MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- The new HIPPO (High Intensity Peak Power Oscillator) from Spectra-Physics is the first industrial, diode-pumped solid state laser specifically optimized for micromachining of metals, semiconductors and polymer materials. In particular, HIPPO lasers deliver a unique combination of short pulse length (<15 nsec at 40 Hz), high output power (>17 W at 1064 nm) and exceptional beam quality (M2<1.2), making them particularly useful for marking and microstructuring in microelectronics, automotive, aerospace, MEMs, biomedical, photonics and telecommunications applications. These characteristics are a direct result of the short length laser cavity, arranged in Spectra-Physics’ exclusive Periodic Resonator configuration. HIPPO lasers are available with output at 1064 nm, frequency doubled to 532 nm (>11 W) and frequency tripled to 355 nm (>4.5 W). Frequency multiplication is achieved through the use of pre-aligned harmonic modules, which mate to the laser using locating pins, and which can be easily replaced or removed in the field. All HIPPO lasers are specifically designed to deliver the long term reliability necessary for production applications, and to meet the needs of systems integrators. Both the laser, doubling and tripling modules are compact, rugged, hermetically sealed units that never require optics cleaning or realignment. Also, the pump diodes are derated for extended lifetime; these ProLite™ pump diode lasers are mounted in the power supply and fiber connected to the laser head, enabling pump diode replacement to be performed without realignment.Spectra-Physics Inc.