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The penetration depth in water was measured for Er:YAG laser light in a high density relevant to clinical applications. Various types of focusing elements were used to guide the light efficiently. We found that the transmission distance depended strongly on the beam shape in the water. When we used a plano-convex type of focusing cap, the penetration depth was larger than that when a dome- or ball-type cap were used. OCIS codes: 120.4820, 140.3500, 230.7370, 170.3890.

An Er:YAG laser light delivery system composed of a polymer-coated silver hollow waveguide and a quartz sealing cap has been developed for calculus fragmentation. Sealing caps with various distal-end geometries were fabricated, and the focusing effects of these caps for Er:YAG laser light were measured both in air and in water. Owing to the high power capability of the quartz sealing caps, a beam of Er:YAG laser light with an output energy of 200 mJ and a repetition rate of 10 Hz was successfully transmitted in saline solution by use of the system. Calculus fragmentation experiments conducted in vitro showed that the delivery system is suitable for medical applications in lithotripsy. We also found that the cap with a focusing effect is more effective in cutting calculi. The deterioration of the sealing caps after calculus fragmentation is also discussed. OCIS codes: 140.3070, 160.5470, 230.7370, 170.7230, 170.1610.

Highly efficient stimulated Raman scattering of near-infrared, visible, and UV picosecond laser plses in BaWO[subscript 4] crystals is investigated and discussed. Single-pass, double-pass, and Raman cavity configurations are used.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of Er:YAG laser irradiation on the debonding of metal and ceramic brackets and enamel damage ex vivo. Background data: The principle of safe bracket debonding is to degrade the adhesive resin strength connecting the tooth and bracket. Removal of adhesive resin from tooth surfaces without iatrogenic damage (enamel loss) is generally the main problem of the otherwise very successful method of aesthetic straightening of teeth. Methods: Forty ceramic and metal brackets (Clarity™ Advanced and Victory Series™; 3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA) were standardly bonded to buccal polished enamel surfaces of 30 caries-free human third molars. Two types of adhesive resins (Transbond™ XT Light Cure Adhesive; 3M Unitek, and Variolink II Professional Set; Ivoclar Vivadent AG) were used. Before debonding, the brackets in the laser group were irradiated with the Er:YAG laser (FJFI CVUT) 280 mJ, 250 ls long, repetition rate 6 Hz, spot focus 1 mm, and 140 sec. The control group was debonded without the laser irradiation. During the bracket irradiation, temperature changes inside the tooth were monitored using a thermal image infrared camera. The enamel surface was investigated by SEM. Results: It has been observed that bracket removal was easier after the Er:YAG laser irradiation, and temperature rise was limited (from 2.0°C to 3.2°C) also for metal brackets. As against the nonirradiated samples, SEM investigation has confirmed no damage to enamel. Conclusions: Irradiation with Er:YAG laser radiation before debonding of ceramic brackets significantly decreases the bonding failure and amount of remaining adhesive [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an experimental method for optimizing the performance of an adaptive optics system, where actuator’s position, shape, and number of a deformable mirror can be arbitrarily selected. A home-made photo-controlled deformable mirror (PCDM) is used to test the performances of four different actuator layouts and to simulate an arbitrary wavefront corrector. In addition to numerical simulations, the experimental setup evaluates the performances of the entire adaptive optics system, including the wavefront sensor and the control algorithm. In order to demonstrate the potential of this adaptive optics system, we have benchmarked it with a laser thermal lens simulator. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A variety of Er3+-, Tm3+-, and Yb3+-activated CaF2-, SrF2-, (Ca, Sr)F2- and (Sr, Ba)F2-based fluoride laser ceramics have been prepared by the hot-forming technique. Lasing of the SrF2:Yb3+, (Ca, Sr)F2:Er3+, (Ca, Sr)F2:Tm3+, (Ba, Sr)F2:Tm3+ and (Ba, Sr)F2:Yb3+ specimens with diode pumping has been observed for the first time. Thermal conductivity data for the above fluorite-type laser materials are also presented and discussed. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate an optimization method of beam quality and optical-to-optical (O-O) efficiency by using pulsed pumping. By changing the pulse duration and the peak intensity of pump pulse at the repetition rate of 1 kHz, the beam quality and O-O efficiency of the Yb:YAG thin-disk regenerative amplifier can be improved. We applied this method to the regenerative amplifier under the pumping wavelength of both 940 and 969 nm, and found that the method was effective in both pumping wavelengths. Although a Yb:YAG thin disk soldered on a copper tungsten heat sink, which has poor thermal properties compared with a thin disk mounted on a diamond substrate, was applied as a gain media, we obtained 45 mJ output with 19.3% O-O efficiency and nearly diffraction-limited beam.

Objective: The aim of this study was to prepare a simple and reliable method for ceramic bracket debonding, ensuring minimal changes in the enamel structure and an acceptable temperature rise in the pulp., Background Data: Ceramic bracket debonding is based on the principle of degrading the strength of adhesive resin between the tooth and ceramic bracket. The search for a safe and efficient method of adhesive resin removal following debonding has resulted in the introduction of a wide range of instruments and procedures, among which proper use of laser irradiation can be promising., Methods: The debonding of two types of ceramic brackets utilized a diode-pumped Thulium:Ytterbium-Aluminium-Perovskite (Tm:YAP) microchip laser generating irradiation at a wavelength of 1998 nm (spot size 3 mm; focused by lens), with two power settings (1-2 W). Loss of enamel and residual resin on teeth, as well as rise in temperature inside the tooth were subsequently investigated in detail., Results: A 1W power of irradiation during a 60-sec period resulted in a temperature rise from 3 to 4°C in the approximate root location. This power is also suitable for debracketing from the point of view of damage to enamel lying below the bracket. Only a slight damage to the enamel was registered by SEM compared to conventional bracket removal., Conclusions: Use of a Tm:YAP laser (wavelength 1998 nm, power 1 W, irradiance 14 W/cm(2), interacting time 60 sec) which is at the same time compact and small enough to be used in the dental practice, together with moderate cooling, could be an efficient tool for debracketing.

This study describes a preclinical investigation with laser-activated bleaching agent for discolored teeth. Bleaching techniques involve a broad-spectrum approach utilizing hydrogen peroxide (3-38%) with or without heat or laser, carbamide peroxide (10-30%), or a mixture of sodium perborate and hydrogen peroxide. Extracted human maxillary central incisors were selected. In the bleaching experiment, 38% hydrogen peroxide was used. Two different laser systems and light emission diodes for activation of the bleaching agent were used: diode laser, wavelength 970 nm, and infra-red diode laser, wavelength 790 nm, with eight blue light emission diodes, wavelength 467 nm. The enamel surface was evaluated with the scanning electron microscope. The method of chemical oxidation resulted in a 2-3 shade change in one treatment (15 min). Shorter time (5 min) was not effective. The diode laser, wavelength 970 nm, and the bleaching agent produced the same effect but with a shorter time of bleaching process (5 min - 1 W, 2.5 min - 2 W). Infra-red diode laser, wavelength 790 nm with eight blue light emission diodes, wavelength 467 nm, and the bleaching agent reached the desired color shade also after a shorter time (5 min - 40 mW). Slight surface modification after the bleaching process was detected with scanning electron microscopy. Currently, the laser has been proven the most valuable energy source for power bleaching with simple and short application in the dental office.