Skin tissue ablation by thulium (Tm: YAP) laser at 1980nm

Abstract

The 1.9-μm lasers can be used in an efficient way in superficial tissue ablation with minimal coagulation depth [1]. Among the possible candidates, Tm:YAP is one of the most suitable candidates due to the availability of high-quality host crystals and possibility of efficient laser performance near 2 μm. In addition, Tm:YAP lasers offer easy pumping with 800-nm diode lasers, benefit from crystal durability at high powers, can be coupled to conventional fibers for invasive operations, and operate in the eye-safe region [2]. In this study, a Tm:YAP laser system with power output up to 1 W and emission wavelength of 1980 nm was established and its ablation parameters on Wistar rat skin tissues were analyzed to determine the optimum skin ablation dose.