Photonics News

Materials Science, Laser Dentistry, PIV, and LIDAR: Advancements in Laser Photonics Applications | Quantum Composers


Laser Ablation, photo from Applied Spectra


Researchers continue to use photonics to make discoveries and advance products to meet customer and market demands. Here we’ll cover four applications and look deeper into their associated photonics technologies.


Materials Research Using LIBS and Laser Ablation

The use of pulsed laser systems in materials science is not new; however, recent advancements in this technology have paved the way for both fast-moving smaller-scale, and larger scope projects. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a key technology that has seen major growth in this sector. One application, rapid chemical analysis, uses a short laser pulse to create a high-temperature plasma on the surface of a sample, which emits light with discrete spectral peaks that can be analyzed for chemical composition. More About LIBS Here.



Laser ablation, the process by which a laser is used to remove material from a solid, also plays a role in material science applications. For example, laser ablation spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LA-SIBS) enables sample prep-free measurement, fast measurement (typically in seconds), and broad element coverage.


In one recent spectroscopy study, researchers combined high-resolution laser spectroscopy and nuclear decay spectroscopy for the study of low-lying states. The Quantum Composers Jewel Laser, an Nd:YAG DPSS laser was used in this type of research for its small size and customizability.





Laser Dentistry with Nd:YAG Laser Systems

Oral diseases and dental disorders affect over half of the world’s population according to the World Health Organization. Laser dental care technologies are increasingly popular as dental practices and patients focus on preventative care and opt for more minimally invasive treatments. Learn more about Laser Dentistry here.


Soft tissue dental lasers, including Nd:YAG laser systems, target diseased tissue without harming healthy tissue which alleviates the majority of patient discomfort. Hard tissue lasers are used for tooth structures, where laser wavelengths are absorbed through the combination of water and a specific mineral found in teeth.



With the dental laser market on the rise, Quantum Composers works with OEMs and dental laser manufacturers to develop the right laser systems with the right laser wavelengths to deliver accurate and consistent results.


Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)

Researchers use PIV to provide flow visualization and gain quantitative measurement of a velocity field. Light scattering particles are added to the flow, while a laser beam is formed into a light sheet illuminating the particles being added. PIV provides a quantitative flow field map that gives a physical explanation of the flow behavior being studied.

Researchers continually find new and different applications to expand the use of PIV including jet flow studies of planes, trains, and turbines, studies of animals, speed timing in sports engineering, and in-vivo testing in medical applications.


The MicroJewel DPSS Nd: YAG laser is a popular fit for portable PIV research applications, while the Jewel is a versatile and higher-powered laser for a broad range of PIV experiments.



Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR)

LIDAR is a remote sensing method that uses illumination technology to identify a target, and a complex network of sensors to measure distances. In most LIDAR applications, pulsed lasers are used due to their timing resolution and high power. LIDAR has applications in travel, geology, seismology, remote sensing, and atmospheric physics. Learn more about lasers and pulse generators for LIDAR applications.


There is a vast opportunity for LIDAR beyond autonomous vehicles. If you’re interested in reading more on LIDAR, check out these exciting real-world examples at the Cherenkov Telescope Array and in Cloud Measurement. Quantum Composers offers a diverse family of lasers, laser systems, and modules, including DPSS, Nd:YAG, and pulsed lasers.

Contact us to discuss the current collections that we offer or to have something custom-designed to meet your specific application or project.