2 Feb 2015 07:00
February 2, 2015
ProPhotonix Limited
("ProPhotonix" or "the Company")
ProPhotonix Develops 32-Channel Fiber-coupled Laser Array for Computer-to-Plate OEM Customer
New solution maximizes optical efficiency and lifetime while allowing for rapid and accurate field replacement
ProPhotonix Limited (London Stock Exchange - AIM: PPIX and PPIR, OTC: STKR), a designer and manufacturer of LED illumination systems and laser diode modules with operations in Ireland and the United Kingdom, today announces the successful prototype development of its second High Powered UV Fiber-coupled Laser Diode Array system to a Computer-to-Plate (CtP) OEM customer. With this system, ProPhotonix further broadens its addressable markets and solidifies its position as a world-leader in customized OEM laser and LED systems.
CtP is a print workflow involving the printing of an image from a computer via a single laser, or an array of lasers, directly onto a lithographic plate on a platesetter that is used to transfer the image directly to paper, plastic, or other medium. ProPhotonix' OEM customer initially requires a 32-channel 1-Dimensional (1D) array for their platesetter system. The customer's application also requires that the array is scalable (32, 64, 96+), utilizes high power 405nm laser light sources, provides a precise and uniform output, and designed such that the laser modules are easily removed for field replacement.
ProPhotonix' Fiber-coupled Laser Diode Array utilizes multi-mode laser diodes, sufficiently driving the laser photons in the fiber causing a spatial mode mix, to achieve a uniform beam profile of 10µm diameter spots with ±1µm precision with the required high power output of >160mW to the lithographic plate. This system produces an output array of 32 precisely aligned high power laser beams to the platesetter. The custom mechanical design and precision manufacturing ensures excellent coupling efficiency and precise optical output, whilemaintaining laser module temperatures to within 1°C thereby maximizing laser lifetime. The array design allows for easy removal and field replacement of the fiber-coupled modules via the use of industry standard fiber connectors and a unique registration system ensuring the precise alignment of the laser module to the electronic driver board.
Jeremy Lane, Managing Director of Laser operations commented, "The laser module's compact size makes them particularly easy to integrate into OEM systems. Our engineers are actively incorporating these technologies for our OEM customers in markets such as semiconductor, industrial inspection, and machine vision where ProPhotonix is well known and has an established client base. Production ready units are expected to begin shipping in the second quarter 2015 and thereafter."
Lane continued, "These new capabilities will enable ProPhotonix to enter new markets such as medical and life sciences, which require laser sources with high output power stabilities. These market segments have the potential to generate significant laser sales versus traditional industrial sectors."
Components of the System will be on display at Photonics West 2015 in San Francisco from February 10-12, Booth 1100. For more information about ProPhotonix OEM capabilities, visit our website at www.prophotonix.com/products/custom-and-oem-solutions/.
Enquiries:
ProPhotonix Limited sales@prophotonix.com
Jeremy Lane, Managing Director Tel: +1 603 870 8209 / +44 1279 717 174
About ProPhotonix
ProPhotonix Limited, headquartered in Salem, New Hampshire, is an independent designer and manufacturer of diode-based laser modules and LED systems for industry leading OEMs and medical equipment companies. In addition, the Company distributes premium diodes for Ushio (formerly Oclaro), Osram, QSI, Panasonic, and Sony. The Company serves a wide range of markets including the machine vision, industrial inspection, security, and medical markets. ProPhotonix has offices and subsidiaries in the U.S., Ireland, U.K., and Europe. For more information about ProPhotonix and its innovative products, visit the Company's web site at www.prophotonix.com.