Abstract
Recent advances in lasers and their related technologies have been reviewed, in relation with potential medical applications. One of the most important achievements in laser source development is seen on the all-solid-state lasers which are based on the LD (Laser Diode) pumping technology. The all-solid-state lasers are characterized by their compactness, high efficiency and high beam quality, easy maintenance, durability, etc., which would offer the ideal laser source for medical applications. Characteristics of a cw green Nd: YVO4 laser and a passively-Q-switched microchip laser are described, as examples. For flexible laser beam delivery, quartz fibers have been used, but they can transmit only near-infrared and some visible lasers such as a 1.06μm Nd: YAG laser and its 2nd harmonics. The newly-developed hollow waveguides are very attractive to deliver mid-infrared, uv, high peak power, and tunable laser lights. Some transmission characteristics of the hollow fibers are given. These advances in lasers and their beam delivery systems could realize new areas for medical treatment and diagnosis. But the lasers would also play a very important role in development of medical devices and instruments. Laser-based-micromachining, surface cleaning, and rapid prototyping are introduced as the potential applications in this new field.
