Excimer lasers produce energy in the ultraviolet spectrum and are used in ophthalmological procedures like LASIK eye surgery. They are cold lasers, highly accurate, and used in semiconductor manufacturing, material processing, and material marking. The laser is tightly controlled to target the desired area without causing residual damage. However, there are risks associated with the laser, and patients should carefully read the informed consent form before surgery.
An excimer laser is a laser that produces energy in the ultraviolet spectrum. This type of laser has a number of applications, one of the most famous being use in ophthalmological procedures such as LASIK eye surgery. The first versions of these lasers were developed in the 1970s in Russia and the potential applications of this laser in surgery were being recognized in the 1980s. Regulatory agencies have approved a number of excimer laser designs for use in eye surgery.
The laser contains a mixture of gases which are excited with electricity to produce a dimer, a type of pseudomolecule. The term “excimer laser” comes from “excited dimer”. The excimer laser is a type of cold laser, meaning it does not generate heat and can be highly accurate, which is critical for operations where fine detail is required. When objects are targeted with this type of laser, they cannot absorb the energy and as a result, the top layers of the object begin to break down. Energy dissipates rapidly, limiting lingering radiation hazards.
In eye surgery, the excimer laser is used for precise ablation of the eye for vision correction. While the actual process looks pretty brutal as described, the laser can be tightly controlled to target the desired area without causing residual damage. Before surgery, the laser is always carefully calibrated and checked to confirm that it is functional, to reduce risk to the patient.
There are, of course, risks to surgery with an excimer laser. While technology is continually improving, things can still go wrong or a surgeon may not be fully proficient with lasers, which could put a patient at risk. For this reason it is important to carefully read and re-read the signed informed consent form before surgery, to understand the known risks associated with the laser. Patients may also want to consult with different doctors to learn about the different technologies available, so they can make an informed choice about which option might be best for their needs.
These lasers are also used in semiconductor manufacturing, material processing, and material marking. The same precision that is invaluable in eye surgery is also important for finely detailed manufacturing tasks. The cool look of the laser is also important, as it means materials can be manipulated with minimal risk of damage. Other types of lasers overheat the material as they work, which can lead to warping that compromises the integrity of the finished product.
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