Spectra-Physics announced it will commence its celebration of 50 years of pioneering new laser technologies, products and solutions for industry and science at SPIE’s Photonics West, Jan. 25-27, 2011, in San Francisco. The Newport Corp. Brand company will celebrate, most notably, its success as the first commercial laser company in 1961, less than a year after the invention of the laser. “We are proud to announce our 50th year as the catalyst for the laser industry, innovating numerous ‘firsts’ in breakthrough laser technologies,” said Dave Allen, vice president and general manager of Spectra-Physics. A variety of activities have been planned to celebrate all of the ‘firsts’ in laser solutions introduced by the company, said Kim Abair, director of global marketing at Newport. Its latest innovation, the Explorer XP all-in-one mid-power green laser, will be showcased at the company’s booth at the Moscone Center. Newport Corp. supplied advanced-technology products and systems to customers in the scientific research, microelectronics manufacturing, aerospace and defense/security, life and health sciences, and precision industrial manufacturing markets. For more information, visit: www.newport.com/spectra-physics