Joseph J. Barrett

Medical Applications of Alexandrite Laser Systems

Alexandrite laser systems have several characteristics which are necessary for laser surgical applications. The relatively long Q-switched pulsewidths allow significant amounts of energy to be transmitted through optical fibers before the onset of fiber damage. The laser output wavelength in the fundamental (720 - 800 nm) and second harmonic (360 - 400 nm) are efficiently transmitted through commercially available fused silica fibers. The alexandrite laser may therefore be the optimal choice for numerous medical applications.

Target identification using laser imaging

Solid state lasers have been utilized for many varied applications. This application describes how the high peak power, short pulse capability of an alexandrite laser, in combination with a generation III image intensified receiver, can solve the problem of very long range target identification. Applications have relevance to both commercial and military uses where day/night all weather imaging is required. Wavelength diversity provides single and multispectral system capability, therefore allowing discrimination of targets against varied backgrounds.