News | January 11, 2011

Spectra-Physics Celebrates 50th Year In Commercial Laser Industry

Spectra-Physics, a Newport Corporation Brand, announces the company is celebrating 50 years of pioneering new laser technologies, products and solutions for industry and science. Notably, the company became the first commercial laser company in 1961, less than a year after the invention of the laser. Spectra-Physics will begin the celebration of this milestone year at SPIE's Photonics West, January 25-27, 2011.

"We are proud to announce our 50th year as the catalyst for the laser industry, innovating numerous ‘firsts' in breakthrough laser technologies," says Dave Allen, vice president and general manager of Spectra-Physics. We look forward to continuing to partner with our customers to deliver leading laser products and solutions that enable new applications and satisfy the expanding needs of our scientific and industrial communities, both today and for the next 50 years."

Kim Abair, director of global marketing for Newport Corporation, notes, "We are planning a variety of activities this coming year to celebrate all the ‘firsts' in laser solutions that Spectra-Physics has introduced." She adds, "To kick off our anniversary year, we invite all Photonics West attendees to come celebrate with us at our South Hall booth #1301 during the show."

Some of the newest innovations from Spectra-Physics will be showcased in the booth, including the Explorer XP, the industry's first all-in-one mid-power green laser that fits in the palm of your hand, and other soon to be announced products. Product experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide demonstrations.

Please visit Newport's booth #1301 at SPIE Photonics West at Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA, from January 25 – 27, 2011. Show attendees are invited to visit the Newport booth on Tuesday, Jan. 25th, between 11 am and 12 pm to meet Dr. Charles Townes. A raffle will also be held and booth visitors may enter to win one of three signed copies of Dr. Townes' book, How the Laser Happened.

For more information about Spectra-Physics' 50th year celebration, go to www.newport.com/SP50

About Newport Corporation
Newport Corporation is a leading global supplier of 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. Newport's innovative solutions leverage its expertise in high-power semiconductor, solid-state and ultrafast lasers, photonics instrumentation, sub-micron positioning systems, vibration isolation, optical subsystems and precision automation to enhance the capabilities and productivity of its customers' manufacturing, engineering and research applications. Newport is part of the Standard & Poor's SmallCap 600 Index and the Russell 2000 Index.

SOURCE: Spectra-Physics