SDL Introduces Solid-State Blue Laser for Printing, Biosensing Applications

SDL Inc. of San Jose, Calif., unveiled a new solid-state blue laser during the Photonics East conference and exhibition in Boston last month. According to published specifications, the 450-nm "product preview" device is an air-cooled, waveguide frequency-doubled laser with minimum output of 1 mW and maximum of 2 mW within a temperature range of 15 to 35 °C. The company has been presenting technical information about the device for about a year, and it sees immediate applications in photographic printing, biosensing and cytology. Pricing has not yet been determined, but the company expects to ship the first products in early to mid-1997.