Specialty fiber expands infrared laser applications

The applications of infrared lasers in the therapeutic field are discussed. The precision of the lasers, which are used for medical procedures in dermatology, dentistry and opthalmology has benefited applications such as skin resurfacing, preparation of dental cavities and retinal surgery. In dentistry, high-power delivery is required to efficiently ablate hard tissues. For ophthalmology, precision laser surgery of delicate tissues requires minimal thermal and mechanical damage to surrounding ocular structures. It is found that the cosmetic applications require both high power and high-repetition-rate delivery of laser radiation for rapid skin resurfacing of large facial areas.