Abstract

Mid-infrared Q-switched laser radiation around λ ≈ 2 µm is important in material processing and numerous medical applications. A forward-looking task is the dissection of human aortic heart valves, intended for use in novel minimal invasive heart surgery [1]. In case of medical applications, when Q-switched pulses are transmitted via optical fibres, the damage threshold of the distal fibre tip in contact with biological tissue is significantly reduced [2].

© 2015 IEEE