Use Of Ceramic In Optical Pumping Cavities To Increase Laser Efficiency

Lasers have been used in medicine for many years, mostly as minimally invasive surgical cutting tools. However, in recent years there have been many advances in the market, and the range of applications for lasers and light-based systems continues to expand across several specialities, especially in ophthalmology and cosmetic treatments.

Over the past five years there has been a rise in demand for cosmetic surgeries such as hair removal and laser vision correction as the procedures are becoming more readily available and accepted by customers. This has created a demand for increased efficiency of lasers and high intensity pulsed lamps, while creating new systems that are more compact, gentler, quicker and more cost-effective.

The construction of the pumping cavity itself is critical to the performance and durability of laser equipment and engineers can achieve higher efficiency by looking at its design. Traditionally, optical pumping cavities are made of gold-plated aluminium, however they tend to suffer from delamination problems and a loss of uniform reflectivity. Manufacturers are now turning to ceramic as an alternative material from which to manufacture the pumping cavity.