Summer 2009 - IPG Photonics

THE ACTIVE FIBER
IPG Photonics Successfully Tests World’s First
10 Kilowatt Single-Mode Production Laser
World’s Brightest Commercial Solid State Laser Enables New Applications
SUMMER 2009
IPG Photonics announced the successful test of its new ten kilowatt
single-mode fiber laser, a world record in an industry laser. The unique
laser produces 10.1 kilowatts of single-mode power through a single fiber
at total efficiency exceeding 23%. IPG’s new kilowatt laser has multiple
applications including remote cutting and welding as well as directed
energy.
Representing the latest development in the power scaling of IPG Photonics’ patented high-power
single-mode fiber laser technology, the laser’s optical scheme consists of a fully-integrated MOPA (master
oscillator power amplifier) with an output delivery fiber 1.5 meters long directly spliced into the booster
amplifier. The Company’s ten kilowatt single-mode laser, the YLS-10000-SM, is the world’s brightest
industrial CW solid state laser given the combination of output power and virtually perfect Gaussian
beam-quality at 1070 nm emission wavelength. Developed by its subsidiary IPG Laser GmbH, the
YLS-10000-SM is a turn-key package that offers a small footprint and record efficiency wall-plug.
“The ten kilowatt fiber laser builds on our prior success with the five kilowatt single-mode lasers we
introduced last year” stated Dr. Valentin Gapontsev, Chief Executive Officer of IPG Photonics and an inventor
of the new laser. “We designed a new state-of-the-art power amplifier to overcome thermal limitations, avoid
higher order modes and non-linear effects, despite the enormous power density at this output level” he
added.
“Industrial customers can now use fiber lasers for applications which were not previously possible with other lasers, such as
remote cutting and welding without expensive assist gases in the infrastructure, automotive, aerospace and shipbuilding
industries” said Bill Shiner, Vice President of Industrial Markets. “Mobile applications such as bridge construction and repair and
ship and airplane paint removal can now take advantage of higher output powers in a mobile and robust laser package to
increase the distance to the work piece.”
This industrial product also has applications in tactical directed energy markets. The combination of ten kilowatts of output power
with near-perfect beam quality and the inherent reliability, efficiency and ruggedness of a fiber laser in a compact package is a
compelling solution for a variety of tactical directed energy applications.
For more information contact Mike O’Connor, (508) 373-1271 or moconnor@ipgphotonics.com.
IPG Photonics’ Laser Survives High Speed Highway Crash
RUGGED
ROBUST
DESIGN
IPG lasers are known for their durability and ruggedness and have
survived months of service in theatre in HumVee’s and one high power
unit recently survived a high speed highway crash! Figures 1 & 2 show an
IPG fiber laser after suffering a highway accident in which the trailer
carrying the laser flipped and the laser hit the highway (inside a Conex)
on its side at approximately 60 mph. Although the laser frame and power
supplies were ruined by the impact, all 34 M66 optical modules survived
the crash and have been successfully tested at full power meeting all
specifications (Figure 3). Thankfully, no one was seriously injured in the
crash.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Ablation Characteristics of
Silicon
IPG Product Showcase
West Coast Operations Update
Who’s New
Upcoming Events
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Ablation Characteristics of Silicon for 532 nm Fiber Laser
The fabrication of advanced solar cells with high conversion efficiency frequently requires technologies such
as back contact formation, buried emitters or edge isolation. These processes are best performed by the
application of laser technology in one form or another. The issue then becomes the selection of an
appropriate laser that best performs a given process. This is often determined by extensive testing of lasers
with various laser characteristics since the performance and materials interaction of a given laser are not
generally established. IPG has characterized the performance of certain lasers for the PV industry. Work has
been performed to establish the removal rate of Si by
pulsed lasers operating at 1064 nm and 532 nm and under
a variety of operating conditions such as peak power,
average power, scanning speed and number of scans. The
data enables engineers to determine the relevant laser
parameters for a given target process with a reduced
requirement for testing.
The results of this work will be reported at a workshop of the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, in Vail, CO, August 9-12.
Fig. 1: Si wafer being exposed to different laser
parameter to determine material removal rate as a
function of laser output and laser beam exposure.
IPG’s New 532 nm Green Pulsed Laser
Tennessee Rand 2009 Automation Technology Expo
Tennessee Rand (TR) is a leading North American supplier of automated welding systems and a full service automation
integrator with core competencies in advanced welding system design, high-quality weld fixtures, robotic integration,
process automation, and on-going service & support. Based in a state-of-the-art 100,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility with
additional service, support and sales offices in Canada and the US, TR has the capability, expertise and resources to build
a broad variety of equipment ranging from dedicated welding cells to fully integrated in-line systems.
Laser Cell with HIGHYAG and
IPG Laser
During the week of May 18th, Tennessee Rand hosted the 2009 Automation Expo at their facility in Chattanooga, TN. The
Expo promoted advanced manufacturing technology through live demonstrations and practical applications of robotics,
lasers and CNC machining. Newcomers to this technology were provided a firsthand look at the manufacturing processes
of the future, showcasing the latest technology for current users, and demonstrating to regional manufacturing companies
that this technology is available locally in Chattanooga. The Expo also featured a seminar taught by Randy Paura of IPG
Photonics, with information on fiber laser technology, remote laser welding, laser optics and weld process monitoring.
As a centerpiece of the demonstrations, an IPG 4 kW fiber laser was on display, featuring a HIGHYAG RLSK scanning
optic for remote welding, with Precitec’s Laser Weld Monitor (LWM) with system integration and tooling by Tennessee
Rand. The Expo, attended by over 50 regional manufacturers, was considered very successful and interest in laser
applications was overwhelming. With recent
announcements such as the construction of the
new Volkswagen manufacturing facility, the
construction of automotive supplier facilities such
as Gestamp, the ground breaking for Wacker
Chemical, and the expansion of current
manufacturers such as Alstom, Chattanooga has
become a “hotbed” for advanced manufacturing.
“Tennessee Rand is proud to work with companies
such as IPG to promote and integrate these
technologies both locally and throughout North
America.”
Article written by Don Peters, Executive V.P.,
Tennessee Rand.
Automation Technology Expo help at the Tennessee Rand facility.
Kuka Robot- HIGHYAG TR
Protype Tool

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Featuring Everything New & Enhanced
Diode Laser Products Update
IPG Photonics offers a full line of high
brightness diode laser products in the
800-990nm wavelength range. The line is
starting with 90μm chips on Submount (CoS), the G-Cos and S-Cos series, up to 13 Watts at 9xxnm or up to 7
Watts at 8xxnm.
After fiber coupling those chips in single emitter or multi emitter configurations, IPG is offering the iPLD series
with powers up to 50 Watts at 8xxnm or up to 100 Watts at 9xxnm in a 105um core fiber. All of those fiber coupled
products are specified with a NA < 0.12, the highest brightness available in the market. Optional features include
an SMA connector termination, wavelength stabilization or an integrated fiber laser feedback protection.
DLM Series, low power
By combining these diode lasers, IPG also proposes high power diode laser modules or
complete system solutions with power from 100 Watts to up to several kWs out of a small
core diameter fiber for direct diode laser applications like material processing.
IPG’s semiconductor products division is the largest vertically integrated high power
single emitter based diode laser manufacturer. If you have an application where a
diode laser could be used, we will help you find the right diode laser solution.
For more information, please contact Tom Babcock in North America at
tbabcock@ipgphotonics.com or Franck Leibreich at fleibreich@ipgphotonics.com.
DLM Series
30 Watt iPLD Series
NEW Quasi-CW Fiber Laser
Introducing the YLR-150/750-QCW-WC, IPG’s NEW Quasi-CW Ytterbium Fiber
Laser. With a high peak power up to 750 Watts with 150 Watts average power, the
QCW is substantially more cost effective than traditional YAG lasers. With a BPP at
0.35 mmrad and M² of 1.1, the QCW is perfect for spot welding and drilling
applications.
750W Peak Power •
150W Average Power •
Plug & Play Design •
Water-Cooled •
Pulse Energy > 15J •
M² < 1.1, Single Mode •
19” Rack 3U •
200-240VAC •
NEW 500 Watt Pulsed Fiber Laser
Introducing the YLP-HP-50/100/10/500, IPG’s NEW High Power Pulsed Fiber Laser. With an average
power of 500 Watts, peak power to 83kW, variable pulse duration from 25ns to 200 ns and 50mJ energy, the
HP laser allows for high ablation rates greater than 40 cm²/s. The compact 19” rack design allows for easy
integration into edge deletion production lines for thin film solar modules. Available with either square or round
delivery fibers, they both provide flat top beam profiles that guarantee high ablation rates.
Ultra Compact •
High Ablation Rates •
Plug & Play Design •
Water-Cooled •
Flat Top Profile •
Square or Round Fiber Option •
19” Rack 6U •
Internal Coupler •

• Pulsed Mode
• High Peak Power
• 532 nm Wavelength
• Air-Cooled
• Short Pulse Duration
• Compact Design
• Single Mode Beam Quality
• Wall Plug efficiency >20%
NEW Pulsed Green Fiber Laser
Perfect for Scribing P2 & P3
At an output wavelength of 532 nm, the new pulsed green fiber laser from IPG provides
single-mode beam quality, ease of use and high reliability. Featuring M² of less than 1.2, the
green pulsed lasers have a narrow line width and provide high peak power up to 15kW with
scalable average output power up to 10W. This novel fiber laser is maintenance free, more
efficient (wall plug efficiency >20%), compact and cheaper than conventional lasers now on
the market and is built to run 24/7 in demanding industrial environments. IPG Photonics’ green
pulsed laser is the perfect solution for a multitude of applications from solar cell manufacturing,
resistor trimming, marking plastics, micromachining thin metals, polymer ablation to ablation of
thin films.
P2 layer scribing (a-Si). Peformed with just 0.1W average power, clean scribing of the a-Si layer
is achieved without any damage to the underlying TCO layer. The scribing speeds achieved were
2000mm/sec and the frequency used was 150kHz.
Government Programs Provide Funds to Purchase IPG Photonics Fiber Lasers
New Industrial Efficiency Programs Can Provide up to 50% or More for Purchase of Fiber Lasers
IPG Photonics Corporation announced the availability of government programs that provide financial incentives
for customers to purchase fiber lasers. Fiber lasers, which are vastly more energy efficient than conventional
YAG and CO2 gas lasers, are well suited for the new financial assistance programs which promote the
deployment of energy efficient technologies.
One such program is the Clean Energy and Industrial Efficiency Program of the Massachusetts Department of
Energy Resources (DOER). The DOER is reviewing applications for proven commercially available technologies
with a minimum efficiency improvement of 25% into the industrial sector. The DOER program is based on the
United States Department of Energy’s Funding Opportunity Announcement for $156 million in awards to deploy
energy efficient technologies under the terms of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. There is no cap
on the amount of funding per applicant.
Fiber lasers, a proven commercially available technology, convert electrical energy to optical energy 2 to 3 times
more efficiently than diode-pumped YAG lasers, 3 times more efficiently than CO2 lasers and 15 to 30 times
more efficiently than lamp-pumped YAG lasers. Because fiber lasers are much more energy-efficient and place
lower levels of thermal stress on their internal components, they have substantially less electrical requirements
than compared to conventional lasers.
In addition to government programs subsidizing the switch to energy-efficient fiber lasers, electric utilities provide
incentives to purchase fiber lasers. Check with your local utility company as we have found most states offer
rebate programs.
“Due to the high energy efficiency of our fiber lasers, one customer has already received 50% funding in Florida
by switching to fiber lasers for its materials processing application” stated Bill Shiner, Vice President of Industrial
Markets. “Sometimes the capital cost of new equipment is a roadblock for utilizing more efficient equipment like
fiber lasers. With new incentives available from the government and utilities, customers can deploy IPG’s proven
industrial lasers that provide great improvement in energy efficiency in addition to lower maintenance.”
For more information on the DOER program, visit http://sites.google.com/site/cleanenergyqanda/.
Similar programs are offered by other states and Canadian provinces.
For more information contact Bill Shiner, (508) 373-1144 or bshiner@ipgphotonics.com.

IPG Photonics Announces First Ten Kilowatt Fiber Laser Delivered in Canada
Canada’s Most Powerful Fiber Laser to be Dedicated to Applied Research & Development
IPG Photonics recently delivered the first ten kilowatt fiber laser in the Canadian market to The Centre spécialisé de technologie physique du Québec inc.
(CSTPQ). This laser, the most powerful of its kind in Canada, will be dedicated to applied research, development and technology transfer towards
manufacturing companies.
“IPG Photonics is pleased with CSTPQ’s decision and appreciates the increasing acceptance and growth of our products among technical and research
institutes, colleges and universities. IPG’s industrial single-mode and multi-mode lasers enable research institutes to push beyond the boundaries of current
laser materials processing regimes. CSTPQ and other customers demand a high level of criteria for beam quality, power density, flexibility, durability, with
no-nonsense “on-demand” performance and reliability” said Bill Shiner, VP of Industrial Markets. “IPG was able to deliver a cutting edge power source for
CSTPQ’s continued and future R&D needs from its standard product line demonstrates that we are able to deliver the best value in a world class laser
power source for their investment.”
“IPG industrial fiber lasers have a reputation for providing high power, reliability, efficiency and ruggedness in a compact package at a low cost,” commented
Randy Paura, Canadian Regional Manager & Processing Consultant. “While scaled up in power, IPG’s high power (to 50kW) industrial laser power sources
provide the same simplicity of operation, providing high reliability of performance with their high lifespan diode pumps. IPG’s success is based on what
starts in the fiber, stays in the fiber until delivered to the focus optics for materials processing. IPG’s fiber laser is the true industrial and research power
source which has it all, Simplicity = Efficiency = Quality = Reliability = Affordability.” For more information contact Randy Paura, P.Eng., (905) 931-8000 or
rpaura@ipgphotonics.com.
Progress at IPG Photonics Laser Micro Processing Center in Silicon Valley
IPG Photonics recently opened a new 8,000 sq. ft. Laser Micro Processing Applications Facility to serve West Coast customers. Improvements and
upgrades to the new facility have now been completed. Customers and guests are invited to visit and work on projects in three large laboratories,
workshop area, conference room and seminar area. The Facility will initially concentrate on the medical device and photovoltaic industries and will
act as a Center of Expertise for micro-machining within IPG. The Center will coordinate with IPG Photonics Applications facilities around the world
including Oxford, MA, Novi, MI, Yokohama-shi, Japan, Moscow, Russia, Daejon, Korea, Beijing, China and Burbach, Germany.
Equipment is being moved into the labs and a laser and scanner test station will be the first of three planned workstations to go live. A galvanometer
based scanner system from Cambridge Technology, a ProSeries 11 system, has been delivered and additional state-of-the-art equipment from
Lanmark Controls and SCAPS has also been sourced. Of real interest will be the arrival of a number of IPG’s very exciting low power, high brightness
short pulse fiber lasers. Lasers will be integrated with the workstation and will bring unique micro-machining capabilities for in-house and customer
related projects. The labs are also being supplied with the all the necessary ancillary equipment required such as microscopes and meters.
A fully integrated 3D scanner based workstation specifically developed for the photovoltaic industry will also be installed. This will have several
unique capabilities, including the ability to instantly change laser wavelengths, making objective comparisons between the new IPG green and
infra-red fiber lasers possible. A high precision 4 axis motion system with direct beam delivery will also be added to the lab.
IPG’s new facility is located at 3930 Freedom Circle, Suite 103, Santa Clara, CA 95054, office (408) 492-8830 and fax (408) 748-1376 and is lead by
Dr. Tony Hoult, General Manager – West Coast Operations. Tony is joined by Milt Vardakis, Director, Business Development Materials Processing,
Tim Webber, Manager, Market Development Industrial Products Western Region, and Jeffrey C. Kabahit, Laser Applications Engineer. Franck
Leibreich, Director of Sales & Marketing for Semiconductor Products and Tom Babcock, Sales Manager, North America Semiconductor Products
also work out of the West Coast office as IPG is becoming a major supplier of direct diode products.
Contact to arrange for free sample
evaluation and process development
in our new California Lab:
Tom Babcock (408) 492-8832
tbabcock@ipgphotonics.com
Tony Hoult (408) 821-1925
thoult@ipgphotonics.com.
Jeffrey C. Kabahit (408) 748-1348
jkabahit@ipgphotonics.com
Franck Leibreich (408) 492-8828
fleibreich@ipgphotonics.com
Milt Vardakis (925) 743-1059
mvardakis@ipgphotonics.com
Tim Webber (831) 336-9778
twebber@ipgphotonics.com
IPG Photonics Welcomes
Tom Babcock joined
IPG Photonics in May
as North America
Sales Manager,
Semiconductor
Products. Tom has
served over 25 years
in the laser industry
and most recently worked with
JDSU. Tom has vast experience with
industrial YAG lasers, CO2, argon,
krypton, diode lasers, diode pumped
solid state lasers as well as scientific
lasers.
(408) 492-8832
tbabcock@ipgphotonics.com
Juanita Garland
joined IPG Photonics
last fall in the role of
Administrative
Assistant for the Novi,
MI applications facility.
Juanita's experience in
administrative and account executive
roles combined with her Bachelor's
degree in business administration
qualify her to meet the unique
demands of a regional office.
(248) 863-5001
jgarland@ipgphotonics.com
Garrett Larrimore
joined IPG Photonics
– Midwest
Operations in June of
2008. Garrett brings
over 10 years
industry experience
with Rofin-Sinar with
positions held in field service and the
applications lab. Garrett has varied
experience with solid state and CO2
lasers and experienced in high
power cutting and welding.
(248) 863-5001
glarrimore@ipgphotonics.com
Corporate Headquarters
IPG Photonics Corporation
50 Old Webster Road
Oxford, MA 01540, USA
T: +1 (508) 373 1100
F: +1 (508) 373 1103
Sales
Industrial
T: +1 (508) 373-1144
Scientific
T: +1 (508) 373-1169
Governmental
T: +1 (508) 373-1271
Telecom
T: +1 (508) 373-1173
sales.us@ipgphotonics.com
www.ipgphotonics.com

50 Old Webster Road
Oxford, MA 01540 USA
U P C O M I N G E V E N T S
Make Sure to Visit IPG Photonics at these 2009 Trade Shows & Speaking Engagements
T R A D E S H O W S
August 31-September 3 SPIE Europe Security & Defence Berlin, Germany Stand #13
September 14-19 Schweißen & Schneiden 2009
September 21-23 ECOC 2009 Vienna, Austria Stand #252
September 27-October 1 FTTH Conference & Expo 2009 Houston, TX Booth #227
October 27-29 Solar Power International Anaheim, CA Booth #1571
October 28-30 SCTE Cable-Tec Expo Denver, CO Booth #9045
November 2-5 ICALEO 2009 Orlando, FL
November 2-6 Twelfth Annual Directed Energy Symposium San Antonio, TX
November 15-18 FABTECH International Chicago, IL Booth #35021
S P E A K I N G E N G A G E M E N T S
September 27-October 1 FTTH Conference & Expo 2009 Houston, TX
Simplifying RFoG Networks with a Two-way EDFA
November 2-5 ICALEO 2009 Orlando, FL
Developments in Fiber Lasers for Applications in PV Cell Manufacturing
Mark Cannata
Tony Hoult
HIGH POWER MULTIMODE LASER DIODES
Applications for Dental, Diode Pumping, Direct Diode Lasers & Fiber Lasers, Graphic Arts/
Printing, Life and Health Sciences, Materials Processing, Medical, Microwelding, Photovoltaic and
Custom Applications.