US 6,208,673 B1 · Multifunction solid state laser system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for obtaining multiple wavelengths of varying temporal format from a single solid state laser are provided. Accordingly, the output from the solid state laser can either be sent through a series of non-linear crystals to obtain UV radiation or through an OPO cavity to obtain IR radiation. In order to provide the different wavelengths in the temporal formats commonly used for various medical procedures, the laser source may be operated in two different modes. When the laser system produces UV radiation a pulse of short duration is desired and the laser source is operated in the standard Q-switched mode or is mode locked. Conversely, when the laser system produces IR radiation, a pulse of long duration is desired and the laser source is operated in the free running mode. The outputs from the UV and IR portions of the system can either be directed to the object to be treated through a common beam delivery system or through separate beam delivery systems, for example utilizing optical fibers or waveguides.

Claims21

Dependent claims

An optical device, comprising:

a laser source producing radiation of a first wavelength, wherein said laser source operates in a first short temporal mode, said first short temporal mode having a first pulse duration of between about 1 and 50 nanoseconds, and wherein said laser source operates in a second long temporal mode, said second long temporal mode having a second pulse duration between about 100 and 1000 microseconds;
an optical switch, wherein an input to said optical switch is said radiation from said laser source, said optical switch directing said radiation from said laser source between at least a first optical path and a second optical path, wherein said laser source operates in said first short temporal mode when said radiation is directed to said first optical path, and wherein said laser source operates in said second long temporal mode when said radiation is directed to said second optical path;
at least one non-linear crystal in said first optical path, said at least one non-linear crystal producing UV radiation;
and
an optical parametric oscillator cavity including a periodically polled non-linear crystal in said second optical path, said optical parametric oscillator cavity producing IR radiation.

2 more elements

A method of producing multiple wavelengths from a single laser source, said method comprising the steps of:

selecting between a first optical path and a second optical path;
when said first optical path is selected, said method further comprising the steps of:
directing an output of a first wavelength from said single laser source along said first optical path;
pulsing said laser source with a pulse duration of between about 1 and 50 nanoseconds;
converting said first wavelength output to a second wavelength output, wherein said second wavelength is an ultraviolet wavelength;
and
directing said second wavelength output with a first beam delivery system;
and
when said second optical path is selected, said method further comprising the steps of:
directing said output of said first wavelength from said single laser source along said second optical path;
pulsing said laser source with a pulse duration of between about 100 and 1000 microseconds;
converting said first wavelength output to a third wavelength output, wherein said third wavelength is an infrared wavelength;
and
directing said third wavelength output with a second beam delivery system.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multifunction solid state laser system

Life of this patent

Multifunction solid state laser system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21