BLUE SKY RESEARCH RELEASES 20MW CHROMALASE 488 BLUE LASER

High Performance, Cost Effective Alternative to 488nm Argon Ion Lasers for Biomedical Instrumentation and Semiconductor Metrology

MILPITAS, Calif. (PRWEB) -- September 15, 2003 -- Blue Sky Research, a volume manufacturer of semiconductor lasers, laser systems and components, today announced the company is accepting orders for its ChromaLASE 488 blue laser. This latest release compliments Blue Sky Researchs existing ChromaLASE product line of 635nm and 405nm high stability, free space lasers. The ChromaLASE 488 is a semiconductor frequency-doubled 488nm laser that delivers 20mW output power with superior beam pointing and power stability in a single, compact assembly.

In addition to superior beam pointing accuracy, the Blue Sky Research ChromaLASE 488 requires only 12W input power, making it over 100 times more efficient than a 1.5Kw Air-cooled Ar ion laser. Utilizing a high reliability telecom grade 980nm pump laser and a single passive SHG (second harmonic generation) crystal, the ChromaLASE 488 generates more than 20mW of 488nm output power and requires no external power conditioning, control boxes, or cooling fans. The laser system is designed to operate from 5V DC, and includes a thermoelectric cooler and drive-control electronics. Output power is variable and a DB9 electrical connector allows users to remotely control the laser. The ChromaLASE 488 is a very compact, single-unit assembly measuring 145mm x 82mm x 33mm. The required volume is 85% less than comparable Argon ion lasers.

The ChromaLASE 488 blue laser is a remarkable improvement over conventional 488nm AR ion lasers for many applications, especially in terms of beam pointing stability over temperature," said Chris Gladding, President and CEO of Blue Sky Research. This product is designed to meet the requirements of demanding applications, including biomedical and analytical instrumentation, although it is equally suitable to semiconductor metrology. Like all products in the Blue Sky Research ChromaLASE family, our 488 offers unparalleled value to customers by driving down operational costs while simultaneously increasing system reliability and improving overall optical system performance."

ChromaLASE 488 beam pointing stability test data demonstrates beam steering variability with temperature of significantly less than 4 mrad per degree C, while variability with time is less than 15 mrad over 2 hours. Output power is very stable, varying less than 2.0% over 8 hours, and optical noise is less than 1% peak-peak. Testing indicates that the ChromaLASE 488 MTTF (mean time to failure) is greater than 10,000 hours. The ChromaLASE 488 is competitively priced, and is shipping now in sample quantities. Custom and fiber-pigtailed configurations are available upon request.

About Blue Sky Research

Blue Sky Research is a vertically integrated volume manufacturer of fiber-coupled and free space, red, blue, violet, and IR laser systems, semiconductor lasers, 635nm laser diodes, and OEM laser components. With expertise in semiconductor and laser diode manufacturing and sophisticated optical engineering disciplines, the company is uniquely qualified to craft state of the art laser systems characterized by cutting edge performance and innovative mechanical and electronic designs. Custom and application-specific solutions for high reliability and coupling of laser power to single mode fibers are enabled via award-winning, patented microlens technology, and telecommunications grade packaging technology. Founded in 1989, Blue Sky Research is headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, with production capabilities that include an in-house semiconductor foundry and offshore high volume manufacturing partnerships. More information about Blue Sky Research can be found on the Internet at www.blueskyresearch.com.

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