps, M2 less than 1.5, and repetition rates up to 5kHz. The output wavelength is tunable from 750 to 840nm, with other wavelengths available upon request.
This unique configuration avoids the power limitations of traditional single stage regenerative amplifiers, which deliver acceptable beam characteristics but are limited to 1 watt, and the deficiencies of multipass amplifiers, which offer higher power but sacrifice beam quality and pointing stability.
The primary application for the Spitfire HPR is pumping OPAs (optical parametric amplifiers) to generate tunable pulses for pump-probe type research experiments in quantum physics and photochemistry. In addition to generating superior output from a femtosecond OPA, the Spitfire HPR is capable of driving picosecond OPA operation at repetition rates up to 5 kHz. The high power of this new Spitfire is also ideal for applications requiring multiple OPA operation.
About the new Spectra-Physics
ounded in 1961, Spectra-Physics was the first commercial laser business and has grown to become a global leader in the design, development, manufacture, and distribution of solid-state and high-power semiconductor lasers, gas lasers and ultrafast systems for industrial, scientific, micro-electronics, and biomedical markets. Today, Spectra-Physics has expanded to provide a broader spectrum of photonics products, capabilities, and services including Corion thin-film interference filters, Hilger scintillation and electro-optic crystals, replicated diffraction gratings from Richardson Gratings, Oriel Catalog and Instruments, and CIDTEC charged-injection device (CID) solid-state video cameras. Spectra-Physics is a wholly-owned business of Thermo Electron Corporation (NYSE: TMO).
The matters discussed in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as 'believes,' 'expects,' 'may,' 'will,' 'should,' 'seeks,' 'approximately,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'estimates,' or 'anticipates,' or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These include risks associated with sole suppliers and limited sources, the complexity of Spectra-Physics' manufacturing processes, successful identification of new markets, rapid and fundamental technological changes affecting the laser industry, dependence on proprietary technology, international sales, competitive pressures, success of strategic initiatives and other factors discussed from time to time in the forms and reports filed by Spectra-Physics with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), such as the Form 10-K dated March 24, 2000 and the Form 10-Q dated May 10, 2000. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Spectra-Physics assumes no obligation to update information contained in this release.