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The Holmium:YAG laser fragments stones by a photothermal mechanism. It produces tiny fragments compared to short pulse duration lasers which fragment stones by laser induced shockwave lithotripsy. Holmium:YAG lithotripsy fragments stones of all compositions, but fragments stones slowly. In an effort to achieve photothermal lithotripsy more efficiently, Erbium:YAG lithotripsy has been tested. The Erbium:YAG laser fragments stones up to 5 times more efficiently than the Holmium:YAG laser. Its principal limitation is that it is not transmitted well by currently available fibers. Erbium:YAG lithotripsy is more efficient than Holmium:YAG lithotripsy but it is not yet practical for clinical use with current technology. © 2007 American Institute of Physics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]