Low-power skin welding by thulium (Tm:YAP) laser at 1980-NM

Abstract

Laser skin welding is an invasive method of bonding skin tissues by temperature increase due to laser energy. In this study, a continuous-wave Tm:YAP laser at 1980 nm was designed as a versatile laser system for laser tissue welding. Due to higher water absorption near 1980 nm, lower power levels of Tm:YAP lasers (compared to smaller wavelength lasers) are enough for tissue welding and no solder is necessary to increase the absorption effect. This decreases the operation time and adverse effects due to solders. 2-mum lasers are also considered to be in the "eye-safe" region, which makes them more suitable for clinical applications.