Infrared Laser Device Research Articles

Coal-based graphene formation by CO2 laser scribing: Various structures and excellent electrochemical performance

The laser-induced technique is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly method for upgrading coal into high value-added graphene materials. Here, laser-induced graphenes (LIGs) were prepared from different rank coals in one-step under vacuum conditions using a designed CO2 infrared laser device. The characteristics of laser-induced products were studied by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical characteristics of coal-based laser-induced graphenes (C-LIGs) were examined in a three-electrode test system. Results show that subbituminous coal, bituminous coal, and low-metamorphic anthracite can form LIG with fewer layers after laser irradiation. The morphology of C-LIG is a layered porous structure. Corrugated folds can be observed at the edges of the C-LIG layer. There are only a few layers of graphene, with the majority of them concentrated in 2–10 layers. The most interesting result is that LIG prepared from low volatile bituminous coal has the highest crystallinity, the largest aromatic layer size, and the lowest average graphene layer number. Furthermore, LIG made from low volatile bituminous coal (LIG-ZJ) exhibits excellent electrical double-layer capacitive behavior, low equivalent series resistance (3.73 Ω), good rate capability, excellent cycling stability, greater Coulombic efficiency, and high mass specific capacitance. The LIG-ZJ electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1879.92 F/g at 1 A/g, which is nearly ten times greater than that of most activated carbon electrodes reported. In addition, its power density and energy density can reach up to 924.07 kW/kg and 217.11 Wh/kg. These results indicate that coal-based laser-induced graphene has significant potential for application in the field of electrochemical energy storage.

Colloidal Quantum Dot Infrared Lasers Featuring Sub-Single-Exciton Threshold and Very High Gain.

The use of colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) as a gain medium in infrared laser devices has been underpinned by the need for high pumping intensities, very short gain lifetimes, and low gain coefficients. Here, PbS/PbSSe core/alloyed-shell CQDs are employed as an infrared gain medium that results in highly suppressed Auger recombination with a lifetime of 485ps, lowering the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) threshold down to 300µJcm-2 , and showing a record high net modal gain coefficient of 2180cm-1 . By doping these engineered core/shell CQDs up to nearly filling the first excited state, a significant reduction of optical gain threshold is demonstrated, measured by transient absorption, to an average-exciton population-per-dot 〈Nth 〉g of 0.45due to bleaching of the ground state absorption. This in turn have led to a fivefold reduction in ASE threshold at 〈Nth 〉ASE =0.70excitons-per-dot, associated with a gain lifetime of 280ps. Finally, these heterostructured QDs are used to achieve near-infrared lasing at 1670nm at a pump fluences corresponding to sub-single-exciton-per-dot threshold (〈Nth 〉Las =0.87). This work brings infrared CQD lasing thresholds on par to their visible counterparts, and paves the way toward solution-processed infrared laser diodes.

Laser technologies in the diagnostics and care of patients with decompensated forms of chronic venous insufficiency in the lower extremities

Purpose. To assess the degree of disorders in regional microcirculation in patients with decompensated forms of chronic venous insufficiency of lower extremities and potentials for their correction with low-level laser therapy (LLLT).Material and methods. The authors analyzed results of examination and treatment of 66 patients with decompensated forms of chronic venous insufficiency in their lower extremities. 34 (51.5 %) patients, in addition to traditional therapy, had laser stimulation of microcirculation. For laser irradiation, infrared laser device “Mustang” (wavelength – 0.89 μm, frequency – 80 Hz, power – 10 W, exposure – 2 min per zone) was used. In laser course, there were 10 sessions. The state of microcirculation in tissues was examined with a computerized capillaroscope, a laser analyzer of capillary blood flow and a gas analyzer.Results. Microcirculation in patients with chronic venous insufficiency C6 has its specific features which, by findings of computerized capillaroscope, are manifested with deep suppression of tissue blood flow: namely, expressed polymorphism of capillary structures, violation of sizeratio of capillary sections, increased venous section, decreased density of the capillary network by 1.8 times, increased pericapillary zone by 1.47 times , decreased speed of capillary blood flow in the arterial section by 10.5 times and in the venous section by 11.5 times.Conclusion. Patients with decompensated forms of chronic venous insufficiency in lower extremities were observed to have significant morphological and functional changes in microcirculation, including structural changes in microvessels, decreased density of capillary network, increased prevascular zone, decreased speed of capillary blood flow. As a result, these changes cause disorders in tissue trophism, progressive decrease in TcpO2 and development of trophic ulcers. Low-level laser stimulation of microcirculation in the complex treatment of patients with decompensated forms of chronic venous insufficiency activates transcapillary metabolism, helps to restore structures and functions of microvasculature by increasing the myogenic activity of smooth muscle cells of arterioles and precapillaries as well as by normalizing arterio-venous relationships what accelerates tissue granulation and ulcer epithelialization.

The Development of Image Capturing System Applied in Shooting Simulator using LabVIEW

An electronically controlled M16 rifle simulator, integrated a control box and an infrared laser device had been successfully integrated to a shooting virtual reality as an all-in-one solution in this study. This system is shown to provide a flexible, cost-effective and safe environment. It is an effective educational tool used in defense industry to assist soldiers in shooting skill improvement, or provide players an immersive shooting experience in the virtual reality game industry. It is developed and tested for understanding its advantages and limitations. Interface image capturing and processing response time analysis has been performed. In the results of this study, the response time is one-tenth of a second. It is satisfactory in a real application.

Presenting Snow Grain Size and Shape Distributions in Northern Canada Using a New Photographic Device Allowing 2D and 3D Representation of Snow Grains

Geophysical properties of snow are known to be sensitive to climate variability and are of primary importance for hydrological and climatological process simulations. Numerous studies using passive microwaves have attempted to quantify snow from space, but the methods suffer from poor spatial resolution retrievals, combined with a great sensitivity to snow grain morphology. Those issues motivated work using active microwaves that are now core to space mission concept proposals currently under development. However, a clear limitation remains with regards to snow microstructure contribution to backscattering, especially in large depth hoar layers typical of polar snowpacks. This leads to difficulties retrieving Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) from space or developing radiative transfer models owing to a lack of field observations of snow microstructure. This paper presents an innovative technique to measure various snow grain metrics in the field where micro-photographs of snow grains are taken under angular directional LED lighting. The projected shadows are digitized so that a 3D reconstruction of the snow grains is possible and distribution functions can be proposed for various snow grain metrics and grain types. This device, dLED, has been used in several field campaigns and a very large dataset was collected and is presented in this paper. Distribution histograms from >160,000 digitized grains were produced for each metric for all grains considered as a whole dataset (unclassified), and also for each grain type: 1) Defragmented/broken (DF), 2) Depth Hoar (DH), 3) Facets (F), 4) Rounds (R) and 5) Precipitation Particles (PP). We selected distribution functions for each metric per grain time by analysing L-moment diagrams that summarize the shape of a probability distribution. Our results show that the logarithmic Kappa (LKAP) distribution is well suited to explain the snow grain metric distribution for each grain type. Location, scale and shape parameter values for each distribution are presented and a comparison with values derived from our shortwave infrared laser device, the InfraRed Integrating Sphere (IRIS), is provided. A discussion is presented on the pros and cons of the dLED and the use of the distributions presented in this paper for microwave radiative transfer modeling work.

Microsoft's Kinect Technology: A Bust That Could Still Become a Boom

Microsoft's Kinect wrist-worn sensor technology is capable of interpreting a user's wrist, palm, and finger motions [1] to control a computer or console. The infrared laser device sends messages to mobile phones and iPads to decode human body movements, resulting in the manipulation of digital files based solely on gestures [2]. This motion-controlled computing has the potential to reduce redundancies and workload blockages in offices.

Effect of synthesis annealing temperature & Yb3+ concentration on photoluminescence properties of monoclinic Gd2O3 phosphor

The Yb3+ doped Gd2O3 phosphors have been prepared by combustion route method. The structural, morphological, compositional and vibrational analysis of the Yb3+ doped Gd2O3 phosphor have been studied by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that Yb3+ doped Gd2O3 phosphor synthesized by combustion had particle size ranging from 15 to 38 nm, for the different concentration of the Yb3+. The optical and luminescence properties of prepared phosphors had been studied by using 980 nm laser excitation. The effects of Yb3+ doping and annealing temperature on luminescence properties were also studied. Photoluminescence spectra showed that nanocrystals exhibited emission at near infrared region corresponding to different Stark labels of Yb3+ ions. The theoretical mechanism of luminescence was explored. The results indicate that this material may be suitable for infrared laser devices.

MOVPE growth mechanisms of dilute bismide III/V alloys

This paper summarizes the present understanding of the growth of Ga(AsBi) on GaAs substrates using metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). A growth model including Bi segregation is developed and the influence of several growth parameters, such as the applied growth temperature, the growth rate and the partial pressures of the precursors, are investigated in detail. Also, effects, beyond pure source decomposition, of the low growth temperature needed for the deposition of the highly metastable material system are summarized. Optimizing the growth conditions enables the deposition of Ga(AsBi) layers with more than 7% Bi that show strong room temperature photoluminescence without the necessity of annealing. Bi acts as a surfactant during the growth that reduces the defect density and unintentional carbon doping of the crystals. Besides using the established Bi precursor trimethylbismuth (TMBi), the growth of Ga(AsBi) with alternative Bi precursors tritertiarybutylbismuth (TTBBi) and triisopropylbismuth (TIPBi) is discussed. Furthermore, first results on Ga(AsBi) containing an electrically pumped single quantum well laser grown with MOVPE are presented. These devices might enable high efficiency infrared laser devices in future.

Effects of Pre- or Post-Exercise Low-Level Laser Therapy (830 nm) on Skeletal Muscle Fatigue and Biochemical Markers of Recovery in Humans: Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) before and after exercise on quadriceps muscle performance, and to evaluate the changes in serum lactate and creatine kinase (CK) levels. The study was randomized, double blind, and placebo controlled. A sample of 27 healthy volunteers (male soccer players) were divided into three groups: placebo, pre-fatigue laser, and post-fatigue laser. The experiment was performed in two sessions, with a 1 week interval between them. Subjects performed two sessions of stretching followed by blood collection (measurement of lactate and CK) at baseline and after fatigue of the quadriceps by leg extension. LLLT was applied to the femoral quadriceps muscle using an infrared laser device (830 nm), 0.0028 cm(2) beam area, six 60 mW diodes, energy of 0.6 J per diode (total energy to each limb 25.2 J (50.4 J total), energy density 214.28 J/cm(2), 21.42 W/cm(2) power density, 70 sec per leg. We measured the time to fatigue and number and maximum load (RM) of repetitions tolerated. Number of repetitions and time until fatigue were primary outcomes, secondary outcomes included serum lactate levels (measured before and 5, 10, and 15 min after exercise), and CK levels (measured before and 5 min after exercise). The number of repetitions (p=0.8965), RM (p=0.9915), and duration of fatigue (p=0.8424) were similar among the groups. Post-fatigue laser treatment significantly decreased the serum lactate concentration relative to placebo treatment (p<0.01) and also within the group over time (after 5 min vs. after 10 and 15 min, p<0.05 both). The CK level was lower in the post-fatigue laser group (p<0.01). Laser application either before or after fatigue reduced the post-fatigue concentrations of serum lactate and CK. The results were more pronounced in the post-fatigue laser group.

TRPV1 Channels Are Functionally Coupled with BK(mSlo1) Channels in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Neurons

The transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) channel is a nonselective cation channel activated by a variety of exogenous and endogenous physical and chemical stimuli, such as temperature (≥42 °C), capsaicin, a pungent compound in hot chili peppers, and allyl isothiocyanate. Large-conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels regulate the electric activities and neurotransmitter releases in excitable cells, responding to changes in membrane potentials and elevation of cytosolic calcium ions (Ca2+). However, it is unknown whether the TRPV1 channels are coupled with the BK channels. Using patch-clamp recording combined with an infrared laser device, we found that BK channels could be activated at 0 mV by a Ca2+ influx through TRPV1 channels not the intracellular calcium stores in submilliseconds. The local calcium concentration around BK is estimated over 10 μM. The crosstalk could be affected by 10 mM BAPTA, whereas 5 mM EGTA was ineffectual. Fluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation experiments also showed that BK and TRPV1 were able to form a TRPV1-BK complex. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the TRPV1-BK coupling also occurs in dosal root ganglion (DRG) cells, which plays a critical physiological role in regulating the “pain” signal transduction pathway in the peripheral nervous system.

Visible and near-infrared optical properties of chalcogenide glass waveguides formed by swift Kr ion irradiation

Planar waveguide structures in chalcogenide glass were fabricated with 17MeV or 150MeV swift Kr ion irradiation. Images of the polished end faces of the Kr-irradiated chalcogenide glass were measured with a metallographic microscope using reflected polarized light. SRIM 2010 was used to simulate the electronic and nuclear stopping powers for swift Kr ion irradiation. The micro-Raman spectra were measured in air. The near-field intensity distributions were investigated at visible (633nm) and near-infrared (1300nm, 1500nm, 1539nm and 1620nm) bands. These intensity distributions make the waveguide candidates for infrared laser devices. The estimated propagation loss of the waveguide fabricated by 150MeV swift Kr ion irradiation was approximately 4dB/cm at a wavelength of 633nm.

Erratum to: A novel infrared laser device that measures multilateral parameters of stepping performance for assessment of fall risk in elderly individuals

Erratum to: A novel infrared laser device that measures multilateral parameters of stepping performance for assessment of fall risk in elderly individuals

A novel infrared laser device that measures multilateral parameters of stepping performance for assessment of all risk in elderly individuals

Avoiding falls requires fast and appropriate step responses in real-life situations. We developed a step-tracking device that uses an infrared laser sensor for convenient assessment of stepping performance, including concurrent assessment of temporal and spatial parameters. In the present study, we created a new index for assessment of fall risk that uses step speed and accuracy measurements. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the new index could discriminate between elderly individuals with different risks of falling. One hundred and fifty-two community-dwelling elderly individuals (73.9±4.6years) participated and performed stepping tasks as quickly as possible on a plus-shaped mat in response to optical cues. The step-tracking device with the infrared sensor detected the motion and position of both legs in the step field. The device recorded temporal and spatial parameters, foot-off and foot-contact time, step length, and the percentage of correctly executed steps. We used the coefficients of a logistic regression model to develop "stepping-response score" based on the weighted sum of these temporal and spatial parameters. The faller group had significantly worse stepping-response score than the non-faller group (p<0.001). A stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that stepping-response score was independently associated with falling (odds ratio=0.15; p<0.001). The ROC curve had a moderate AUC (0.73) for stepping-response score (sensitivity 73.0%; specificity 69.7%). This study indicates that the stepping-response score calculated from measurements obtained using the new step-tracking device can identify elderly individuals who are at a risk of falling.

Transcutaneous delivery of CpG-adjuvanted allergen via laser-generated micropores

BackgroundTwo main shortcomings of classical allergen-specific immunotherapy are long treatment duration and low patient compliance. Utilizing the unique immunological features of the skin by transcutaneous application of antigen opens new approaches not only for painless vaccine delivery, but also for allergen-specific immunotherapy. Under certain conditions, however, barrier disruption of the skin favors T helper 2-biased immune responses, which may lead to new sensitizations. MethodsIn a prophylactic approach, an infra-red laser device was employed, producing an array of micropores of user-defined number, density, and depth on dorsal mouse skin. The grass pollen allergen Phl p 5 was administered by patch with or without the T helper 1-promoting CpG oligodeoxynucleotide 1826 as adjuvant, or was subcutaneously injected. Protection from allergic immune responses was tested by sensitization via injection of allergen adjuvanted with alum, followed by intranasal instillation. In a therapeutic setting, pre-sensitized mice were treated either by the standard method using subcutaneous injection or via laser-generated micropores. Sera were analyzed for IgG antibody subclass distribution by ELISA and for IgE antibodies by a basophil mediator release assay. Cytokine profiles from supernatants of re-stimulated lymphocytes and from bronchoalveolar lavage fluids were assessed by flow cytometry using a bead-based assay. The cellular composition of lavage fluids was determined by flow cytometry. ResultsApplication of antigen via micropores induced T helper 2-biased immune responses. Addition of CpG balanced the response and prevented from allergic sensitization, i.e. IgE induction, airway inflammation, and expression of T helper 2 cytokines. Therapeutic efficacy of transcutaneous immunotherapy was equal compared to subcutaneous injection, but was superior with respect to suppression of already established IgE responses. ConclusionsTranscutaneous immunotherapy via laser-generated micropores provides an efficient novel platform for treatment of type I allergic diseases. Furthermore, immunomodulation with T helper 1-promoting adjuvants can prevent the risk for new sensitization.

Effects of low-level laser therapy (808 nm) on isokinetic muscle performance of young women submitted to endurance training: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has shown efficacy in muscle bioenergetic activation and its effects could influence the mechanical performance of this tissue during physical exercise. This study tested whether endurance training associated with LLLT could increase human muscle performance in isokinetic dynamometry when compared to the same training without LLLT. The primary objective was to determine the fatigue index of the knee extensor muscles (FIext) and the secondary objective was to determine the total work of the knee extensor muscles (TWext). Included in the study were 45 clinically healthy women (21 ± 1.78 years old) who were randomly distributed into three groups: CG (control group), TG (training group) and TLG (training with LLLT group). The training for the TG and TLG groups involved cycle ergometer exercise with load applied to the ventilatory threshold (VT) for 9 consecutive weeks. Immediately after each training session, LLLT was applied to the femoral quadriceps muscle of both lower limbs of the TLG subjects using an infrared laser device (808 nm) with six 60-mW diodes with an energy of 0.6 J per diode and a total energy applied to each limb of 18 J. VT was determined by ergospirometry during an incremental exercise test and muscle performance was evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer at 240°/s. Only the TLG showed a decrease in FIext in the nondominant lower limb (P = 0.016) and the dominant lower limb (P = 0.006). Both the TLG and the TG showed an increase in TWext in the nondominant lower limb (P < 0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively) and in the dominant lower limb (P < 0.000 and P < 0.000, respectively). The CG showed no reduction in FIext or TWext in either lower limb. The results suggest that an endurance training program combined with LLLT leads to a greater reduction in fatigue than an endurance training program without LLLT. This is relevant to everyone involved in sport and rehabilitation.

Effects of low level laser therapy (808 nm) on physical strength training in humans

Recent studies have investigated whether low level laser therapy (LLLT) can optimize human muscle performance in physical exercise. This study tested the effect of LLLT on muscle performance in physical strength training in humans compared with strength training only. The study involved 36 men (20.8±2.2years old), clinically healthy, with a beginner and/or moderate physical activity training pattern. The subjects were randomly distributed into three groups: TLG (training with LLLT), TG (training only) and CG (control). The training for TG and TLG subjects involved the leg-press exercise with a load equal to 80% of one repetition maximum (1RM) in the leg-press test over 12 consecutive weeks. The LLLT was applied to the quadriceps muscle of both lower limbs of the TLG subjects immediately after the end of each training session. Using an infrared laser device (808nm) with six diodes of 60mW each a total energy of 50.4J of LLLT was administered over 140s. Muscle strength was assessed using the 1RM leg-press test and the isokinetic dynamometer test. The muscle volume of the thigh of the dominant limb was assessed by thigh perimetry. The TLG subjects showed an increase of 55% in the 1RM leg-press test, which was significantly higher than the increases in the TG subjects (26%, P = 0.033) and in the CG subjects (0.27%, P < 0.001). The TLG was the only group to show an increase in muscle performance in the isokinetic dynamometry test compared with baseline. The increases in thigh perimeter in the TLG subjects and TG subjects were not significantly different (4.52% and 2.75%, respectively; P = 0.775). Strength training associated with LLLT can increase muscle performance compared with strength training only.

EFFECTS OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY (LLLT) ON SPASTICITY CAUSED BY CEREBRAL VASCULAR ACCIDENTS (CVAS)

Spasticity following cerebral vascular accidents (CVAs) is a common occurrence, but remains a problematic entity to treat and interferes with mobility and self-care activities which are critical for successful rehabilitative outcomes. Low reactive-level laser therapy (LLLT) has attracted attention in a number of areas including spasticity associated with cerebral palsy. In the case of post CVA therapy, LLLT has been reported for pain treatment, but not spasticity. The present study examined the efficacy of LLLT in attenuating triceps surae muscle spasticity in CVA patients. The study subjects comprised 15 chronic CVA patients with spasticity, treated at our university hospital between 2002 and 2006. The LLLT device we used was a near infrared (830 nm) semiconductor laser device delivering 1 W in continuous wave (irradiance, 670 mW/cm2) . The laser probe was applied with mild pressure to the skin over the tibial nerve on the affected side, 30 sec/point (dose/point 20.1 J/cm2) repeated 3 times with a 5 sec interval between irradiations. Two sessions were given per week for 1 week. At the end of the week, we recognized LLLT effects in 11 cases out of 15. The other 4 patients had little or no effect but were in their fifties, and had successive bouts of ankle clonus. LLLT is a promising medical treatment for the attenuation of CVA-related spasticity of the triceps surae muscle spasticity, and facilitate voluntary movements in such patients. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms by which LLLT can attenuate spasticity.

Linear and nonlinear optical properties of ZnGeP2 crystal for infrared laser device applications: revisited.

Measurement of refractive indices in the spectral bands 9-11 microm and 1.32 microm from a cw CO2 laser and a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, respectively, is reported in a ZnGeP2 crystal. A new set of Sellmeier dispersion relations has been derived from the measured refractive indices data in this crystal. Second-harmonic generation (SHG) of CO2 laser radiation in this crystal is also reported. It is also seen that the previously reported phase-matching data for others experiments in SHG and optical parametric devices is explained satisfactorily with this new set of Sellmeier dispersion relation.

Photoinduced effects in the Sb2Se3–BaCl2–PbCl2 glasses

Photoinduced optical phenomena in amorphous Sb2Se3–BaCl2–PbCl2 glasses are studied using experimental spectroscopic and theoretical quantum chemical methods. Photoinduced two-photon absorption (TPA) (for λ=10.6 μm) and second harmonic generation (SHG) (for the output wavelengths 5.3 μm) were measured. CO laser (λ=5.5 μm) was used as a source of photoinducing light. We have found that with an increasing CO-laser exposure the SHG maximum output signal increases and achieves its maximum value at CO photon fluence 18×1013 phot./cm2 per pulse after two hours of illumination. The output SHG signal was more than one order less comparing with ZnS crystals in case of its third rank nonlinear optical susceptibility tensor components χ222 (λ=10.6 μm). With decreasing temperature the SHG signal strongly increases within the 26–32 K temperature range. Time-dependent probe-pump measurements show an existence of SHG maximum at time delay about 45 ps. Good correlation between SHG and TPA was observed. Spectral positions of the TPA maxima strongly depend on the photoinducing power. We observed at least two maxima of the TPA: at 26 and 70 ps. We explain this dependence within a framework of the quantum chemical approach taken into account electron-vibration anharmonicity. Coming out from the performed calculations and infrared (IR)-spectroscopy Fourier technique measurements in the spectral region between 100 and 300 cm−1 we have ascertained a key role of Sb–Se fragments in the observed photoinduced effects. We have also compared different existing models of the photoinduced changes. The studied glasses have relatively low nonuniformity through the sample surfaces and can be used as a promising material for picosecond IR laser devices.

Laser therapy in cataract surgery.

Since the development of ultrasound phacoemulsification more than 25 years ago, cataract surgery has changed dramatically. One of the major changes in cataract surgery has been the research into the use of laser for the removal of cataracts. To date, both ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths have been studied, with the infrared showing more promise. The ultraviolet end of the spectrum has shown promise, but concerns with safety have hindered its progress. An infrared laser device developed by Dodick has been used successfully for the removal of cataracts under an Investigational Device Exemption from the Food and Drug Administration and a second infrared laser developed by Colvard should be approved soon. These developments have brought us a step closer to realizing the dream of laser cataract surgery.