Argon Laser Research Articles

Laser isotope separation of 203Tl through pulsed laser optical pumping

Isotope separation of 203Tl through pulsed laser optical pumping into the 6s26p2P3/2∘ meta-stable state, followed by pulsed laser ionization, has been theoretically studied through density matrix formalism. The efficiency of the isotope separation process has been compared with the cw laser optical pumping followed by pulsed laser photoionization reported earlier. The effect of peak power density, bandwidth and number density of atoms on the degree of enrichment and the production rate has been systematically studied. The optimum parameters for the efficient laser isotope separation 203Tl have been derived. It has been shown that using this method, it is possible to produce about 1.5 kg/y of 203Tl isotope enriched to 90%.

ANALYSIS OF THE VOLUME OF BONE MARROW CELL NUCLEI FOR ASSESSMENT OF CYTOSTATIC MYELOSUPPRESSION AND ITS PREVENTION BY ACTIVATED CARBON

Bone marrow suppression (myelosuppression) is a frequent complication of chemotherapy, and the need for monitoring and managing this side effect is still in great demand. Aim: to study the changes in the volume of nuclei in bone marrow cells of chemotherapy drug-treated laboratory animals with or without enterosorption by activated carbon (AC). Object and methods: both flow cytometry and confocal microscopy were used to analyze acridine orange (AO)-stained bone marrow samples of intact, doxorubicin (DOX)-, and DOX+AC-treated rats. Confocal Z-series that represent sequential scans of cell nuclei directed from top to bottom at 0.5-μm step size were acquired at 40× magnification using argon laser (488 nm) for excitation of AO. Green fluorescence emitted by DNA-bound AO was detected through a 505–530 nm band-pass filter, allowing distinct visualization of nuclei and their boundaries. Z-series were further processed and analyzed with ImageJ software to quantify the values of nuclear volumes. Results: there were apparent differences between the nuclear volumes in the bone marrow samples of intact, DOX-treated, and DOX+AC-treated rats. A significant increase of the volume of nuclei in DOX+AC-treated rats, compared with those in DOX-treated (1.42-fold) and intact rats (1.14-fold), is likely due to an active DNA replication, suggesting an ongoing recovery of the pool of nucleated cells. Notably, in these three groups, the populations of bone marrow nucleated cells, as estimated by flow cytometry, correlated well with the aforementioned values of nuclear volumes. However, the volume of nuclei may not necessarily correlate with the height of Z-series representing the thickness of nuclei, providing a clue that can help to delineate the role of nuclear deformability. Conclusion: analysis of the volume of bone marrow cell nuclei proposed in this work is important in terms of obtaining supplementary information in the study of the course of induced myelosuppression and of the ways of its prevention.

Argon Laser Treatment of Retinal Lesions at the CHU-IOTA in Bamako, Mali

Argon Laser Treatment of Retinal Lesions at the CHU-IOTA in Bamako, Mali

Design and Simulation of a Liquid-Microjet Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer with a Femtosecond Laser Ionization Source

Design and Simulation of a Liquid-Microjet Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer with a Femtosecond Laser Ionization Source

Fungal Keratitis. Part 2. Diagnosis and Treatment

The problem of diagnosis and treatment of fungal keratitis (FK) is very acute. Due to the slow development of clinical features and the absence of clear pathognomonic signs, this disease is characterized by a late start of the introduction of adequate etiotropic therapy. Often this leads to the development of large corneal defects requiring surgical intervention. Diagnostic methods are divided into invasive and non-invasive. Invasive methods include the study of scrapings from the surface of the cornea from the site of ulceration, biopsy of the corneal stroma or moisture of the anterior chamber using microscopic, cultural methods or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Non-invasive techniques include confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment. They allow you to dynamically monitor the course of the pathological process and the response to ongoing therapy. Promising methods are also the detection of (1,3)-β-D-glucans in tears, the detection of the pathogen using MALDI-TOF MS. The gold standard for the treatment of FK in the world is the topical application of 5 % Natamycin (approved by the FDA, but not available in Russia). Fluconazole, Voriconazole and Amphotericin B, available in Russia, are also widely used, but their topical use is possible only in off label format. In the presence of hypopyon or an increase in the size and depth of the infiltrate, despite ongoing treatment, immediate surgical treatment is required in order to preserve the integrity of the eyeball. Such treatments include penetrating keratoplasty, anterior lamellar keratoplasty, amniotic membrane transplantation, conjunctival flaps, corneal collagen cross-linking (with unproven efficacy), and argon laser. A promising method for the treatment of FK can be the use of Ag(10 %):InP/ZnS MPA quantum dots as monotherapy or as a bioconjugate with known antifungal drugs.

Characterization of the field ionization extension for the laser ion source and trap: Measurement of the ionization potential of ytterbium

We report on the development and application of the Field Ionization Laser Ion Source and Trap (FI-LIST) at the RISIKO mass separator at Mainz University. The FI-LIST is an adaptation of the well-established LIST unit developed at Mainz and successfully adapted to CERN-ISOLDE. It is specifically designed for field ionization of highly excited atoms in a homogeneous electric field. To assess the performance of the device for future use on radioactive species of e.g. actinides, we conducted ionization potential (IP) measurements on ytterbium, for which the IP is precisely known. The IP value was derived by applying the saddle-point model with a relative precision of 3⋅10−6 and in very good agreement with the literature value.

Improving the Signal Intensity of Cryosections Using a Conductive Adhesive Film in Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) technique was used to obtain the molecular images of cryosections without labeling. Although MALDI-MSI has been widely used to detect small molecules from biological tissues, issues remain due to the technical process of cryosectioning and limited mass spectrometry parameters. The use of a conductive adhesive film is a unique method to obtain high-quality sections from cutting tissue, such as bone, muscle, adipose tissue, and whole body of mice or fish, and we have reported the utilization of the film for MALDI-MSI in previous. However, some signal of the small molecules using the conductive adhesive films was still lower than on the indium tin oxide (ITO) glass slide. Here, the sample preparation and analytical conditions for MALDI-MSI using an advanced conductive adhesive film were optimized to obtain strong signals from whole mice heads. The effects of tissue thickness and laser ionization power on signal intensity were verified using MALDI-MSI. The phospholipid signal intensity was measured for samples with three tissue thicknesses (5, 10, and 20 μm); compared to the signals from the samples on the ITO glass slides, the signals with conductive adhesive films exhibited significantly higher intensities when a laser with a higher range of power was used to ionize the small molecules. Thus, the technique using the advanced conductive adhesive film showed an improvement in MALDI-MSI analysis.

INTRAVITREAL CHOPPING OF DROPPED NUCLEUS WITH A NITINOL INTRAOCULAR FOREIGN BODY FORCEPS: AN ALTERNATIVE TECHNIQUE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF RETAINED NUCLEUS FRAGMENTS.

To evaluate the efficiency and safety of using an intraocular foreign body forceps with two nitinol loops at its tip to capture and chop dropped nucleus (DN) during vitrectomy as an alternative method and to evaluate the outcomes and complications of this surgical technique. The eyes that underwent 23-gauge vitrectomy with removal of DN using nitinol forceps with a minimum follow-up time of 1 year are included in this study. The efficiency of surgical technique and anatomical and functional results with complications is recorded. Nine patients with a mean age of 73.11 ± 2.15 years were included in this study. The mean time between DN and vitrectomy was 7.67 ± 3.74 (5-14) days. In all eyes, DN was easily chopped and removed with aspiration. Argon laser photocoagulation was performed in 4 eyes (44.44%) during surgery. All eyes were followed up for a mean time of 21.11 ± 12.36 (12-48) months. The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity increased significantly during the postoperative follow-up ( P < 0.001). No complications related to the cataract surgery or DN removal were observed. Surgical removal of DN with the help of these forceps with nitinol loops is found to be safe and effective in this study. This method avoids ultrasonographic energy and enables 23-gauge vitrectomy without a fragmatome.

An Exploratory Retrospective Data Analysis Comparing the Outcomes of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty and Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty in Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension in Vienna, Austria, from the Year 2012 to 2022.

Background and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the short-term outcomes of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) with argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) in patients with glaucoma in a real-world setting. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted as a retrospective case-control study. The main outcome was the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) three months after laser surgery. In addition, the number of substances used for lowering of IOP and adverse events (AEs) were assessed. Results: Charts from 25 patients were included in the present study, of which 12 had received ALT and 13 SLT. In both groups, IOP significantly decreased from baseline values 6 weeks and 3 months after laser treatment (p < 0.01 vs. baseline at each timepoint for both groups). While after 6 weeks, no difference between groups was found, after 3 months, the decrease in IOP was significantly more pronounced in the SLT group (-26 ± 21% in the ALT group vs. -41 ± 14% in the SLT group, p = 0.018 between groups, ANOVA). Three months after laser treatment, the number of IOP-lowering substances used by each patient had decreased with no difference between groups (ALT: from 2.7 ± 0.8 to 2.3 ± 0.9 substances; SLT: from 1.8 ± 1.2 to 1.3 ± 1.1 substances, p = 0.386). Only a few AEs were observed. Two patients in the ALT and one patient in the SLT group required trabeculectomy within 1 year after laser treatment due to IOP decompensation. Conclusions: In the present study, SLT was at least as effective as ALT with fewer AEs and a similar reduction in concomitant IOP-lowering medication.

Development of in situ Li isotope analysis using laser ablation quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

RationaleLithium isotope geochemistry is an important tool in the studies of Earth and planetary materials. In situ Li isotope analyses are typically performed using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) or laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICPMS), but these instruments are not widely accessible. Here, the capability of laser ablation quadrupole ICPMS for conducting Li isotopic analyses is evaluated.MethodsAn array of MPI‐DING and USGS silicate glass reference materials was analyzed repeatedly over the course of 6 months. These materials range from komatiite to rhyolite in terms of silica content (45.5–75.6 wt%) with 9–45 ppm Li. Their Li isotope compositions have been previously characterized so that matrix effects could be tested with these reference materials. Analyses were conducted using an NWR193 laser ablation system coupled to an Agilent 7900 ICPMS system.ResultsAnalytical precision is primarily limited by Li concentration in the samples. For samples with ~9 ppm Li, the internal precision is 6‰ (2 SD, 150 μm spot diameter), whereas that for a sample with ~45 ppm Li is 4‰ (2 SD, 120 μm spot diameter). The technique is somewhat sensitive to sample matrix: samples with SiO2 content that deviates from the bracketing standard display fractionated δ7Li, necessitating correction using a session‐specific matrix correction curve.ConclusionLithium isotope analysis by ns‐LA‐QICPMS is worthwhile for samples with high Li concentrations and when a matrix‐matched standard can be obtained. Although the precision of this method is not as high as those achievable with SIMS and LA‐MC‐ICPMS, it remains adequate for resolving large isotope fractionations found in natural and laboratory settings.

Age of Carlin-type gold mineralization in the Youjiang basin, South China: Constraint from hydrothermal zircon geochronology in the Badu dolerite-hosted gold deposit

Selecting a robust chronometer is crucial to determine the primary mineralization age of the deposits that have witnessed multiple hydrothermal events. The Youjiang basin of South China hosts the world’s second-largest Carlin-type gold province. However, the age of the Carlin-type gold mineralization remains highly debated, partly due to the presence of multiple hydrothermal events that may have disturbed the primary isotopic system with low durability. Hydrothermal zircon is a robust chronometer that can survive multiple hydrothermal events. To this end, in this study, we report in-situ secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb dating results of hydrothermal zircon identified in carbonate–sericite–sulfide–altered dolerite from the Badu Carlin-type gold deposit to constrain the timing of gold mineralization.The hydrothermal zircons exhibit subhedral to anhedral morphologies, sector cathodoluminescence zonings, and contain gold-related mineral assemblages of arsenian pyrite, quartz, sericite, and carbonate. Primary two-phase fluid inclusions also commonly occur in the hydrothermal zircons. Compositionally, these zircons feature relatively flat light rare-earth element (REE) patterns, high La contents, low (Sm/La)N values, and small Eu and Ce anomalies, which are different from the magmatic counterparts of the Badu pluton but consistent with those of hydrothermal zircons reported worldwide. These features indicate that the hydrothermal zircons are probably paragenetically associated with the gold mineralization. Consequently, the U–Pb ages of ca. 140 Ma of these zircons, which are much younger than those of the magmatic zircon in the fresh dolerite, can represent the timing of primary gold mineralization of Badu. Our new data suggests that there truly was an episode of gold mineralization during the Early Cretaceous in the Youjiang basin, which may have been driven by large-scale lithospheric extension in the interior of South China. This study demonstrates that hydrothermal zircon could be a robust clock for investigating the timing of magmatic rock-hosted Carlin-type gold deposits.

Proteome Analysis of Bevacizumab Intervention in Experimental Central Retinal Vein Occlusion.

Bevacizumab is a frequently used inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the management of macular edema in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Studying retinal protein changes in bevacizumab intervention may provide insights into mechanisms of action. In nine Danish Landrace pigs, experimental CRVO was induced in both eyes with argon laser. The right eyes received an intravitreal injection of 0.05 mL bevacizumab (n = 9), while the left control eyes received 0.05 mL saline water (NaCl). Retinal samples were collected 15 days after induced CRVO. Label-free quantification nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry identified 59 proteins that were regulated following bevacizumab treatment. Following bevacizumab intervention, altered levels of bevacizumab components, including the Ig gamma-1 chain C region and the Ig kappa chain C region, were observed. Changes in other significantly regulated proteins ranged between 0.58-1.73, including for the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain (fold change = 1.73), protein-transport protein Sec24B (fold change = 1.71), glycerol kinase (fold change = 1.61), guanine-nucleotide-binding protein G(T) subunit-gamma-T1 (fold change = 0.67), and prefoldin subunit 6 (fold change = 0.58). A high retinal concentration of bevacizumab was achieved within 15 days. Changes in the additional proteins were limited, suggesting a narrow mechanism of action.

Application of non-radiative energy transfer from Tb3+ to Nd3+ for pumping a 6 μm solid-state laser

It has been shown that the sensitization scheme involving non-radiative energy transfer from Tb3+ to Nd3+ in selenide glass is suitable for pumping a mid-infrared Nd3+ ion laser. Stimulated emission corresponding to a novel laser transition 4I11/2–4I9/2 of Nd3+ ions was demonstrated at liquid nitrogen temperature. Using an intracavity CaF2 prism, the laser was tunable from 5.56 to 6.01 μm. Output energy up to 16 mJ has been obtained.

Twelve-month analysis of emergency argon laser retinopexy in an Irish tertiary hospital.

Retinal tears occur as a result of traction at sites of retinal and vitreous adhesion-this allows retrohyaloid fluid into the subretinal space. Prompt management is required to prevent progression to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). To identify the post-procedural outcomes following treatment of retinal tears with laser retinopexy in an emergency setting. Retrospective review of all patients who underwent emergency slit-lamp laser retinopexy between January and December 2021 in Cork University Hospital, an Irish tertiary referral centre. A total of 87 patients were identified-mean age of 60 ± 12years and 54% female. Follow-up ranged from 1week to 11months. Pre-disposing risk factors were identified-myopia (37%), recent trauma (2%), and RRD family history (5%). All patients had slit-lamp mounted laser-retinopexy performed in the eye-casualty. 63 patients (72%) had a superior break, 66 patients (76%) had a horse-shoe retinal tear, and 21 patients (24%) had a retinal hole. Associated findings included lattice degeneration (26%), sub-retinal fluid (55%), and vitreous haemorrhage (33%). Fourteen patients (16%) required multiple slit-lamp laser retinopexies while 18 patients (21%) required intervention by a vitreo-retinal surgeon including indirect-laser retinopexy (3%), cryotherapy (11%), and pars-plana vitrectomy (6%). At the most recent follow-up, all the patients had anatomically attached retinas. A notable proportion of patients (21%) undergoing emergency laser retinopexy required further intervention. Patients with anteriorly located retinal tears would benefit from an early discussion with a vitreo-retinal surgeon. Departmental training in laser retinopexy and retinal tear management is recommended as part of ongoing quality improvement.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ARGON LASER IN PATIENTS WITH PERIPHERAL RETINAL BREAKS IN PREVENTING RETINAL DETACHMENT

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Retinal detachment is a risk to one's vision that occurs about 1 in 10,000 times. Prior to the 1920s, this disease was completely blinding. Restoration of retinal detachments has been much simpler over the past 50 years thanks to procedures like scleral buckling, pneumatic retinopexy, and vitrectomy. Rhegmatogenous, tractional, and exudative retinal detachments are the three types. When subretinal fluid accumulates between the retinal pigment epithelium and the neurosensory retina, retinal detachment occurs. During this phase, three things might occur. Breaking the retina is one way to let vitreous directly enter the subretinal region. This retinal detachment is rhegmatogenous. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments are frequently brought on by trauma- or posterior vitreous-separated-induced retinal tears. The growth of membranes on the vitreous or retinal surface is a second mechanism.These membranes have the capacity to physically divide the retinal pigment epithelium from the neurosensory retina. A tractional retinal detachment is what this is. Proliferative retinopathy caused by sickle cell anemia, diabetes, or other conditions that neovascularize the retina can cause tractional retinal detachment. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy following trauma or surgery may also contribute to tractional retinal detachments. Fluid exuding from a mass lesion or an accumulation of subretinal fluid caused by inflammatory mediators are the third causes of retinal detachment. Serous or exudative retinal detachment is the term used to describe this mechanism. Sarcoidosis and choroidal neoplasms are two examples of inflammatory or exudative retinal disease processes that can cause serous detachments. Patients with aggressively spreading cancers, such as testicular cancer, may also have serous retinal detachments. A case study of a retinal detachment without a profilactive argon laser and a known peripheral retinal break is presented. The patient arrived at our clinic with symptoms of retinal detachment that had been present for two to three weeks, as well as peripheral retinal breaks that had been photographed eight months prior.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;Keywords: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span&gt;Retinal detachment; peripheral retinal breaks; rhegmatogenous; tractional; exudative; profilactive argon laser.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Investigation on the kinetics of a diode-pumped plasma-jet type metastable argon laser

Diode-pumped rare gas lasers (DPRGLs) have the potential for high-energy laser output with high beam quality. The metastable concentration &amp;gt;1014 cm−3 and pump intensity &amp;gt;10 kW/cm2 are required in developing high-power and efficient DPRGLs. However, the kinetics of 1s and 2p levels (Paschen notation) under these conditions is unclear yet, particularly regarding the adverse effects of interference energy levels (e.g., 1s4 and 2p1–2p8). This study addresses this gap by measuring the number densities of 1s and 2p levels in a diode-pumped plasma jet metastable argon laser. The experiment was conducted with a much higher number density of 1014 cm−3 and a higher pump intensity of 12 kW/cm2 than our previous works. The results indicate that the adverse effect of 1s4 accumulation could be partially compensated, and the relative population distribution of 2p energy levels remained unchanged. However, the high gas temperature (&amp;gt;1000 K) caused a significant negative impact of high 2p levels (2p1–2p8), and the air environment weakened the effect of He collision relaxation.

Engineered Knockout of TRPA1 Inhibits Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization Along With Associated TGFβ1 Expression and Neutrophil Infiltration

We examined the effects of gene ablation and chemical inhibition of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) on the growth of experimental argon laser–induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice. CNV was induced in the eyes of 6- to 8-week-old TRPA1-null (knockout [KO]) and wild-type (WT) mice by argon laser irradiation. Gene expression analysis was performed in laser-injured tissues at days 1 and 3. CNV growth was evaluated at day 14. Reciprocal bone marrow transplantation was performed between each genotype to identify the components responsible for either recipient tissue or bone marrow–derived inflammatory cells. Our results show that laser irradiation successfully induced CNV growth at the site of laser injury. The size of induced CNV was significantly smaller in KO mice than in WT mice at day 14, as determined by angiography with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran. Invasion of neutrophils, but not macrophages, was suppressed in association with suppression of the expression of transforming growth factor β1 and interleukin 6 in laser-irradiated KO tissue. Bone marrow transplantation indicated that the genotype of the recipient mouse, but not of inflammatory cells, is attributable to the KO phenotype. Systemic administration of a TRPA1 antagonist also reduced the CNV in a WT mouse. In conclusion, TRPA1 signaling in local cells is involved in growth of laser-induced CNV. The phenotype was not attributable to vascular endothelial cells and inflammatory cells. Blocking TRPA1 signal may therefore be a potential treatment strategy for CNV-related ocular diseases.

Charge-Dependent Metastable Dissociations of Multiply Charged Decafluorobiphenyl Formed by Femtosecond Laser Pulses.

Femtosecond laser ionization is a unique means to produce multiply charged organic molecules in the gas phase. The charge-dependent chemical reactions of such electron-deficient molecules are interesting from both fundamental and applied scientific perspectives. We have reported the production of quadruply charged perfluoroaromatics; however, they were so stable that we cannot obtain information about their chemical reactions. In general, it might be difficult to realize the conflicting objectives of observing multiply charged molecular ion themselves and their metastable dissociations. In this study, we report the first example showing metastable dissociations of several charge states within the measurable time range of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Metastable dissociations were analyzed by selecting a precursor ion with a Bradbury-Nielsen ion gate followed by time-of-flight analysis using a reflectron. We obtained qualitative information that triply and quadruply charged decafluorobiphenyl survived at least in the acceleration region but completely decomposed before entering a reflectron. In contrast, three dissociation channels for singly and one for doubly charged molecular ions were discriminated by a reflectron and determined with the help of ion trajectory simulations.

New Nitinol-based Thermomechanically Adjustable IOL Technology.

To evaluate the feasibility of new adjustable intraocular lens (IOL) technology. The foldable adjustable IOL consists of a nitinol mechanism placed in a haptic-optic cradle. Heating actuators on the nitinol mechanism with a continuous green laser achieve controlled movement of the mechanism and optic. Activation occurs in controlled steps: rotation in 1-degree steps over 360 degrees, and anterior posterior movement in 0.25-diopter (D) steps with a range of +1.50 D. The IOL was tested in vitro and in vivo in a rabbit eye. Foldability and unfolding were demonstrated through a 2.6-mm cartridge. The adjustable lens mechanism was successfully tested in vitro and in vivo. Activation resulted in a change in optic position relative to the haptics and the capsular bag. Activation of the lever and ratchet mechanism showed radial advancement of the IOL clockwise and counterclockwise. In vivo rotatory movement was achieved after activation by the argon laser at 1 week after implantation. Anterior to posterior movement was accomplished by activating the circular spring actuator mechanism in the laboratory model. Uneventful folding and unfolding were performed. A new adjustable IOL with a mechanism that responds in measured steps had been shown to move as planned after activation by argon laser. This was successful in the laboratory in both radial and anterior posterior movement. The radial movement was also proven in vivo in an animal model. Further refinement of the prototype is currently being undertaken. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(10):662-667.].

High Average Gradient in a Laser-Gated Multistage Plasma Wakefield Accelerator.

Plasma wakefield accelerators driven by particle beams are capable of providing accelerating gradient several orders of magnitude higher than currently used radio-frequency technology, which could reduce the length of particle accelerators, with drastic influence on the development of future colliders at TeV energies and the minimization of x-ray free-electron lasers. Since interplasma components and distances are among the biggest contributors to the total accelerator length, the design of staged plasma accelerators is one of the most important outstanding questions in order to render this technology instrumental. Here, we present a novel concept to optimize interplasma distances in a staged beam-driven plasma accelerator by drive-beam coupling in the temporal domain and gating the accelerator via a femtosecond ionization laser.