Spectra-Physics Introduces new Ultrafast Mai Tai® Lasers

Spectra-Physics is pleased to announce the introduction of a new generation of their popular Mai Tai product line – the world's only tunable "one-box" ultrafast laser. The latest Mai Tai utilizes a new power supply and incorporates a re-designed pump laser. These advances deliver improved reliability, lower operating costs, and simplified integration into optically complex applications such as multiphoton microscopy.

The pump laser is the Spectra-Physics Millennia® diode-pumped solid-state laser which now uses only one pump diode. Since the diode array is the only consumable in this type of laser, using a single, long-lived diode significantly enhances reliability and reduces overall cost of ownership. In addition, the Mai Tai power supply is now completely solid-state, using the latest TE (thermoelectric) cooling technology to stabilize the temperature of the pump diode. This power supply can even be rack mounted, saving valuable floor space.

The Mai Tai laser also uses an active stabilization system (StabiLok™) to deliver enhanced short and long term beam pointing stability, virtually eliminating beam wander as a function of temperature or output wavelength. In turn, this precludes the need for users to realign downstream optics, even during wide spectral tuning.

Typical applications for Mai Tai include multiphoton microscopy, photochemistry, optical tomography, terahertz imaging, and time-resolved spectroscopy.

The company plans to commence shipping of these new lasers on 4/1/2002.

Founded in 1961, Spectra-Physics (NASDAQ:SPLI) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacture and distribution of semiconductor-based lasers and laser optics for a variety of end-markets. The company offers a diverse line of laser products backed by a sales, service and support organization located in more than 35 countries.

The matters discussed in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as 'believes,' 'expects,' 'may,' 'will,' 'should,' 'seeks,' 'approximately,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'estimates,' or 'anticipates,' or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These include risks associated with sole suppliers and limited sources, the complexity of Spectra-Physics' manufacturing processes, successful identification of new markets, rapid and fundamental technological changes affecting the laser industry, dependence on proprietary technology, international sales, competitive pressures, success of strategic initiatives and other factors discussed from time to time in the forms and reports filed by Spectra-Physics with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), such as the Form 10-K dated March 24, 2000 and the Form 10﷓Q dated May 10, 2000. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Spectra-Physics assumes no obligation to update information contained in this release.

Spectra-Physics Lasers, 1335 Terra Bella Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043. Tel: 650-961-2550; Fax: 650-968-5215.