Spectra-Physics  announces Explorer XP 355-1, the world’s smallest 1 W ultraviolet (UV) Q-switched diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser, at least seven times smaller than the nearest competitive laser.  With Spectra-Physics’ unique “It’s in the Box design that combines electronics and laser head into a single, compact, lightweight package, the new laser is rugged and easily integrates into machine tools and moving gantries. 

The Explorer XP 355-1 delivers exceptional performance with short pulse width, superior beam quality, and unparalleled pulse-to-pulse stability for high quality processing, making it ideal for additive manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, UV marking and other precision UV micromachining applications. “We are excited about the Explorer XP 355-1, a breakthrough in UV lasers that delivers over a Watt of UV power from a single, tiny package that fits in the palm of your hand,” says Wolfgang Köhler, product manager of Spectra-Physics, Stahnsdorf, Germany.  

“We believe this low cost, compact laser will enable our customers to realize machine tool designs with reduced footprint, cost, and cost of operation, while delivering high quality UV micro-processing results.” The Explorer XP 355-1 delivers >1W output power at 50 kHz repetition rate with a short 8ns pulse width and <2 % pulse-to-pulse stability for highest process reproducibility and yields. Based on the field-proven Explorer platform and Spectra-Physics’ patented architecture, the ruggedized laser is tested to endure bare product shock and vibration with accelerations of up to 100 g with exceptional reliability and low cost of operation.