Abstract

It has been demonstrated that pulsed operation of the Nd:YAG laser is possible with good efficiency at 1.44 µm wavelength.¹ This wavelength is particularly interesting for atmospheric propagation and medical applications because it is eye-safe and coincides with absorption peak of water in this spectral region. It has been shown that the same effects on tissue can be obtained with 1.44 (µm Nd: YAG laser as with 2.12 µm Ho:YAG laser.² For technical reasons, the power output and pulse repetition rates from many holmium lasers are limited. Thus, an alternative laser that provides similar tissue effects but more flexibility in laser parameters would be advantageous.

© 1994 IEEE