Month: September 2025

Fiber lasers and their applications in medicine

Fiber lasers have gained significant attention due to their qualities, practical benefits, and wide applications. A variety of wavelengths allows specialists to use fiber laser systems in industrial environments for welding, cutting, and texturing. Ultraprecise fiber lasers are applied in fields where high accuracy is critical, such as medicine, micromachining, and scientific research.

History of the fiber lasers’ development

The history of fiber lasers began with the invention of the first laser in 1961. Early lasers were complex and expensive, which limited their popularity. Fiber lasers found serious commercial applications only in the 1990s, as the technology gradually developed.

Modern improvements

Today, fiber laser technology continues to improve, producing more powerful and efficient systems. Specialists focus on increasing accuracy and reducing environmental impact. Combining outputs from multiple fiber lasers has enhanced both power and beam range.

Medical applications of ultrafast fiber lasers

Ultrafast fiber laser systems have many applications, with medicine being one of the most critical fields where they are indispensable.

Contribution to healthcare

Fiber lasers have greatly contributed to healthcare, used from therapy to surgery. Their high-power densities in sterile, noncontact processes enable efficient cauterization and faster recovery. Fiber laser technology has rapidly adapted to evolving medical procedures.

Fiber lasers in photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) uses fiber laser light to destroy abnormal cells. Initially, PDT was developed for specific cancer types, including cancerous and precancerous cells.

Further development of PDT

Advances in PDT have extended its application to general oncology and other cancers. This noninvasive or minimally invasive method shortens recovery time and is more convenient for patients.

Fiber lasers in dentistry

Fiber lasers have been used in dentistry for decades, providing faster, less painful treatments and shorter recovery periods.

Fiber lasers’ requirements in this sphere

Requirements for dental fiber lasers include essential characteristics such as wavelength and physical properties like size for optimal performance.

Fiber lasers for optical coherence tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was initially developed for ophthalmology but now finds broader medical applications.

Diagnostic capabilities

OCT uses laser light to capture cross-sectional images for diagnostics. High-resolution images allow detection of small infections at early stages and aid in monitoring treatments.

Fiber lasers for aesthetic applications

Fiber lasers are increasingly used in aesthetic, cosmetic, and dermatology procedures. Compared to CO2 lasers, fiber lasers now demonstrate high effectiveness due to technological advances.

Efficiency and procedures

Fiber laser systems are used for precise radiation treatments. Wavelength, beam quantity, and design determine efficiency and penetration depth. Multiple fiber lasers can be arranged to target a line or specific areas.

Common applications

Common aesthetic uses of fiber lasers include skin resurfacing and tattoo removal. Advanced procedures include treatment of vascular lesions, micro-preparation of skin, and psoriasis. With ongoing advancements, fiber lasers are becoming more powerful and precise, making them essential in medical procedures and scientific research.

Fiber laser systems for scientific research

Fiber laser technology has proved to be an effective instrument in various fields and applications. In science, fiber laser systems are applied in medicine, biology, micromachining, and more. Fiber lasers are often the best solution for engineers and researchers in project development.

The main characteristics of fiber laser systems

High beam quality, performance, and power efficiency have helped fiber lasers to gain wide use in scientific and biomedical studies. They provide an ultra-narrow linewidth and reliable operation thanks to the short cavity length and phase-shifted design.

Advantages of single-frequency fiber lasers

Single-frequency fiber lasers are suitable for various applications due to a wide frequency and wavelength range. These include optical trapping and atom cooling. Other parameters such as compact size and low noise allow their use in interferometric sensing.

Engineers and scientists continue to look for new opportunities for fiber lasers and develop more advanced technologies.

Types of fiber lasers by parameters

Fiber laser systems can be classified in many ways, but certain parameters play a crucial role in operation.

Key parameters

Laser power. High-power fiber lasers provide more energy and operate faster than low-power lasers. Power is measured in watts.

Mode. This parameter relates to the fiber core size. Single-mode fiber lasers have a smaller core diameter, transmit light efficiently, and provide better beam quality. Multimode lasers have a larger diameter compared to single-mode ones.

Laser source. Fiber lasers differ by the doped material of the laser source: thulium, erbium, ytterbium, etc. Each has specific wavelengths and applications.

Operating mode. Fiber lasers differ by the way the beam is released: continuous-wave or pulsed. Pulsed lasers generate short bursts at a set repetition rate. Continuous-wave lasers emit a steady beam with constant energy.

Fiber lasers for science

Fiber lasers are a unique technology suitable for many scientific applications.

Applications in various scientific fields

Laser modules are widely used in biophotonics, multiphoton microscopy, neuroscience, etc. Since their creation, fiber lasers have been applied in astronomy, physics, biology, chemistry, and more.

Ultraprecise fiber laser technology covers many medical and scientific fields where they are already used or have strong potential, such as:

High-energy physics;
Attosecond science;
Ultrafast X-ray science;
High harmonic generation;
Femtosecond chemistry.

Ultrafast pulse fiber lasers enable research in multiple fields. Mid-infrared fiber lasers allow analysis of tissue biochemical content.

Fiber lasers for SFG spectroscopy

One application of fiber laser systems is SFG spectroscopy, which provides molecular-level data on structures and groups by studying atomic vibrations.

Advantages of SFG spectroscopy

This technology outperforms traditional methods due to vibrational specificity and surface sensitivity. Beam quality is critical as it generates the SFG signal. Spectrometers allow precise vibrational studies, making SFG spectroscopy valuable in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and materials science.

New approach for fiber lasers in plasma physics

In plasma physics, scientists recently proposed using high-power fiber lasers with laser-plasma accelerators.

Fiber lasers are fast and compact, enabling smaller, well-controlled accelerators for high-energy physics and biomedical applications. Researchers plan to use intense beams through gas to generate plasma waves.

Ultrafast fiber lasers for optogenetics

Fiber lasers are also applied in optogenetics, a field of biophotonics. This approach has created new opportunities for brain research, allowing study of neural activity in specific cells. These studies may lead to treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.

The concept is to explore neural networks using fiber lasers. Light is used to activate or inhibit neuron signaling. Fiber lasers provide the required beam quality and modulation. They are also compact and cost-effective, making them easy to use.

Fiber lasers offer advantages over other types, leading to growing applications in science. Over the years, they have achieved rapid progress and enabled modern innovations, showing excellent physical properties.

Laser modules in optical pumping and optical trapping

Laser modules are applied in various industrial fields due to the wide spectrum of produced wavelengths. High-power fiber laser systems are commonly used for welding, marking, cutting, etc. Low-power but more precise fiber lasers are suitable for applications requiring high accuracy, for example, in science and medicine.

This article focuses on two applications of low-power fiber laser modules: laser pumping and optical trapping.

Most Common Advantages of Laser Modules

Laser diodes are applied in optical pumping of fiber lasers and DPSS. They are highly effective, robust, and compact. Laser modules provide high peak energy and stable beam quality.

The principle of photon confinement in rare-earth doped fiber gives fiber lasers an advantage: stability. Since a fiber laser generates the beam within the core, it does not require complex or sensitive optical components. Conventional lasers, on the contrary, rely on optical fibers for beam regulation and mirror reflection, which demand frequent precise adjustments. Fiber lasers are less sensitive to vibrations and shocks, maintaining operational stability.

The doped fiber core limits the beam, ensuring higher accuracy and more effective focusing.

Energy efficiency is another strength of fiber lasers. They convert almost all input into the beam, minimizing thermal conversion. This improves thermal protection and reduces degradation.

Most conventional laser sources use water cooling, while fiber lasers use air cooling to dissipate heat. This improves portability and reduces power consumption. Modern air-cooling systems, based on advanced heat dissipation studies, have proven highly effective in mitigating thermal effects.

Fiber laser systems with 1–100 W output power offer a wide range of wavelengths.

Fiber Laser Systems in Optical Pumping

Optical pumping of a laser medium is illumination by an external light source to transfer it to an excited state. Fiber lasers, like all laser systems, require an excitation source to pump energy into the system.

Methods of Optical Pumping

The most common methods of optical pumping include semiconductor lasers (diodes), solid-state, and fiber lasers. Both solid-state and fiber lasers are pumped with diodes.

Pumping can be continuous or pulsed. The difference lies in the delivery method: the pumping source is connected to the fiber core and fused into a double-clad fiber. The cladding material determines whether the absorption band is wide or narrow. Depending on this, conventional or wavelength-stabilized diodes may be applied.

Fiber Laser Modules in Optical Trapping

Optical trapping uses a focused laser beam to hold and manipulate microscopic objects. This technology is widely used in biomedical research.

Applications in Biomedical Research

Optical trapping can study single molecules thanks to its ability to work with nanoparticles. This has greatly advanced research on DNA and proteins.

Most optical trapping systems use laser modules with a 1 μm wavelength, which reduces the risk of biological damage. This range is optimal for aqueous biological specimens with a low absorption coefficient.

Synergy of Optical Pumping and Trapping

Together, optical pumping and optical trapping enable innovative applications in micro- and nanotechnology. Their combined efficiency brings new opportunities to science.

Fiber laser systems for multiphoton microscopy

Overview of fiber lasers

Fiber lasers have evolved over the last years, becoming a significant force in manufacturing and high technology.

Fiber laser technology continues to expand its limits across various applications. High-power lasers transform the machining industry and economy, while low-power, highly accurate fiber lasers are used in medicine, biotech, and physical sciences.

The popularity of fiber lasers is due to their benefits, such as reliability, usability, and operational stability.

What is multiphoton microscopy?

Multiphoton microscopy is a laser scanning microscopy method. It uses as few as two or three photons combined to generate high-resolution 3D images of microscopic samples.

Applications in biological sciences

Laser microscopy has become an instrument in material studies. It is mostly applied in biological sciences and tissue engineering. Scientists use it to image living biological tissues at different scales, from molecular levels to the whole organism.

During experiments, multiphoton microscopy (MPM) provides accurate measurements of biological activities. Procedures can last from seconds to months, which may cause discomfort for patients. Minimal invasion is crucial while providing precise results.

This far-field imaging is developing rapidly and requires advanced fiber lasers. Further progress will expand multiphoton microscopy capabilities to observe biological processes in deep tissue layers with minimal damage.

Fiber laser systems in multiphoton microscopy

Fiber lasers are essential for multiphoton microscopy. Compared to conventional lasers, fiber laser modules have several advantages.

Advantages of fiber lasers

Without a separate optical medium for beam delivery, fiber lasers are more stable and easier to maintain, offering high optical gain.

Compared to traditional CO2 lasers, fiber lasers have higher power conversion rates and are energy efficient.

The highly focused narrow beam allows fiber laser modules to be applied in complex designs requiring high precision.

Fiber lasers have no moving parts that require regular maintenance.

Fiber laser systems can be more expensive than other lasers. However, their advantages reduce ownership costs. Lower maintenance and reduced power requirements also help lower operating costs.

Applications of fiber laser systems in multiphoton microscopy

Due to modern fiber lasers’ abilities, the technology continues to develop and explore its limits.

Multiphoton microscopy is applied in many medical and biological fields.

Fiber lasers for oncology

Multiphoton microscopy is an effective imaging tool for detecting malignancy. It can help specialists evaluate bladder tissue in real time. Along with bladder cancer, it is also used for prostate cancer evaluation. This procedure uses fiber lasers and requires preliminary analysis.

Fiber laser systems for immunology

Multiphoton microscopy images cells in vivo effectively, requiring precise fiber lasers that create contrast in scattering tissue while reducing phototoxicity and photobleaching. Immunology benefits from this technique, for example, through intravital imaging of leukocytes at the single-cell level.

Tracking cell migration, cell interactions, and intracellular signaling has become possible due to modern multiphoton microscopy. Previously limited to specialized labs, this technique is now widely available.

Fiber lasers for neuroscience

Multiphoton excitation with fiber laser pulses allows high-resolution imaging. With the growing role of microscopy, fiber lasers have proven to be highly suitable.

Neuroscience is a modern research area. Specialists study neuronal networks to understand brain pathologies and develop treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Scientists can now analyze brain activity during visual tasks and operations. Observing brain function is necessary for understanding pathological conditions.

Deep brain imaging supports these studies. Designing fiber lasers requires considering factors like proper volume. Greater depth can reduce image quality. Fiber lasers are suitable for neuroscience due to their power scalability.

Laser modules for spermatogenesis

Multiphoton microscopy enables visualization of biological processes in live tissues. For spermatogenesis, it uses fiber lasers to visualize all tubules, with and without sperm.

Recent developments have allowed this sperm extraction technology to replace conventional testis biopsies. Specialists continue to improve it. Tubule retrieval now relies on appearance, and multiphoton microscopy may further enhance real-time visualization for clinical use.

Overall, fiber laser systems are suitable and effective for multiphoton microscopy, expanding the boundaries of science and medicine. Multiphoton microscopy with fiber lasers supports treatment development for diseases like epilepsy and Parkinson’s.

Low-power fiber laser systems in medicine

Overview of low-power fiber lasers

Nowadays, fiber laser systems show significant growth and advantages in industries such as aerospace and automotive.

Less powerful fiber lasers have also found applications. One such field is medicine, which benefits from fiber lasers in various treatments and procedures.

This article focuses on two of these applications: photoacoustic imaging and tissue engineering.

Fiber lasers for photoacoustic imaging

Fiber laser systems play a crucial role in photoacoustic imaging and suit this technology due to their compact size and high sensitivity. The sensors with fiber lasers resist environmental disturbances such as temperature and pressure changes. Fiber lasers resolved several issues present in traditional sensors.

Endoscopy and intravascular applications

Photoacoustic imaging is commonly used for endoscopy and intravascular applications, requiring highly precise fiber laser-based sensors.

Photoacoustic tomography

Photoacoustic tomography, a branch of photoacoustic imaging, provides high-resolution, non-invasive imaging. It is widely accepted by specialists and patients and is of high interest due to its applications in life sciences and disease diagnosis.

Overall, photoacoustic imaging has great potential for medical treatments compared to electrical ultrasound. Modern fiber laser modules and sensors are powerful instruments for this technique.

Fiber lasers for tissue engineering

Another development area of fiber laser systems is tissue engineering. Modern fiber laser technology allows creating biological systems by arranging biomaterials and living cells.

Role of fiber lasers in tissue engineering

Tissue engineering would not be possible without precise and robust technology. Modern fiber lasers use contemporary computer technologies to structure living and nonliving materials. This technology enables precise manipulation of cells and complex tissue constructions, which are applied in cell biology studies, regenerative medicine, and more.

Tissue engineering combines engineering and life science principles. It develops alternatives to improve or restore tissues or organs. The goal is to build artificial solutions that closely imitate natural biological environments, allowing cells to function in artificial or real tissue.

Future development of tissue engineering technology

In the future, scientists aim to design artificial biological structures that are highly functional with cells arranged at high temporal and spatial resolution. Cell engineering will use interactions of different cell types to create microenvironments closely resembling real organs.

Recent applications of fiber laser systems demonstrate unique features in regenerative medicine and other medical devices.

Today, advanced fiber laser systems enable precise manipulation and imaging. Specialists can apply modern fiber laser technology in medical fields such as photoacoustic imaging and tissue engineering.

Fiber laser modules in various fields of medicine

Since the creation of the first laser modules, specialists have conducted extensive research on the effects of laser radiation on biological tissues. Fiber lasers have contributed to developing various treatment methods for different diseases.

The main advantages of fiber laser modules in medicine

Depending on radiation power, laser modules can be used for heating, cutting, or coagulation of biological tissue.

Key benefits

Advantages of medical instruments with fiber lasers compared to traditional equipment:

fiber lasers allow non-invasive or minimally invasive cuts;
high temperatures sterilize wounds, reducing infection risk;
minimal wound swelling;
reduced postoperative complications;
shorter recovery period.

Today, fiber lasers are applied in otorhinolaryngology, vascular disease treatment, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, traumatology, neurosurgery, gynecology, proctology, dentistry, and other fields.

Fiber lasers’ radiation levels and applications

Different effects of fiber laser radiation on biological tissues depend on the wavelength. This is determined by the absorption coefficient, scattering coefficient, and moisture content. Absorption affects penetration depth. Water and hemoglobin are the main absorbers in biological tissues.

Common radiation ranges

Common radiation ranges used in medicine:

0.94–0.98 µm radiation provides an optimal balance of cutting and coagulation in surgery;
1.06 μm radiation is used for controlled volumetric tissue heating;
1.4–1.8 μm wavelength is mainly for water heating to 100 °C and evaporation;
1.8–2.1 μm wavelength, like CO2 lasers, offers good cutting, minimal thermal damage, and effective coagulation;
Lasers with wavelengths >2 μm are widely used. Wavelengths between 2.05–2.3 µm operate in the atmospheric transmission window and are used where eye safety is critical.

Thulium-doped fiber lasers provide 1900–2000 nm wavelengths, matching absorption peaks in biological tissues:

Fiber lasers up to 10 W are used in cosmetology and dentistry;
40 W lasers are applied in gynecology, proctology, and vascular treatments;
50–120 W fiber lasers are used in urology for transurethral prostate vaporization.

Features of fiber lasers’ use in medicine

Fiber lasers are used in many technical and scientific fields. They are compact, resistant to vibrations and electromagnetic interference, and can be equipped with various commercially available components.

Individual approach and surgical applications

Each pathology requires an individual approach. Specialists set the appropriate laser modes for each medical field. Fiber lasers help reduce surgical injuries and shorten recovery time.

Fiber lasers are important in modern endoscopic surgery and are fully compatible with surgical endoscopes, enabling minimally invasive procedures.

Future perspectives

Today, fiber laser modules are widely used in biology and medicine. Future research will focus on laser effects on natural and artificial tissues and optimizing laser parameters.

Fiber lasers in flow visualization

Since the invention of the first fiber laser module, these systems have found applications in various scientific studies related to biology, chemistry, astronomy, etc. In the future, scientists will develop more advanced fiber lasers to meet modern challenges. Today, fiber laser systems participate in field experiments ranging from triggering lightning in thunderclouds to genomics.

Advantages of the fiber laser systems

A fiber laser is a compact system providing high electrical and optical efficiency. Fiber lasers are reliable and deliver accurately controlled laser beams. By amplifying specific wavelengths inside optical fibers, specialists can design a system with excellent beam quality and high peak energy.

Lasers are not primarily light sources. They are effective at concentrating light in space or specific wavelengths. Most laser applications fall into three segments:

Data transmission and processing
Accurate delivery of energy
Alignment, measurement, and imaging

Fiber lasers have significant advantages over other types. In addition to high-quality beams, they are powerful due to high brightness. Fiber lasers require little maintenance because optical fibers are set up without mirrors or lenses.

Flow visualization with fiber lasers

Flow visualization is a method used to make flow patterns visible and collect qualitative or quantitative data. It observes particle behavior in an air stream. Lasers reveal the direction and uniformity of the flow.

Particle image velocimetry (PIV)

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is a flow visualization technology popular in scientific and engineering fields. It is used to measure characteristics of fluids and gases, such as instantaneous velocities.

A custom PIV system includes a multi-pulsed fiber laser, at least one camera synchronized with the laser, and a computer to display the results.

Specialists use CW or pulsed fiber lasers for PIV data acquisition. Fiber lasers are powerful with short pulses. They illuminate small tracer particles that move with the fluid. A camera captures a series of images used to calculate particle speed or direction.

Applications of the PIV technology

Particle image velocimetry has applications across macro and microscopic scales due to its capabilities.

Like other fiber laser applications, PIV requires highly reliable lasers. They must operate in harsh environments, which is why robust and cost-effective modules are important.

PIV systems are valuable instruments, applied in industries such as aerospace, agriculture, and medicine.

Specific applications

Automation and quality control for gas and liquid production: PIV can measure velocity and turbulence fields simultaneously, including in gas and oil production.

Indoor airflow measurements and analysis: Complex turbulent flows are difficult to measure accurately. PIV meets this challenge and has proven effective. Scientists can select parameters depending on their needs. Despite some limitations, indoor flow data is essential for validating simulations.

Combustion diagnostics: PIV is used to study combustion and optimize in-cylinder flow structures, important for emission regulations. Engine structure makes analysis challenging, but PIV provides valuable insights.

PIV in medicine: PIV evaluates medical devices, such as blood pumps and artificial heart valves. It can predict potential blood damage. Results depend on image quantity, resolution, and quality.

Today, PIV is effective, and specialists explore new applications. Fiber lasers play a key role in its development due to their advantages over conventional equipment.

Fiber lasers for research and development purposes

Introduction to fiber lasers in R&D

Fiber lasers have proven to be powerful and effective instruments in various areas including medicine and science. They are also used in research and development, for example, in quantum computing.

Sophisticated calculations in quantum computers rely on photons. In quantum computing, the basic unit of data is the quantum bit, or qubit. Unlike a traditional bit, a qubit can store multiple values simultaneously. In the future, specialists plan to combine many qubits to achieve greater computational power.

Fiber lasers for quantum computing

Fiber lasers are key technologies for developing modern quantum computing architectures. This field has advanced by improving both quantum software and hardware.

Importance of fiber lasers in quantum equipment

Fiber laser systems play a crucial role in quantum equipment development. Specialists focus on improving laser modules to suit quantum calculations. They value fiber lasers for their accuracy, control, and compact size. They can also be part of more powerful and complex solutions.

Techniques of qubit creation

Today, specialists know how to create reliable qubits using trapped ions. Trapped ions are easily controlled and interact with nearby ions. They provide high fidelity and long coherence times, making the qubits long-lived. They also integrate well with other trapped ion qubits for quantum algorithms.

Several methods are used to create qubits in quantum computing. Here are a few examples.

Creation of qubits with trapped ions

Why are ions, or charged atoms, used as qubits? The main reason is that they can be trapped precisely using electric fields.

The first method uses trapped ions to encode quantum information in their internal states. A fiber laser creates the cloud of ions, which are cooled and trapped using electric and magnetic fields. Proper laser configuration allows specialists to produce robust qubits.

This type of qubit offers benefits such as high accuracy and low error rates. It is also suitable for manipulation and control of individual qubits in quantum computing.

Trapped ions form the foundation of quantum computers and continue to develop for more advanced future devices.

Creation of qubits with neutral atoms

The second method uses neutral atoms to encode quantum information in their internal states. Neutral atoms are less sensitive to environmental noise and have long coherence times.

Specialists use optical tweezers to trap and manipulate individual atoms. The tweezers focus laser beams on a small spot. Cooled atoms are trapped in these tweezers to create qubits.

This technique allows specialists to produce reliable qubits with precise frequency and timing of microwave or radio frequency pulses.

Precise fiber lasers have become essential in both scientific and industrial quantum computing. Their capabilities and simple operation make them widely used. Fiber laser technologies are well-developed, and producers continue to explore new solutions for broader applications worldwide.

Fiber lasers for scientific purposes

Introduction to fiber lasers in scientific research

Fiber lasers have been implemented into a range of applications, including atomic physics, atom cooling, plasma acceleration, etc. Fiber laser systems have taken an active part in the development of these technologies and provided modern ultra-precise devices. This article will discuss several scientific spheres where fiber lasers have found their applications.

Fiber laser systems’ requirements

Research and scientific fields need properly designed and specialized equipment. Fiber lasers have to comply with specific requirements due to the environments, considering the fact that laboratory conditions can differ from real ones. However, scientists are always calculating situations close to reality, taking into account maximum permissible errors or tolerances.

Key qualities of fiber lasers

Laser modules have all qualities that are necessary for laser applications, whether for industry or for laboratory. For example, operation stability and remote control provide high performance rates for specialists. Moreover, fiber laser systems are easy to use in achieving scientific purposes compared to other devices.

Fiber lasers in atom cooling process

Fundamental physics has gained many opportunities due to the ability to cool atoms to ultra-cold temperatures.

Cooling of molecular gases

Cooling molecular gases with fiber lasers is a challenging process that is difficult to perform because of the complexity of molecular structures. The latest developed technologies for molecule cooling have made it possible to improve their precise control, resulting in better interaction processes.

Thus, fiber laser systems have a great impact on this field of research. The understanding of molecular interaction has allowed specialists to put chemical reactions under control. Moreover, it has influenced the advancement of quantum materials.

Ultrafast fiber lasers for nonlinear optics

Ultrafast fiber lasers are used as part of multiphoton devices in a number of fields, including multiphoton microscopy, dual-comb spectroscopy, etc.

Applications in multiphoton microscopy

A multiphoton microscope is a device that uses the principle of nonlinear optics to create contrast in a sample. The multiphoton technique applies nonlinear optics for imaging and creating 3D images. Due to these processes, specialists have achieved better 3D imaging.

Along with scientific research activities, this technology is especially beneficial in medicine, where it helps in the diagnosis of diseases and identification of material properties. Thus, it is applied for identifying various types of cancer, for example, esophageal and pancreatic cancers.

Fiber laser systems for plasma physics

The majority of studies related to atomic physics are based on the interaction of two components: atoms and light. Fiber lasers have become a common instrument in experiments of atomic physics. All questions connected to nuclear fusion processes, such as nuclear reactions that occur in plasma and the development of laser ion sources, have received great interest due to the potential of this technology.

Plasma accelerators and monitoring

In plasma physics, fiber lasers are applied as parts of plasma accelerators. A plasma accelerator is a sophisticated device that applies electric fields developed in plasma waves excited by intense fiber laser pulses. Such accelerators have proved to be extremely space-saving sources of energetic particles and radiation.

Plasma qualities depend on a number of parameters involved in its creation. Laser module characteristics, irradiation conditions, and target parameters determine the processes occurring in generated plasmas. It is also important to monitor the plasma condition constantly due to its short life. Specialized detectors provide full details of plasma characteristics, including density, temperature, etc.

Fiber lasers have greatly contributed to plasma accelerator production. They have found implementations in high energy physics, biological and medical sciences, etc. And there is still space for further research and innovations.

In recent years, fiber lasers have proved to be an essential part of scientific fields, including the above-mentioned applications. The evolving role of science in many spheres demonstrates the growing interest in scientific research activities of fiber laser systems.

fiber laser system fiber laser technology fiber lasers

Fiber lasers in the medical industry

Overview of Fiber Lasers in Medicine

Fiber lasers have had a major impact in various areas, including fundamental research, molecular detection, laser surgery, and biomedical research. Experts continue to make progress in multiple studies using modern fiber laser technology. They are applied in mid-IR laser spectroscopy, photodynamic therapy, and other fields.

This article focuses on the applications of fiber lasers in these two areas of medicine.

The current trend is to identify the most effective applications for fiber laser systems, as with any medical equipment. They provide pain relief for patients during treatment, and advanced laser modules increase treatment effectiveness. High-precision laser beams allow maximum efficiency in minimal time. Additional benefits of fiber lasers include the ability to perform delicate procedures, minimal scarring, and fast recovery.

Fiber Lasers for Mid-IR Spectroscopy

Mid-infrared spectroscopy (mid-IR) is a standard, non-destructive method of chemical analysis used in laboratories.

Biomedical Applications

New biomedical applications are particularly important due to rising healthcare costs and the need for rapid, non-destructive measurement technologies. In resource-constrained environments, compact mid-infrared laser modules are critical for biomedical sensing applications.

The characteristics of fiber lasers, including benchtop applications, make them especially suitable for biomedical use. They provide high power spectral density and, consequently, a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). With current technology, final measurements can be obtained in seconds.

Advances in fiber laser systems have improved clinical environments and treatment outcomes.

Fiber Lasers for Diabetes Monitoring

Glucose monitoring in diabetes is one application of mid-infrared spectroscopy.

Modern Monitoring Process

Glucometers are among the most widely used wearable biomedical sensors. Glucose monitoring is an essential part of a patient’s life and can be performed via finger-prick tests or wearable glucose monitoring devices. Both types have a limited lifespan due to degradation. Mid-infrared spectroscopy can address some measurement challenges, though it also has certain limitations.

In modern practice, the device is placed on the patient’s skin, a flash lamp is activated, and broadband radiation is transmitted through the fiber channel into the skin. Scattered and reflected optical signals are collected via receiving optical fiber channels and interference filters to CCD arrays. Specialists then view the data on a display.

Fiber Laser Systems for Photodynamic Therapy

PDT, or photodynamic therapy, is a treatment that uses a drug activated by laser light. It is particularly effective in destroying cancerous and precancerous cells, including those in the lung, skin, bladder, brain, and more. In cancer treatment, photodynamic therapy is typically applied in early stages under endoscopic observation. Certain photosensitizers are also used to treat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

Overview of Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy is generally a local treatment, targeting specific areas of the body. The affected area is irradiated with a fiber laser beam. Light exposure generates a reactive form of oxygen that destroys cancer cells.

The PDT process involves two main stages:

Introduction of photosensitizers into the body;
Light exposure.

The interval between these phases can vary from 10 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the disease and its stage. Methods of light exposure depend on the location of the pathological site:

Direct light exposure;
Endoscopic light exposure;
Intraoperative light exposure (during surgery);
Intravenous light exposure (blood photomodification).

PDT in Ophthalmology

In ophthalmology, fiber lasers are used for PDT to treat certain eye diseases, most commonly age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Its role remains somewhat limited. Photosensitizers are injected intravenously and selectively accumulate in abnormal blood vessels. A low-power laser beam activates the light-sensitive drugs, which destroy or seal abnormal vessels without harming surrounding cells. Specialists view PDT as a method to slow disease progression and preserve vision.

As fiber laser use continues to expand across medical fields, laser modules have proven effective. They have been instrumental in developing a wide range of fiber laser systems and in generating useful theoretical and experimental results. This is particularly true in the medical industry, where fiber lasers are extensively used.