NdYAGlasere

Nd:YAG laser refers to a solid-state laser that uses neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:Y3Al5O12) as the gain medium. The active crystal emits near-infrared light centered around 1064 nanometers when pumped. It is valued for good beam quality, reliability, and the ability to be efficiently pumped by diode lasers, making compact and robust laser sources possible.

The laser operates by exciting Nd3+ ions in the YAG crystal with an external pump source, typically diode lasers or flash lamps. The stored energy is released as coherent light in a resonator cavity when the optical feedback is provided by mirrors. Depending on the configuration, the device can emit continuous-wave light or be Q-switched to produce short, high-peak-power pulses suitable for precise material processing and surgical procedures.

Wavelength versatility is achieved through nonlinear frequency conversion. The fundamental 1064 nm light can be doubled to 532 nm (green) and tripled to about 355 nm (UV), with additional conversions producing 266 nm in some systems. This allows Nd:YAG lasers to cover visible and UV ranges for various applications, while the infrared fundamental remains useful for deeper penetration in tissue and materials work.

Applications span medicine, industry, and research. In medicine, Nd:YAG lasers are used in ophthalmology for capsulotomy and vitreolysis, dermatology for hair removal and pigment treatments, and urology and dentistry for soft-tissue procedures. In industry, they are employed for cutting, drilling, welding, and marking due to their precise beam quality and controllable pulse durations.

Safety and practicality considerations include eye and skin hazards from infrared radiation, cooling requirements, and the need for precision alignment and maintenance. High-quality optics and proper protection are essential in all applications.