Seeing Laser Scalpel: A Novel Monolithic High-Power Diode Pumped Tm:Yag Laser System At 2.02 Mu M With Double-Clad Fiber Combined Oct

We report on a novel monolithic high-power diode pumped Tm:YAG laser at 2.02 mu m. The pulsed laser generates average output power and pulse energy of beyond 90 W and 900 mJ in 400 mu s pulses, respectively. This wave-length allows usage of standard fused silica fibers and optics, a price competitive solution for minimally-invasive endoscopic surgery. Recent developments in double-clad fiber combiners enable a rugged delivery system for the laser and the OCT ideal for a seeing laser scalpel. This gives the possibility to detect in-depth underlying tissue not yet ablated by the laser in a 2D or 3D fashion with micrometer resolution.