Abstract

Alexandrite laser systems have several characteristics which are necessary for laser surgical applications. The relatively long Q-switched pulsewidths allow significant amounts of energy to be transmitted through optical fibers before the onset of fiber damage. The laser output wavelength in the fundamental (720 - 800 nm) and second harmonic (360 - 400 nm) are efficiently transmitted through commercially available fused silica fibers. The alexandrite laser may therefore be the optimal choice for numerous medical applications.

© 1987 Optical Society of America