Jonathan L. Morse

ERGONOMIC LAPAROSCOPIC TOOL HANDLE DESIGN

Twenty-two subjects were tested and categorized according to hand size (small, medium, or large). Each subject selected the best location for a trackball and a trigger on a handle. Each subject specified the optimum diameter/size of the handle that he or she preferred. Additionally, subjects selected their preferred pivot range for opening and closing the handle. Finally, each subject exerted his or her preferred force for the trackball and trigger controls in the selected positions. Based on the data collected in this experiment, the recommended handle diameter is in the range of 4.3 to 5.7 cm. The recommended handle pivot is the range of 8.1 to 17.3 degrees for the open and closed positions. The recommended trackball actuation force is 3.0 lbs and the recommended ratchet actuation force is 0.6 lbs, on average.

Octave-spanning supercontinuum generation for an Er-doped fiber laser frequency comb at a 1 GHz repetition rate

We developed a 1 GHz Er-doped femtosecond fiber laser system providing 2nJ pulses at ∼100fs durations and demonstrated octave-spanning supercontinuum generation from 1µm – 2.4µm that is suitable for 1f–2f stabilizing the frequency comb.

High repetition rate, high average power, femtosecond erbium fiber ring laser

A 301 MHz fundamentally mode-locked erbium fiber ring laser generating 108 fs pulses is demonstrated. Novel combination of gain fiber with anomalous group-velocity dispersion and intra-cavity silicon with normal group-velocity dispersion yields a stretched-pulse operation.

Large-area broad band saturable Bragg reflectors using oxidized AlAs in the circular and inverted mesa geometries

A semiconductor Saturable Bragg Reflector (SBR) is a mirror structure comprising alternating layers of high and low refractive index materials with an incorporated saturable absorber. SBRs can be used to initiate and sustain ultra-short pulses in various laser systems. In order to form ultra-short pulses, SBRs with high reflectivity over a broad wavelength range are required. Furthermore, large-area SBRs facilitate easy integration in a laser cavity. One of the key elements for the realization of broad band SBRs is the development of the thermal oxidation process that creates buried low-index AlxOy layers over large areas. The design, fabrication, characterization, and implementation of broad band, high index contrast III-V/AlxOy SBRs in the form of circular mesas, as well as inverted mesa structures, is presented.

Femtosecond passively mode-locked fiber lasers using saturable Bragg reflectors

We demonstrate a soliton fiber laser with 280-fs pulses at 408-MHz repetition rate, and a stretched-pulse regime fiber laser with 102-fs pulses at 234-MHz repetition rate. Both use saturable Bragg reflectors for mode-locking and/or self-starting.

Self-referenced Erbium fiber laser frequency comb at a GHz repetition rate

An Erbium fiber laser frequency comb operating at a GHz repetition rate is reported. The f_ceo and f_rep stabilized all-fiber system produces 2nJ sub-100fs pulses to seed octave-spanning supercontinuum generation spanning 1 μm-2.4 μm.

Femtosecond sources for optical arbitrary waveform generation

Advances in high repetition-rate femtosecond laser technology for optical arbitrary waveform generation will be described. Combs spanning two octaves, from 500nm to 2μm, based on GHz modelocked Ti:sapphire and erbium-fiber lasers, have been carrier-envelope stabilized and frequency referenced.

Ergonomic Redesign of a Laparoscopic Grasper

Laparoscopic surgery requires surgeons to perform complex procedures using a standardized set of tools. Most tools, including the common laparoscopic grasper, do not currently provide surgeons with comfortable, intuitive control. A new laparoscopic grasper has been designed which follows ergonomic principles for the handle and actuation of an articulated tip. This tool has been prototyped and will be tested by surgeons. This tool will benefit both the surgeon with reduced discomfort and the patient with a safer procedure.