Paper
1 April 1991 Mid-infrared laser applications
Author Affiliations +
Proceedings Volume 1419, Eyesafe Lasers: Components, Systems, and Applications; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.43850
Event: Optics, Electro-Optics, and Laser Applications in Science and Engineering, 1991, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Abstract
Revived interest in mid-IR lasers can be attributed to better materials, medical applications, and their eyesafety. Twenty years ago, these 2 to 3 micron lasers were limited to research labs because of the necessity of cryogenic cooling. Recent advances have made room temperature operation with manageable thresholds available for Co:MgF2, Tm, Ho, and Er covering from 1.7 microns to 2.5 microns. The interest in medical applications is related to the high absorption for tissue at these wavelengths and the flexible delivery by low fiber optics. The eyesafety issue makes commercial uses more attractive. Other interesting applications where eyesafety is critical include: rangefinders, remote sensing, wind shear detection and lidar.
© (1991) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
John G. Daly "Mid-infrared laser applications", Proc. SPIE 1419, Eyesafe Lasers: Components, Systems, and Applications, (1 April 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.43850
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Cited by 27 scholarly publications.
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KEYWORDS
Holmium

Thulium

Er:YAG lasers

Erbium

Laser applications

Pulsed laser operation

Absorption

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