Laser maker Coherent Inc. said it has opened a new CO2 laser applications laboratory in Beijing to give its customers in the rapidly growing Chinese materials processing and microelectronics markets the ability to get quick feedback on the suitability of their specific application for CO2 laser processing. The Coherent Beijing applications laboratory is currently able to process a wide variety of laser/material interactions with up to 400 W of laser power, the company said, adding that it will be able to address an even broader selection of applications as it adds higher power levels, such as 1 kW from its new Diamond E-1000. “The introduction of more compact CO2 lasers with greater reliability and lower cost of ownership, such as our Diamond E series, have helped fuel a substantial expansion in applications for these sources,” said Sri Venkat, vice president and general manager, CO2 Business Unit, Coherent. “Beyond traditional materials processing applications, we’re now seeing increased demand for sealed CO2 lasers for a variety of new applications and materials. Having the ability to perform testing locally will speed development and adoption of these new processes in China.” For more information, visit: www.coherent.com