Nd:YAG laser

1 Technology

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F3/2
po
mp

1064 nm

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Nd:YAG laser with lid open showing frequency-doubled 532 nm

green light Neodymium ions in various types of ionic crystals, and also in
glasses, act as a laser gain medium, typically emitting 1064 nm
light from a particular atomic transition in the neodymium ion,
after being pumped into excitation from an external source

Nd:YAG lasers are optically pumped using a ashtube or

laser diodes. These are one of the most common types of
laser, and are used for many dierent applications. Nd:
YAG lasers typically emit light with a wavelength of 1064
nm, in the infrared.[3] However, there are also transitions
near 940, 1120, 1320, and 1440 nm. Nd:YAG lasers
operate in both pulsed and continuous mode. Pulsed
Nd:YAG lasers are typically operated in the so-called
Q-switching mode: An optical switch is inserted in the
laser cavity waiting for a maximum population inversion
in the neodymium ions before it opens. Then the light
wave can run through the cavity, depopulating the ex-
cited laser medium at maximum population inversion. In
this Q-switched mode, output powers of 250 megawatts
and pulse durations of 10 to 25 nanoseconds have been
achieved.[4] The high-intensity pulses may be eciently
frequency doubled to generate laser light at 532 nm, or
Nd:YAG laser rod higher harmonics at 355 and 266 nm.
Nd:YAG absorbs mostly in the bands between 730760
Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium nm and 790820 nm.[3] At low current densities krypton
garnet; Nd:Y3 Al5 O12 ) is a crystal that is used as a lasing ashlamps have higher output in those bands than do the
medium for solid-state lasers. The dopant, triply ionized more common xenon lamps, which produce more light at
neodymium, Nd(III), typically replaces a small fraction around 900 nm. The former are therefore more ecient
(1%) of the yttrium ions in the host crystal structure of for pumping Nd:YAG lasers.[5]
the yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG), since the two ionsThe amount of the neodymium dopant in the material
are of similar size.[1] It is the neodymium ion which pro-
varies according to its use. For continuous wave output,
vides the lasing activity in the crystal, in the same fashion
the doping is signicantly lower than for pulsed lasers.
as red chromium ion in ruby lasers.[1] The lightly doped CW rods can be optically distinguished
Laser operation of Nd:YAG was rst demonstrated by J. by being less colored, almost white, while higher-doped
E. Geusic et al. at Bell Laboratories in 1964.[2] rods are pink-purplish.

1
2 2 APPLICATIONS

Other common host materials for neodymium are: YLF
(yttrium lithium uoride, 1047 and 1053 nm), YVO4
(yttrium orthovanadate, 1064 nm), and glass. A partic-
ular host material is chosen in order to obtain a desired
combination of optical, mechanical, and thermal prop-
erties. Nd:YAG lasers and variants are pumped either
by ashtubes, continuous gas discharge lamps, or near-
infrared laser diodes (DPSS lasers). Prestabilized laser
(PSL) types of Nd:YAG lasers have proved to be particu-
larly useful in providing the main beams for gravitational
wave interferometers such as LIGO, VIRGO, GEO600
and TAMA.
skin disease usually occurring on the scalp.
Using hysteroscopy the Nd:YAG laser has been used
for removal of uterine septa within the inside of the
uterus.[10]
In podiatry, the Nd:YAG laser is being used to
treat onychomycosis, which is fungus infection of the
toenail.[11] The merits of laser treatment of these infec-
tions are not yet clear, and research is being done to es-
tablish eectiveness.[12][13]
2.2 Manufacturing

2 Applications Nd:YAG lasers are used in manufacturing for engraving,

etching, or marking a variety of metals and plastics, or
for metal surface enhancement processes like laser peen-
2.1 Medicine ing.[14] They are extensively used in manufacturing for
cutting and welding steel, semiconductors and various al-
loys. For automotive applications (cutting and welding
steel) the power levels are typically 15 kW. Super al-
loy drilling (for gas turbine parts) typically uses pulsed
Nd:YAG lasers (millisecond pulses, not Q-switched).
Nd:YAG lasers are also employed to make subsurface
markings in transparent materials such as glass or acrylic
glass. Lasers of up to 400 W are used for selective laser
melting of metals in additive layered manufacturing. In
aerospace applications, they can be used to drill cooling
holes for enhanced air ow/heat exhaust eciency.
Nd:YAG lasers are also used in the non-conventional
Slit lamp photo of posterior capsular opacication visible a few
rapid prototyping process laser engineered net shaping
months after implantation of intraocular lens in eye, seen on (LENS).
retroillumination Laser peening typically uses high energy (10 to 40 Joule),
10 to 30 nanosecond pulse, ashed laser systems to gen-
Nd:YAG lasers are used in ophthalmology to correct erate gigawatts of power on the surface of a part by fo-
posterior capsular opacication, a condition that may oc- cusing the laser beam down to a few millimeters in di-
cur after cataract surgery, and for peripheral iridotomy in ameter. Laser peening is unlike the other manufactur-
patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma, where it has ing processes described here in that it neither heats or
superseded surgical iridectomy. Frequency-doubled Nd: adds material, it is a mechanical process cold working
YAG lasers (wavelength 532 nm) are used for pan-retinal the metallic component to impart compressive residual
photocoagulation in patients with diabetic retinopathy. stresses. Laser peening is widely used in gas red tur-
Nd:YAG lasers emitting light at 1064 nm have been the bine engines in both aerospace and power generation for
most widely used laser for laser-induced thermotherapy, component damage tolerance improvement and fatigue
in which benign or malignant lesions in various organs are life and strength increase.[15]
ablated by the beam.
In oncology, Nd:YAG lasers can be used to remove skin
2.3 Fluid dynamics
cancers.[6] They are also used to reduce benign thyroid
nodules,[7] and to destroy primary and secondary malig-
Nd:YAG lasers can also be used for ow visualization
nant liver lesions.[8][9]
techniques in uid dynamics (for example particle image
To treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Nd:YAG velocimetry or laser-induced uorescence).[16]
lasers can be used for laser prostate surgerya form of
transurethral resection of the prostate.
These lasers are also used extensively in the eld of cos- 2.4 Dentistry
metic medicine for laser hair removal and the treatment
of minor vascular defects such as spider veins on the face Nd:YAG dental lasers are used for soft tissue surgeries
and legs. Recently used for dissecting cellulitis, a rare in the oral cavity, such as gingivectomy, periodontal
2.9 Automotive 3

sulcular debridement, LANAP, frenectomy, biopsy, and as Cr4+ :YAG or via the second harmonic for pumping
coagulation of graft donor sites. Ti:sapphire lasers.

2.5 Military and defense 2.9 Automotive

Researchers from Japans National Institutes of Natural
Sciences are developing laser igniters that use YAG chips
to ignite fuel in an engine, in place of a spark plug.[19][20]
The lasers use several 800 picosecond long pulses to ig-
nite the fuel, producing faster and more uniform ignition.
The researchers say that such igniters could yield better
performance and fuel economy, with fewer harmful emis-
sions.

3 Additional frequencies
For many applications, the infrared light is frequency-
Military surplus Nd:YAG laser rangender ring. The laser res
doubled or -tripled using nonlinear optical materials such
through a collimator, focusing the beam, which blasts a hole
through a rubber block, releasing a burst of plasma. as lithium triborate to obtain visible (532 nm, green) or
ultraviolet light. Cesium lithium borate generates the 4th
The Nd:YAG laser is the most common laser used in laser and 5th harmonics of the Nd:YAG 1064 nm fundamental
designators and laser rangenders. wavelength. A green laser pointer is a frequency doubled
Nd:YVO4 diode-pumped solid state laser (DPSS laser).
Nd:YAG can be also made to lase at its non-principal
2.6 Cavity ring-down spectroscopy wavelength. The line at 946 nm is typically employed
(CRDS) in blue laser pointer DPSS lasers, where it is doubled
to 473 nm.
The Nd:YAG may be used in the application of cavity
ring-down spectroscopy, which is used to measure the
concentration of some light-absorbing substance. 4 Physical and chemical properties
of Nd:YAG
2.7 Laser-induced breakdown spec-
troscopy (LIBS) 4.1 Properties of YAG crystal
Formula: Y3 Al5 O12
Main article: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Molecular weight: 596.7
A range of Nd:YAG lasers are used in analysis of ele-
Crystal structure: Cubic
ments in the periodic table. Though the application by
itself is fairly new with respect to conventional methods Hardness: 88.5 (Moh)
such as XRF or ICP, it has proven to be less time consum-
ing and a cheaper option to test element concentrations. Melting point: 1950 C (3540 F)
A high-power Nd:YAG laser is focused onto the sample
Density: 4.55 g/cm3
surface to produce plasma. Light from the plasma is cap-
tured by spectrometers and the characteristic spectra of
each element can be identied, allowing concentrations
4.2 Refractive index of Nd:YAG
of elements in the sample to be measured.
4.3 Properties of Nd:YAG @ 25 C (with
2.8 Laser pumping 1% Nd doping)

Nd:YAG lasers, mainly via their second and third har- Formula: Y.Nd.Al5 O12
monics, are widely used to excite dye lasers either in the Weight of Nd: 0.725%
liquid[17] or solid state.[18] They are also used as pump
sources for vibronically broadened solid-state lasers such Atoms of Nd per unit volume: 1.381020 /cm3
4 5 REFERENCES AND NOTES

Charge state of Nd: 3+ [10] Yang J, Yin TL, Xu WM, Xia LB, Li AB, Hu J. (2006).
Reproductive outcome of septate uterus after hystero-
Emission wavelength: 1064 nm scopic treatment with neodymium:YAG laser. Photomed
Laser Surg. 24 (5): 625. doi:10.1089/pho.2006.24.625.
Transition: 4 F/ 4 I/
PMID 17069494.
Duration of uorescence: 230 s
[11] Ledon, Jennifer A.; Savas, Jessica; Franca, Katlein; Cha-
Thermal conductivity: 0.14 Wcm1 K1 con, Anna; Nouri, Keyvan (2012). Laser and light ther-
apy for onychomycosis: a systematic review. Lasers in
Specic heat capacity: 0.59 Jg1 K1 Medical Science. doi:10.1007/s10103-012-1232-y. ISSN
0268-8921.
Thermal expansion: 6.9106 K1
[12] Mozena, John; Haverstock, Brent (May 2010). Laser
dn/dT: 7.3106 K1
care for onychomycosis: can it be eective?". Podiatry
Youngs modulus: 3.17104 Kg/mm2 Today 23 (5): 5459.

Poissons ratio: 0.25 [13] Mozena, John D.; Mitnick, Joshua P. (October 2009).
Emerging concepts in treating onychomycosis. Podia-
Resistance to thermal shock: 790 Wm1 try Today 22 (10): 4651.

[14] http://www.academia.edu/6125762/Studies_on_laser_
peening_of_spring_steel_for_automotive_applications
5 References and notes
[15] http://www.lsptechnologies.com/why-laser-peen.php
[1] Koechner 2.3, pp. 4853.
[16] Palafox, Gilbert N.; Wicker, Ryan B.; Elkins, Christopher
[2] Geusic, J. E.; Marcos, H. M.; Van Uitert, L. G. (1964). J. (2003). Rapid in-vitro physiologic ow experimenta-
Laser oscillations in nd-doped yttrium aluminum, yt- tion using rapid prototyping and particle image velocime-
trium gallium and gadolinium garnets. Applied Physics try (pdf). 2003 Summer Bioengineering Conference: 419.
Letters 4 (10): 182. Bibcode:1964ApPhL...4..182G. Retrieved 2007-10-10.
doi:10.1063/1.1753928.
[17] F. P. Schfer (Ed.), Dye Lasers (Springer-Verlag, Berlin,
[3] Yariv, Amnon (1989). Quantum Electronics (3rd ed.). 1990).
Wiley. pp. 208211. ISBN 0-471-60997-8.
[18] F. J. Duarte, Tunable Laser Optics (Elsevier-Academic,
[4] Walter Koechner (1965) Solid-state laser engineering, New York, 2003).
Springer-Verlag, p. 507
[19] Coxworth, Ben (April 21, 2011). Laser igniters could
[5] Koechner 6.1.1, pp. 251264. spell the end for the humble spark plug. Gizmag. Re-
[6] Moskalik, K; A Kozlov; E Demin; E Boiko (2009). trieved March 30, 2012.
The Ecacy of Facial Skin Cancer Treatment [20] Pavel, Nicolaie; et al. (2011). Composite, all-
with High-Energy Pulsed Neodymium and Nd:YAG ceramics, high-peak power Nd:YAG/Cr4+ :YAG
Lasers. Photomedical Laser Surgery 27 (2): 3459. monolithic micro-laser with multiple-beam out-
doi:10.1089/pho.2008.2327. PMID 19382838. put for engine ignition. Optics Express 19 (10):
[7] Valcavi R, Riganti F, Bertani A, Formisano D, Pacella 93789384. Bibcode:2011OExpr..19.9378P.
CM. (November 2010). Percutaneous Laser Ablation doi:10.1364/OE.19.009378. PMID 21643194.
of Cold Benign Thyroid Nodules: A 3-Year Follow-Up
Study in 122 Patients. Thyroid 20 (11): 125361. Siegman, Anthony E. (1986). Lasers. University
doi:10.1089/thy.2010.0189. PMID 20929405. Science Books. ISBN 0-935702-11-3.
[8] Pacella CM , Francica G , Di Lascio FM , Arienti V
Koechner, Walter (1988). Solid-State Laser Engi-
, Antico E , Caspani B , Magnol F , Megna AS ,
Pretolani S , Regine R , Sponza M , Stasi R . (June
neering (2nd ed.). Springer-Verlag. ISBN 3-540-
2009). Long-term outcome of cirrhotic patients with 18747-2.
early hepatocellular carcinoma treated with ultrasound-
guided percutaneous laser ablation: a retrospective anal-
ysis. Journal of Clinical Oncology 27 (16): 261521.
doi:10.1200/JCO.2008.19.0082. PMID 19332729.
[9] Pompili M , Pacella CM , Francica G , Angelico M , Ti-
sone G , Craboledda P , Nicolardi E , Rapaccini GL , Gas-
barrini G . (June 2010). Percutaneous laser ablation of
hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with liver cirrhosis
awaiting liver transplantation. European Journal of Radi-
ology 74 (3): e6e11. doi:10.1016/j.ejrad.2009.03.012.
PMID 19345541.
 5

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