SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 13, 2008 -- Coherent Inc. has introduced two new optically pumped semiconductor lasers (OPSLs) for laser photocoagulation treatment of wet-form macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
The OPSL 532-5 is a 5-W green laser with output at 532 nm, and the OPSL 577-3 delivers 3-W of yellow output at 577 nm. This new yellow wavelength is exactly matched to the main absorption peak of oxygenated hemoglobin and provides a higher degree of tissue selectivity than any previous laser wavelength, Coherent said, which should deliver superior results with reduced patient discomfort.
Coherent's patented OPSL technology utilizes a compact, monolithic architecture to deliver several key benefits. It is the only commercially available laser technology that can be designed to operate at any arbitrary visible or near-infrared wavelength and output power. In contrast, traditional solid-state lasers are only available at a few fixed wavelengths, such as 532 nm, the company said.
OPSL technology has been proven over the last several years in both laboratory and rugged field applications, the company said, with over 10,000 lasers in use for bioinstrumentation and crime scene forensics. In addition, OPSL technology offers an easy way to modulate the light intensity with pulses as short as 10 microseconds, enabling new treatment options.
Photocoagulation is the prescribed first-choice intervention method for wet-form macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, conditions which are estimated to affect up to 250,000 people a year in the US alone, Coherent said.
In addition to photocoagulation, the OPSL 577-3 will also support emerging applications in dermatology.
For more information, visit:
www.coherent.com; e-mail:
tech.sales@coherent.comCoherent Inc.
5100 Patrick Henry Dr.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Phone: (408) 764-4000
Fax: (408) 764-4800
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