nLIGHT announced the expansion of its Pearl solid-state laser platform into wavelengths 879 to 888 nanometer (nm), with electrical-optical efficiency greater than 50 percent, and power levels up to 100 watts (W). This industry leading performance enables a new class of air-cooled laser systems, and penetration into new markets and applications.

Power levels up to 100 W are available at 879, 885 and 888 nm with nLIGHT’s proprietary PowerCore fiber at 400 or 600 micron (µm). Operating efficiencies of 50 to 60 percent result in significantly less heat.

Utilizing PearlTM with upper-state pumping of Nd:YAG or Nd:YVO4 allows the design and manufacture of air-cooled diode-pumped solid-state laser systems. Due to PearlTM’s unique single emitter architecture, narrow spectral widths of less than 3.5 nm full width at half maximum (FWHM) can be maintained.

nLIGHT’s nXLT™ diode technology enables long lifetime, even under harsh industrial conditions with repeated on/off cycles, and nLIGHT’s PowerCore™ fiber provides consistent beam quality and power transmission independent of fiber layout and movement.

“Customers are reacting with great enthusiasm to our solid-state laser pump series, and many see the 879 to 888 nm series as crucial to their development of next-generation laser systems”, comments Rob Martinsen, nLIGHT VP of Product Development. “By offering engineers sources optimized for upper-state pumping, combined with superior diode efficiency, a clear roadmap to air-cooled laser systems is established.”