Coherent has expanded its Matrix series of diode-pumped, solid-state lasers with a new model for trapping and optical tweezers that delivers 10W of continuous wave power at 1,064nm.
The economical, air-cooled laser is said to offer a long lifetime and high reliability.
For example, the Matrix 1064-10-CW offers a diffraction limited, TEM00 output beam (M<1.2), high pointing stability (8urad/C), good power stability (+/-2 per cent over eight hours) and low noise (<1 per cent rms from 10Hz to 100kHz).
The use of Coherent AAA pump diodes (MTBF >40,000hr), together with the company's Permalign construction technology, is said to guarantee reliable, hands-free and maintenance-free operation over tens of thousands of hours.
A primary application for the Matrix 1064-10-CW is in trapping and optical tweezers, which are techniques widely used in conjunction with microscope systems in life-sciences research.
Here, the laser's beam parameters, power stability and low noise allow for consistent, fine focusing, enabling precise specimen positioning and manipulation.
The near-infrared wavelength fits well into the 'therapeutic window' from 600nm to 1,200nm, thereby preventing deterioration and damage to living specimens.
The Matrix 1064-10-CW is also said to be useful for marking applications where Q-switched lasers are not the optimal choice due to their high pulse energies.
Examples of this are fine and micro-black marking of metals including steel and titanium, as well as thin coating removal.
