 |
 |
||||||
[July 2003]
New Reflective Glaze Enhances Laser Products
Morgan Advanced Ceramics has developed a new reflective glaze that it claims can significantly improve the performance of Nd:YAG lasers. The glaze has been specifically developed to enhance power levels and prolong instrument life by improving absorption of UV energy within the laser cavity.
According to one medical device customer, lasers incorporating Morgan ceramic cavities treated with the new glaze are consistently achieving a power output 5% higher than lasers using a standard white glaze.
Morgan specialises in application-specific ceramics, ceramic-to-metal assemblies, metal brazing technologies and engineered coatings for leading edge applications in the medical and optoelectronic sectors. The company manufactures components for all types of lasers. Examples include reflectors for solid state and diode pumped systems, CO2 laser wave guides, excimer laser insulators, power laser diode heat sinks and components such as vacuum-tight seals.
The company says that it is this extensive knowledge of customer applications - combined with an R&D expertise in material properties - that enables it to improve existing products and develop new materials on behalf of its customers. The new laser cavity glaze is the result of a comprehensive study by the company's research and development team that has involved the development and testing of several new and modified glaze recipes.
The strength of the UV wavelength and consistency of thermal outputs are extremely important factors in a laser, particularly in medical applications where procedures can include anything from dermatological treatments to critical eye surgery. Success depends on strict control of tissue ablation,excellent haemostasis and the minimisation of collateral thermal damage to reduce the likelihood of post-operative complications.
Morgan Advanced Ceramics set out to develop a glaze that would enhance performance by improving the reflectance of UV within the laser cavity. Improved reflectance helps to eliminate power loss problems associated with the absorption of UV energy within the system and reduces solarisation - a deterioration of the glaze that causes loss of transmission and which adversely affects lasering efficiency.
ENDS