Comparing HeCd gas lasers and DPSS lasers
Helium Cadmium (HeCd) and Argon Ion (Ar+) lasers have long served the demand for ultraviolet wavelengths at 325 nm and 351.1 nm — but are now losing market share to diode-pumped solid-state lasers.
Substantial costs are incurred through gas and ion laser rebuilds, tube replacement, power supply replacement, and miscellaneous maintenance costs that are required to keep these legacy lasers in operation.
With increasing concerns around power efficiency, performance, and cost-of-ownership, many gas and ion laser users are turning to DPSS lasers as a replacement option.
Power efficiency
Due to significantly lower power consumption and simplified thermal management, our lasers have improved power scalability from a remarkably small footprint.
HeCd Laser
Power draw
720 W
Output power
50 mW
Wall plug efficiency
0.007%
Ar+ Laser
Power draw
20 kW+
Output power
50 mW
Wall plug efficiency
0.002%
Skylark 320 NX
Power draw
70 W
Output power
50 mW
Wall plug efficiency
0.35%
Cost of ownership
Based on a 3 year trajectory, assuming 20% depreciation and 5,000 hours usage per year, our lasers cost 88% less than traditional gas lasers.
$47,900
HeCd Laser
$146,000
Ar+ Laser
88% less
Skylark 320 NX
Maintenance
1,000 hours
HeCd Laser
Requires frequent gas tube replacement and is prone to fan and control board failure.
1,000 hours
Ar+ laser
Requires frequent plasma tube and cathode wiring replacement and is prone to power supply failure.
3,000 hours
Skylark 320 NX laser
Remote diagnostics integrated into the software package predicts potential system downtime.
Skylark 320 NX
HeCd Laser
Size
Up to 76% smaller than legacy HeCd lasers
High performance ultraviolet DPSS lasers at 320 nm and 349 nm
Skylark NX lasers at 320 and 349 nm offer CW single frequency UV operation, delivering up to 400 mW of ultra-stable intensity and wavelength. Spectrally pure, the lasers are extremely low noise and designed for precision applications.
Unrivalled UV power
Up to 400 mW efficient output power at 349 nm for demanding applications. Up to 200 mW at 320 nm.
Ultra-stable output
Consistent output power and wavelength with minimal drift over long laser operation and lifetime.
Ultra-narrow linewidth
Precise spectral resolution for fine-tuned interaction and high resolution measurement of materials.
Ultra-low noise
Minimal signal distortion for high clarity measurements and manipulation of materials.
Find out more
Our video compares the benefits of a Skylark Lasers 320 NX UV DPSS laser to a standard HeCd laser.
