YAG Laser Technology Research Articles

Optimizing Nd: YAG laser cutting of carbon fiber reinforcing polymer with newly developed resin using Taguchi-GRA approach and machine learning integration

PurposeThe investigation aims to improve Nd: YAG laser technology for precision cutting of carbon fiber reinforcing polymers (CFRPs), specifically those containing newly created resin (NDR) from the polyethylene and polyurea group, is the goal of the study. The focus is on showing how Nd: YAG lasers may be used to precisely cut CFRP with NDR materials, emphasizing how useful they are for creating intricate and long-lasting components.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a systematic approach that includes complicated factorial designs, Taguchi L27 orthogonal array trials, Gray relational analysis (GRA) and machine learning predictions. The effects of laser cutting factors on CFRP with NDR geometry are investigated experimentally, with the goal of optimizing the cutting process for greater quality and efficiency. The approach employs data-driven decision-making with GRA, which improves cut quality and manufacturing efficiency while producing high-quality CFRP composites. Integration of machine learning models into the optimization process significantly boosts the precision and cost-effectiveness of laser cutting operations for CFRP materials.FindingsThe work uses Taguchi L27 orthogonal array trials for systematically explore the effects of specified parameters on CFRP cutting. The cutting process is then optimized using GRA, which identifies influential elements and determines the ideal parameter combination. In this paper, initially machining parameters are established at level L3P3C3A2, and the optimal machining parameters are determined to be at levels L3P2C3A3 and L3P2C1A2, based on predictions and experimental results. Furthermore, the study uses machine learning prediction models to continuously update and optimize kerf parameters, resulting in high-quality cuts at a lower cost. Overall, the study presents a holistic method to optimize CFRP cutting processes employing sophisticated techniques such as GRA and machine learning, resulting in better quality and efficiency in manufacturing operations.Originality/valueThe novel concept is in precisely measuring the kerf width and deviation in CFRP samples of NDR using sophisticated imaging techniques like SEM, which improves analysis and precision. The newly produced resin from the polyethylene and polyurea group with carbon fiber offers a more precise and comprehensive understanding of the material's behavior under different cutting settings, which makes it novel for kerf width and kerf deviation in their studies. To optimize laser cutting settings in real time while considering laser machining conditions, the study incorporates material insights into machine learning models.

Nd:YAG Technology for Laser Hair Removal: What's New?

ABSTRACTBackgroundSince its inception, the Neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) 1064‐nm laser has been widely used for the treatment of hair removal. Selective photothermolysis forms the basis of its function. Without harming the skin, the laser damages the hair follicle, offering safety and potentially positive outcomes. Many years after its debut, newly developed Nd:YAG laser technology and additional indicators have been found.MethodsThe quality of the evidence was evaluated using PubMed and Google Scholar searches. A selection of articles published between 2019 and 2024 underwent a retrospective review.ResultsUpdated technology, including the “in‐motion” technique, submillisecond pulse, and the combination of alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers, achieves effective hair reduction with a higher safety profile. Other effects of the Nd:YAG laser on sweat glands, its bactericidal effects, and its long‐term effects on laser providers are discussed in this literature.ConclusionWith minimal short‐ and long‐term side effects, the latest technology and techniques of Nd:YAG laser treatment at a wavelength of 1064 nm have been shown to be beneficial and promising for hair removal.

High-Energy Nd :YAG Laser Technology Based on Dust-Cloud Pyrotechnic Pumping

High-Energy Nd :YAG Laser Technology Based on Dust-Cloud Pyrotechnic Pumping

Laser Efficiency and Laser Safety: Holmium YAG vs. Thulium Fiber Laser.

(1) Objective: To support the efficacy and safety of a range of thulium fiber laser (TFL) pre-set parameters for laser lithotripsy: the efficiency is compared against the Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser in the hands of juniors and experienced urologists using an in vitro ureteral model; the ureteral damage of both lasers is evaluated in an in vivo porcine model. (2) Materials and Methods: Ho:YAG laser technology and TFL technology, with a 200 µm core-diameter laser fibers in an in vitro saline ureteral model were used. Each participant performed 12 laser sessions. Each session included a 3-min lasering of stone phantoms (Begostone) with each laser technology in six different pre-settings retained from the Coloplast TFL Drive user interface pre-settings, for stone dusting: 0.5 J/10 Hz, 0.5 J/20 Hz, 0.7 J/10 Hz, 0.7 J/20 Hz, 1 J/12 Hz and 1 J/20 Hz. Both lasers were also used in three in vivo porcine models, lasering up to 20 W and 12 W in the renal pelvis and the ureter, respectively. Temperature was continuously recorded. After 3 weeks, a second look was done to verify the integrity of the ureters and kidney and an anatomopathological analysis was performed. (3) Results: Regarding laser lithotripsy efficiency, after 3 min of continuous lasering, the overall ablation rate (AR) percentage was 27% greater with the TFL technology (p < 0.0001). The energy per ablated mass [J/mg] was 24% lower when using the TFL (p < 0.0001). While junior urologists performed worse than seniors in all tests, they performed better when using the TFL than Ho:YAG technology (36% more AR and 36% fewer J/mg). In the in vivo porcine model, no urothelial damage was observed for both laser technologies, neither endoscopically during lasering, three weeks later, nor in the pathological test. (4) Conclusions: By using Coloplast TFL Drive GUI pre-set, TFL lithotripsy efficiency is higher than Ho:YAG laser, even in unexperienced hands. Concerning urothelial damage, both laser technologies with low power present no lesions.

A combination of 1064nm Q-switched fractional ND-YAG laser with a nonfractional microsecond pulsed technology has a synergistic effect for nonablative facial rejuvenation.

Non-ablative fractionated lasers for facial rejuvenation are increasingly preferred over ablative lasers due to their minimal downtime and fewer adverse events. The synergistic effect of the Q-switched fractional (QSF) 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, in combination with the non-fractional microsecond pulsed technology has yet to be fully evaluated. Our objective was to determine the safety and efficacy of this combination treatment for skin rejuvenation. Patients who underwent treatment using the QSF-Nd:YAG laser, followed by the non-fractional microsecond pulsed Nd:YAG were evaluated retrospectively using a novel 3D imaging modality for degree of facial erythema, wrinkles surface area, and wrinkle depth. Pain perception, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction were assessed at the 2-month post-treatment follow-up visit, graded on a scale of 1- 5 (1=not satisfied, 5=very satisfied). Ten female patients' ages 44-67 (mean 55years) completed both treatment and follow-up period, with an overall mild improvement in facial erythema and wrinkle surface area (mean improvement of 18% and 19.5% accordingly), as well as a mild improvement in overall wrinkle depth. Pain and adverse effects were mild and transient. Patients' satisfaction was high. The combination of the QSF-Nd:YAG laser and non-fractional microsecond pulsed technology, using a single Nd:YAG 1064nm laser platform, was found safe and effective as a non-ablative modality for facial rejuvenation, as demonstrated by a novel 3D imaging modality.

Evaluation of upper labial frenectomy: A randomized, controlled comparative study of conventional scalpel technique and Er:YAG laser technique.

ObjectivesAbnormalities in the maxillary frenum may lead to esthetic or functional limitations and need to be corrected with a surgical intervention called frenectomy. The aim of the study was to compare frenectomies performed using Er:YAG laser technology with those using a conventional scalpel technique. Comparisons were of patients' experiences, treatment times, bleeding during treatment and wound healing.Material and methodsThe trial was performed as a prospective, randomized and controlled, single‐blind investigation. A total of 40 patients requiring frenectomy were randomly assigned to groups which underwent either conventional or Er:YAG laser treatment. Patients' experiences, treatment time, bleeding and wound healing were evaluated immediately after surgery and 5 days, 12 days and 3 months after surgery.ResultsSignificant increase in time spent in surgery and bleeding was seen with conventional scalpel surgery. Directly after surgery the wound area was significantly larger in the laser group but at the 5‐day evaluation no difference could be observed between the groups. Finally, patients were satisfied with both methods, giving them the same assessments.ConclusionIn the frenectomy procedure, laser surgery is faster and causes less bleeding and may be advantageous in frenectomies.

Effect of textured DLC coatings on tribological properties of titanium alloy under grease lubrication

To improve the tribological properties of titanium alloy surface and promote the functional application of titanium alloy, the synergistic anti-friction and wear-resistant effect of laser micro-textures and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings on titanium alloy surface under grease lubrication were investigated in this paper. Micro-textures and DLC coatings were fabricated on the surface of titanium alloy by Nd:YAG laser and magnetron sputtering technology. Effects of different surface treatment methods and micro-textures parameters on tribological properties of titanium alloy samples was studied. The results showed that, compared with the smooth titanium alloy sample, the friction coefficient of micro-textured sample, DLC coated sample and textured DLC coated sample decreased by 43.7%, 75.8%, 80.6% respectively. The surface of textured coated titanium alloy had the best tribological properties with a friction coefficient of 0.0799. The wear on the surface of the titanium alloy sample treated by laser micro-textures and DLC coatings was obviously improved. Compared with the severe adhesive wear on the surface of the titanium alloy sample, the surface of the textured coated titanium alloy sample was slightly scratched, and the wear volume was decreased by 97.5%. Meanwhile, DLC coatings with 30% textures density and 20 μm textures depth showed the best anti-friction effect as well as the optimal hydrodynamic lubrication effect. Under the condition of grease lubrication, the surface of textured DLC coated titanium alloy substrate presented favorable anti-friction and wear-resistance effects, which revealed that reasonable micro-textures density and depth could more effectively exert the lubricating and anti-friction properties of textured DLC coatings.

MP22-04 SUPER-PULSE THULIUM-FIBER LASER FOR LITHOTRIPSY

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:The Ho:YAG laser is highly efficient for stone fragmentation and dusting, and recent modifications to Ho:YAG laser technology such as “Moses” option have further improved...

Ablative dual-phase Erbium:YAG laser treatment of atrophy-related vaginal symptoms in post-menopausal breast cancer survivors omitting hormonal treatment

First evaluation of dual-phase vaginal Er:YAG laser to omit hormonal treatment for atrophy-related symptoms in post-menopausal breast cancer survivors following prolapse surgery. Patients with a history of breast cancer at the time of surgery for pelvic organ prolapse were offered non-hormonal vaginal Er:YAG laser treatment when complaining of atrophy-related genitourinary syndrome of menopause. A single 10-min course of dual-phase protocol of pulsed Er:YAG laser (2940nm, fractional ablative and thermal mode, fluence according to tissue thickness). Follow-up included subjective satisfaction, vaginal pH, vaginal health index (VHI), and complications after 6weeks. A total of 16 breast cancer survivors (age 71years, SD 7) had been seeking treatment for pelvic floor symptoms related to vaginal atrophy at follow-up visits after prolapse surgery. All ablative vaginal Er:YAG laser outpatient procedures were successfully completed, all patients returned to daily activities without a need for analgetic medication. Evaluation was performed after 8.3 (SD 2.5) weeks. Pre-laser VHI scored 16 (SD 4.6) and post-laser VHI 20 (SD 3) with p = 0.01. Patients were satisfied in 94% (n = 15) regarding symptom relief. Breast cancer survivors with atrophy-related complaints after pelvic floor surgery may benefit from vaginal application of this innovative dual protocol of Er:YAG laser technology as a non-hormonal treatment approach.

Treatment of Chronic Lower Extremity Ulcers with A New Er:Yag Laser Technology.

Chronic lower extremity ulcers (CLEUs) have a high prevalence and are difficult to treat due to their various aetiologies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results achieved in treating CLEUs using an Erbium: YAG (Er:YAG) laser with RecoSMA technology. This laser emits thousands of microbeams of energy causing superficial epidermal ablation and a separation of dermal fibres due to a mechanical-acoustic and resonance effect. The evaluation of the results achieved was carried out by questionnaires completed by 18 patients enrolled in the study. Histological studies and photographs taken before each session (16 sessions in total) were analysed to visually monitor the clinical progress. The analyses were carried out with the help of computer software. The results after 16 treatment sessions showed the complete healing of ulcers or a decrease in their initial area of at least 55% in over 65% of the patients treated. The Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. The Er:YAG laser and RecoSMA technology ablates few epidermal cell layers, producing a mechanical-acoustic effect with resonance action leading to tissue regeneration mechanisms. This technology offers an effective and safe alternative for treating CLEUs.

Vibration assisted electrochemical micromachining of high aspect ratio micro features

The most used processes for generation of high aspect ratio microchannels are Nd: YAG laser technology on silica substrate and ultra violate lithography (UV-LIGA) process on metals. There are a few micromachining technologies such as micro mechanical milling, micro electro discharge machining (EDM) and electrochemical micromachining (EMM) for production of high-aspect-ratio micro features on highly stressed and anticorrosive metal like stainless steel. This paper discusses the micro fabrication of high aspect ratio micro features at the intended location on high strength stainless steel sheet of very small thickness to high thickness with highest average aspect ratio 14.33 achieved during microchannel generation by EMM with the help of coated microtool. Mathematical model relating aspect ratio with various parameters and machining conditions is derived to explore the ways to increase the aspect ratio of micro features. Experimental investigations were carried out to know the effect of vibration of microtool, frequency of pulsed voltage, microtool tip shape, thickness of work piece and non-conducting layer coated microtool on high aspect ratio micro features. Vibration of microtool with very small amplitude improved the stability of micromachining due to improved flow of electrolyte.

Experimental oral soft tissue surgery with a high-repetition-rate Er:YAG laser

The purpose of this study was to evaluate performance in oral soft tissue surgery and the periodontal tissue interactions resulting from increasing the repetition rate of a pulsed-mode Er:YAG laser system from 10 to 30 pulses per second (pps). Five beagle dogs aged 2 or 3 years old were used in this study. The specific maneuvers were performed for a gingivectomy and the removal of melanin pigmentation. A trial Er:YAG laser, which is adjustable up to 30 pps of repeated rate, was used. As for gingivectomy, the output power was made under eight conditions (35 mJ–30 pps, 35 mJ–20 pps, 70 mJ–10 pps, 70 mJ–20 pps, with or without water). The irradiation condition for the removal of melanin pigment was set at 35 mJ–30 pps with or without water. The observation periods were immediately, 7 and 28 days. Specimens were made and observed under a light microscope. Procedures of the gingivectomy and removal of melanin pigmentation resulted in favorable healing, regardless of the irradiation conditions. Increasing the repetition rate up to the 30 pps with low power significantly improved the smoothness and morphology. The high-repetition-rate Er:YAG laser technology described is advantageous, compared with low-repetition-rate Er:YAG lasers, and is applicable in a variety of oral soft tissue surgical procedures.

Role of Erbium:YAG laser in the treatment of aged skin.

Laser resurfacing procedures in actinic skin damage and the treatment of disorders associated with skin ageing are becoming more popular. For both purposes Erbium:YAG laser-technology enables us to perform a highly precise skin ablative work, which can be most helpful in the removal of circumscribed skin lesions of ageing skin as well as in larger skin resurfacing procedures. In most circumstances, superficial skin ablation is not technically demanding, is not associated with major discomfort, and can be controlled with precision. Tissue sparing ablation is of special value in the treatment of disorders in atrophic skin of elderly patients or in more delicate areas, where it can avoid prolonged healing and unwarranted side-effects.

Long-term results with a multiple synchronized-pulse 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of leg venulectasias and reticular veins.

The long-pulsed Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser has been shown to be effective in the treatment of blue venulectasias and reticular veins. The present study examined the clinical efficacy and long-term follow-up (12 months) of patients treated with the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser technology. Twenty-five female patients (mean age 37.6 years, Fitzpatrick skin types II-V) were treated with up to three treatment sessions at 6-week intervals on a 5 cm2 surface area of vessels utilizing the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser with a circulating cooling device. Treatment parameters were vessel size 0.2-2.0 mm treated with a double pulse of 7 msec at 120 J/cm2 and vessel size 2.0-4.0 mm treated with a single pulse of 14 msec, fluence 130 J/cm2, with a spot size of 6 mm. Improvement was judged by double-blinded observer evaluation, macrophotographic imaging, optical chromatography, and a patient evaluation scale. Sixty-four percent of patients treated in the present study achieved 75% or greater clearing of vessels after a maximum of three treatment sessions. Optical chromatography revealed statistically significant decreased chromophore intensity (mean blueness reduction index of 41.2b-). Sixty-four percent of patients were greatly satisfied with the results of the laser treatment. Two patients manifested vessel recurrence when examined at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser can produce effective long-term photosclerosis of blue venulectasia and reticular veins. The potential for recurrence should be recognized by the vascular laser surgeon.

New [M(R,R‘timdt)2] Metal-Dithiolenes and Related Compounds (M = Ni, Pd, Pt; R,R‘timdt = Monoanion of Disubstituted Imidazolidine-2,4,5-trithiones): An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation

Several new Ni (7a−i), Pd (8a−j), and Pt (9a−j) dithiolenes belonging to the general class [M(R,R‘timdt)2] (R,R‘timdt = monoanion of di-substituted imidazolidine-2,4,5-trithione) have been synthesized by sulfuring the disubstituted imidazolidine-2-thione-4,5-diones (4) with Lawesson's reagent (5) in the presence of the appropriate metal either as powder or as chloride. The obtained compounds have been characterized by UV−vis−NIR, FT-IR, and FT-Raman spectroscopies, CP-MAS 13C NMR, and cyclic voltammetry, while [Ni(Me,Pritimdt)2] (7c) was also characterized by X-ray diffraction on a single crystal. Isolation from the reaction mixtures of the complex trans-bis[O-ethyl(4-methoxyphenyl)phosphonodithioato]Ni(II) (10a) and of 4,5,6,7-tetrathiocino[1,2-b:3,4-b‘]diimidazolyl-1,10-diphenyl-3,8-diethyl-2,9-dithione (6a) as byproducts supports a radical mechanism for the one-pot reaction leading to the title dithiolenes. All these complexes absorb in the NIR region in the range 991−1030 nm with extinction coefficients of rarely encountered magnitudes (up to 80000 M-1 cm-1). They are therefore ideal candidates for applications on Nd:YAG laser technology for which the excitation wavelength is 1064 nm. Hybrid-DFT calculations have been used to gain an insight on the properties of this class of dithiolenes compared with those of the simplest [M(S2C2H2)2] [M = Ni (1); M = Pd (2); M = Pt (3)] and of the well-known [M(dmit)2] [dmit = C3S52-, 1,3-dithiole-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate; M = Ni (11); M = Pd (12); M = Pt (13)] dithiolenes.

Side-Firing Neodymium:YAG Laser Prostatectomy

Not until 1991 did laser therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia become a feasible option for the practicing urologist. Prior to the development of side firing free beam laser delivery devices contact Neodymium:YAG, laser therapy for BPH was of limited applicability. Since 1991, refinements in laser device technology have allowed the urologist to expand the potential for Neodymium:YAG coagulative prostatectomy. Multiple studies over the past five years have demonstrated equivalence in efficacy and safety to conventional electrocautery TURP. Holmium:YAG laser technology may be a significant advance again on free beam side firing Neodymium:YAG laser prostatectomy.

Application of the Holmium:YAG Laser for Prostatectomy

The authors review the current knowledge regarding the application of the Holmium: YAG laser for prostatectomy. Conventional surgical therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are effective but associated with relatively high morbidity. Laser prostatectomy, using either Neodymium:YAG or potassium-titanyl-phosphate lasers, has emerged as a new and much safer operative approach to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, these laser wavelengths possess key disadvantages that have limited their acceptability and dissemination in everyday urologic practice. THE authors review their own extensive experience in the development of clinical application of Holmium: YAG laser technology for prostatectomy, as well as the published reports in the current medical literature now dealing with this subject. In multiple clinical trials, Holmium:YAG laser resection of the prostate has proven efficacious in relieving symptomatic BPH. Both objective urodynamic measures of voiding outcomes and symptomatic improvement have been shown to be equivalent to standard electrocautery resection of the prostate. At the same time, these studies have demonstrated the superior safety and hemostasis of Holmium:YAG laser prostatectomy compared to electrocautery resection, similar to prior laser prostatectomy procedure. Unlike prior forms of laser prostatectomy, Holmium:YAG laser resection of the prostate acutely removes all obstructing prostate tissue, so that the postoperative catheterization requirement is typically only overnight and improvement in voiding is immediate. Current operative techniques and the latest technological developments to facilitate Holmium:YAG laser prostatectomy are described. Holmium: YAG laser prostatectomy combines the best features of prior laser prostatectomy technologies, including minimal complications and morbidity, with the efficacy and immediacy of voiding outcomes associated with conventional electrocautery resection of the prostate.

The erbium: YAG laser: A review and preliminary report on resurfacing of the face, neck, and hands

The use of short-pulsed or flash-scanned CO(2) lasers to resurface skin has rapidly joined chemical peels and dermabrasion as an accepted procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a mid-infrared pulsed Erbium: YAG laser prospectively to determine its clinical efficacy for resurfacing of the face, neck, and hands. Postoperative changes and recovery period were also evaluated. A total of 21 patients were evaluated on a prospective basis with Er: YAG laser resurfacing (12 crow's feet, five upper lips, three hands, and one neck). Additional nonstudy clinical experience is also reported. Posttreatment crusting or scabbing lasted an average of 2.7 days, pain an average of 3 days, erythema an average of 5.2 days, and swelling an average of 3 days. Blinded subjective grading was performed 2 months postoperatively. This grading revealed a 52% combined improvement from all areas. The appearance of crow's feet was improved by 58%; upper lip, 43%; dorsal hand, 48%; and neck, 44%. Overall the Er: YAG laser consistently produced reduction in rhytids and improvement in the appearance of sun-damaged skin. The times for reepithelialization and duration of erythema were strikingly shorter than those typically observed with current CO(2) laser resurfacing. This report details the study, reviews Er: YAG laser technology, and compares our findings with those observed with standard CO(2) laser resurfacing.

Holmium:YAG Laser Thermokeratoplasty for Hyperopia and Astigmatism: An Overview

The holmium:YAG laser can be used to perform corneal collagen shrinkage and treat refractive errors. Studies are underway for the treatment of hyperopia by shrinking collagen in the peripheral cornea, which produces central and paracentral steepening. There is initial overcorrection followed by a regression of effect postoperatively, which appears to stabilize 4 to 6 months postoperatively. Refinement of current nomograms and definition of the amount of expected regression will enhance its accuracy. The holmium:YAG laser may be superior to radial thermokeratoplasty with a hot needle. Nearly 100 years ago, Lans was the first to report that heating of the cornea could induce collagen shrinkage with resultant corneal curvature changes. Various collagen shrinkage procedures have evolved since then. To date, the most well-known form of collagen shrinkage involves the hot needle and a technique developed by Fyodorov to do radial thermokeratoplasty for hyperopia. This article will review the current state of holmium:YAG laser technology and the advantages it may provide over radial thermokeratoplasty.

Short-Pulsed High-Intensity Nd:YAG Lasers and Their Applications.

Recent progress of short-pulsed high-intensity Nd YAG lasers and their application to generation of coherent vacuum ultraviolet radiation are reviewed. For a nanosecond operation, use of an unstable resonator employing a variable-reflectivity-mirror greatly improves an output performance of a Q-switched Nd YAG laser. The smooth, large-sized and flat-topped TEM00 output beams are ideal for nonlinear frequency conversion. The technique of injection seeding also improved efficiency of the frequency conversion and stability, avoiding random spikes in a pulse and optical damage of optics due to mode beating. For a picosecond operation, simultane-ous Q-switching and mode locking increase the energy in a single pulse by several orders of magnitude, compared to a continuous-wave actively mode-locked Nd : YAG laser. There has been also considerable progress in the development of Nd YAG amplifier by introducing regenerative amplification technique. These progress of short-pulsed high-intensity Nd YAG laser technology allows the development of new high-power coherent sources in vacuum ultraviolet region.