Development of a High Power Picosecond Infrared Laser for Medical Applications – Year two

This project will focus on furthering the development of a compact picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) system for use in surgical applications. This laser system, which represents a new paradigm for laser surgery, is unique in its ability to provide high-speed cutting of biological tissue without the collateral damage to surrounding tissues inherent in current surgical laser technologies. Furthermore, this laser allows for the possibility of real-time diagnostics, as molecular fragments of the ablated tissue are left intact and can be analyzed through mass spectrometry. As an intern, I will be working on furthering the development of the existing PIRL system to raise the output power by an order of magnitude compared to existing designs. Our industrial partner will benefit from our groups substantial capabilities in rapid optical prototyping and our groups extensive knowledge in ultrafast laser technology, with the ultimate goal of bringing the PIRL technology into clinical practice.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dwayne Miller

Student:

Ryan Field

Partner:

Starfish Medical

Discipline:

Physics / Astronomy

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Program: