UV laser promises high reliability for 24/7 industrial apps

The new AVIA 266-3 from Coherent Inc. is a second-generation deep UV laser that combines high-power output with extended lifetime, output stability and industrial-grade reliability needed for 24/7 industrial applications.

The device incorporates numerous innovations in both components and manufacturing methods. In particular, lifetime of the consumable crystal has been increased by 25 percent to 40,000hrs.

The AVIA 266-3 provides over 3W of Q-switched output at 266nm, and pulse repetition rates as high as 100kHz, with superior beam quality and high pulse to pulse stability. Moreover, the AVIA 266-3 is fully RoHS compliant.

The combination of deep UV wavelength, high average power, long lifetime and low cost-of-ownership makes the AVIA 266-3 an ideal laser for micromachining applications for a wide range of materials used in microelectronics and other industries. And the use of automated systems such as the Posilock beam pointing active stabilization system delivers maximum possible spatial control and resolution in these applications. Standout examples include drilling microvias and micromachining structures in glass substrates. Other applications include micromachining synthetic materials such as FR4 and acrylic, drilling small diameter nozzles and orifices, marking glass and plastics such as polycarbonate and micromachining and drilling tougher materials such as steel, tungsten and aluminum nitride.