3-um laser converter for medical applications

Rudolf W. Steiner; Hans-Joachim Pohl; I. A. Mironov

doi:10.1117/12.309481

5 June 1998 3-μm laser converter for medical applications

Rudolf W. Steiner, Hans-Joachim Pohl, I. A. Mironov

Proceedings Volume 3262, Surgical-Assist Systems; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.309481
Event: BiOS '98 International Biomedical Optics Symposium, 1998, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

As an alternative to the 2,94 μm Er:YAG laser, new laser crystals have been developed to convert near IR laser light into a 3 μm laser beam. With this concept the 3 μm laser light is created directly at the position where the applications occur, either inside the body or on the tissue surface. The problem of transmitting the 3 μm laser light through fibers consequently no longer exists. The emission line of the laser-converter (L-C) crystal corresponds to a transition of the ⁵I₆ to the ⁵I₇ energy niveau of holmium ions, e.g. in a BaYb₂F₈ crystal. Pumping with the Nd:YAG laser line of 1.12 μm leads to direct excitation of holmium ions from the ⁵I₈ niveau to the upper laser level. This direct pumping is more efficient than pumping of the Yb ions at 1.047 μm. With this L-C very small systems can be realized for endoscopic applications or for handheld lasers. The advantages of this converter crystals are high conversion efficiency of 25% and low dependence of conversion efficiency on Ho and Yb concentrations, pump density and pump geometry. Pulsed system for laser ablation of soft and hard tissue and also cw-applications of the 3 μm radiation are possible.

Citation Download Citation

Rudolf W. Steiner, Hans-Joachim Pohl, and I. A. Mironov "3-μm laser converter for medical applications", Proc. SPIE 3262, Surgical-Assist Systems, (5 June 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.309481

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