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To predict the laser ablation profile on dental hard tissue which will enable the user to optimize laser parameters so as to carry out the laser treatment with minimal tissue damage. The present study constructs a mathematical model to predict the ablation profile based on Gaussian beam distribution of laser intensity and correlates the model with experimentally obtained ablation parameters (effective Gaussian beam radius, ablation threshold fluence, and effective energy penetration depth). To obtain the ablation parameters, laser ablation experiments were carried out on dental hard tissues using Ti:Sapphire femtosecond laser (800 nm, 100 fs, 10 kHz). The method is further extended to predict the ablation rate and efficiency as well. The profile predicted from the mathematical model is compared with that of experimental results. It is found that the predicted ablation profile agrees well with the experimental profile for both enamel and dentin except a slight deviation at higher fluence for dentin. The calculated ablation rate is comparable to that of experimental results whereas for ablation efficiency appreciable deviation is observed in the case of dentin. The model succinctly predicts the ablation profile, ablation rate, and ablation efficiency which will enable to perform dental surgery at optimized laser processing conditions with high precision thus reducing the tissue damage appreciably. Once the details of lesion are known through proper diagnostic tools, the method enables the user to readily obtain optimum laser parameters. It can be used as a handy reference for dentists to perform damage-free surgery, ensuring quicker healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ablation thresholds for the metallic elements Ti, Mo, Pt, Au, and Al were investigated using a XeCl excimer laser in the fluence range of 0.1-20 J/cm2. The ablation thresholds were estimated from the dependence of the ablation rate and the diameter of the crater produced by the laser irradiation on laser fluence. Two ablation thresholds obtained from the ablation rate dependence on fluence agreed well with those obtained from the diameter dependence. The lower ablation threshold is related to the threshold calculated using a one-dimensional thermal diffusion model. The results suggest that even at such extremely low ablation rates, melting plays an essential role in excimer laser ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern ultrashort pulse lasers with scanning systems provide a huge set of parameters affecting the suitability for dental applications. The present study investigates thresholds and ablation rates of oral hard tissues and restorative materials with a view towards a clinical application system. The functional system consists of a 10 W Nd:YVO laser emitting pulses with a duration of 8 ps at 1,064 nm. Measurements were performed on dentin, enamel, ceramic, composite, and mammoth ivory at a repetition rate of 500 kHz. By employing a scanning system, square-shaped cavities with an edge length of 1 mm were created. Ablation threshold and rate measurements were assessed by variation of the applied fluence. Examinations were carried out employing a scanning electron microscope and optical profilometer. Irradiation time was recorded by the scanner software in order to calculate the overall ablated volume per time. First high power ablation rate measurements were performed employing a laser source with up to 50 W. Threshold values in the range of 0.45 J/cm (composite) to 1.54 J/cm (enamel) were observed. Differences between any two materials are statistically significant ( p < 0.05). Preparation speeds up to 37.53 mm/min (composite) were achieved with the 10 W laser source and differed statistically significant for any two materials ( p < 0.05) with the exception of dentin and mammoth ivory ( p > 0.05). By employing the 50 W laser source, increased rates up to ∼50 mm/min for dentin were obtained. The results indicate that modern USPL systems provide sufficient ablation rates to be seen as a promising technology for dental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Alpha case (an oxygen enriched alloy layer) is commonly formed in forged titanium alloys during the manufacturing process and it reduces the service life of the materials. This layer is normally removed mechanically or chemically. This paper reports the feasibility and characteristics of using a short pulsed laser to remove oxygen-enriched alpha case layer from a titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) substrate. The material removal rate, i.e., ablation rate, and ablation threshold of the alpha case titanium were experimentally determined, and compared with those for the removal of bulk Ti6Al4V. Surface morphologies of laser processed alpha case titanium layer, especially that of cracks at different ablated depths, were carefully examined, and also compared with those for Ti6Al4V. It has been shown that in the alpha case layer, laser ablation has always resulted in crack formation while for laser ablation of alpha case free Ti6Al4V layers, cracking was not present. In addition, the surface is rougher within the alpha case layer and becomes smoother (R a – 110nm) once the substrate Ti-alloy is reached. The work has demonstrated that laser is a feasible processing tool for removing alpha case titanium, and could also be used for the rapid detection of the presence of alpha case titanium on Ti6Al4V surfaces in aerospace applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]