Glossary

A

 

Ablation

Laser ablation is the process of removing material from a solid substance. Many different laser types are used, and the technique can be applied to virtually any class of material – metals, semiconductors, glass, ceramics, polymers, wood, stone, tissue, and other biological materials.

Learn more about Laser Ablation

  

C

 

Cutting Machines

Integrated machines that cut metals, plastics, dielectrics, and more using a focused laser beam rather than a mechanical blade or drillbit. A typical machine combines a laser, beam delivery optics, motion hardware to move the part and/or the optics, optional vision system, and integrated control software. 

Learn more about Laser Cutting Machines

  

E

 

Etching

Laser etching is a broad term covering various marking and shallow engraving processes. It is used on products as diverse as auto parts, medical devices, wine barrels, microelectronic components, and tombstones.

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F

 

Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry uses lasers to count or sort different types of cells and other biological particles. For example, when you get a blood count from your doctor, the analysis is done via flow cytometry. It’s also used in research, pharmaceuticals, and even cattle farming.

Learn more about Flow Cytometry

  

H

 

Holmium Laser

The Ho:YAG (or holmium) laser is a high-power, solid-state, near-infrared source that can be fiber delivered. This makes it a popular tool for surgical applications in urology, orthopedics, gynecology, dentistry, and more.

Learn more about Holmium Laser

  

L

 

Lithotripsy

Lasers have been used to treat kidney stones since the 1980s because they often deliver better patient outcomes than other methods. The Holmium laser is the current “gold standard” for this process, called laser lithotripsy. But technology continues to advance, and Thulium fiber lasers are now poised to gain acceptance.

Learn more about Laser Lithotripsy

  

O

 

Optical Fibers

Fiber optics are hair-thin strands of glass or plastic that transmit light over distances just like wires carry electricity. They're used extensively in telecommunications, datacomm, laser beam delivery, sensing, medical applications, and more.

Learn more about Optical Fibers

  

S

 

Laser Scanning

Laser scanning is just moving a laser beam across a surface – whether it’s to read a product barcode, project a laser light show, or weld an autobody. While conceptually simple, the actual technologies used for laser scanning can be quite sophisticated.

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Y

 

Ytterbium Laser

Ytterbium lasers offer several advantages over those based on other gain materials. While sometimes created as slab or disk lasers, their main impact is as fiber lasers with ultrafast output for scientific and materials processing applications.

Learn more about Ytterbium Lasers

  

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