High repetition rate mid-infrared laser

摘要

An optically pumped mid-infrared solid-state laser with high pulse repetition rate is described for use in laser surgery. The laser produces a wavelength between 1.7 and 4.0 microns, and is optically pumped. The rise and fall times of the pump pulses are sufficiently short to avoid thermal lensing induced instability. The laser provides an increased rate of tissue cutting without necessitating an increase in the pulse energy.