QMP Based Tunable IR Wavelength Conversion Devices For Materials Characterization and Ablation
EMSL Project ID
31806
Abstract
This Partner Proposal is to develop a new capability at EMSL with potentially wide application - a tunable IR wavelength conversion device using quasi-phase-matched optical parametric (QPM) generation. Anticipated outcome of this proposal is to develop a simple, compact, robust and maintenance-free module for tunable IR wavelength conversion for biological, atmospheric, and materials research. In this proposal, a particular emphasis will be placed on the development of tunable IR sources with wavelength around 2.78m, equivalent to those produced by an Er, Cr:YSCC laser that is currently applied for pulpotomy, bony spicule or tori removal in dentistry. There are strong needs for tunable IR wavelength laser systems that are physically compact and mechanically robust, and are easy to operate. In particular, such systems are needed now for both biological research on both soft and hard tissue samples and for real-time atmospheric field studies where analysis of particulate/water vapor mixtures are required. Current laser systems that are utilized in these fields are not fully optimized for specific needs. Rather, what is used are existing laser systems that require modification, either during production or by the individual user. Essentially, no optimization of the wavelength for specific applications is made in existing systems. In addition, the size of these systems tends to be excessively large, operation tends to be overly sensitive to environmental conditions, and routine maintenance is still required. T-Ch Aw from the UW Dental School, expressed his concerns about the inadequate nature of current IR laser systems utilized for clinical research and operations. In general, clinical researchers are less active to the development of laser systems, even though they realized their specific needs, simply because development of the instrumentation is not their first priority. Our view to this problem is for us to develop a proper tunable IR laser system capability at EMSL that is specifically designed to meet the needs of a new group of potential EMSL users. Specifically, as part of this project, researchers from the University of Washington's School of Dentistry will be involved from the beginning in the design and application of this new capability. At EMSL, oral surgeons, UW post-docs, and NIMS specialists will team with EMSL scientists throughout the project. This integrated approach is a reflection of the project's scientific strength and innovative capacity. Successful outcome of this research will lead to further advancement of the laser system for both fundamental and clinical research, and lay a foundation for possible efforts towards technology transfer. In this project, Dr. Kenneth Beck from EMSL will play a role in developing and testing proposed tunable IR wavelength conversion modules in collaboration with Prof. Kenji Kitamura from NIMS, who originally demonstrated QPM using single crystal materials of Mg doped lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) that were developed in NIMS. Development for a clinical laser will be lead by Prof. Tar-Chee Aw from UW-Dentistry. Prof. Fumio Ohuchi from UW-MSE will assess the damage created by laser and structural characterization for further improvement of the materials systems.
Project Details
Project type
Scientific Partner
Start Date
2009-02-10
End Date
2011-04-15
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator