Lasers for Medical

CO2/Excimer/Semiconductor Diodes/OPSL/Fiber Components

Superior Reliability & Performance

Serving the
Medical Community
40 Years of History
and Experience in Medical
Serving the medical laser and photo-medicine community has been an element
of Coherents culture since its inception. For more than 40 years, Coherent has been
a pioneer in the development of lasers for use in the advancement of medicine.
While our beginnings were in ophthalmology and later, in the development of both
surgical and aesthetic treatments, today we partner with medical system builders
across the globe to help people live fuller and more satisfying lives. We do this by
bringing advanced cost effective photonic solutions, including lasers and beam
delivery components, to medical equipment providers in the therapy areas we serve.

Our focus is to develop enabling laser technologies that are designed to improve
current medical treatments, and to enable new ones.
Laser Tissue
Interaction
Laser use in the field of medicine is large and steadily growing. This growth is based on the versatility of laser
light. The characteristics of laser light are defined by its wavelength, pulsed or continuous wave operation as
well as its average power. The unique capabilities to tailor laser light to a particular application opens up a
wide space for laser tissue interaction. These interactions can be classified into three main categories:

Photothermal Reactions:
Laser light absorbed by chromophores in the tissue is converted into heat.
A typical application is photocoagulation, where the laser light is absorbed
by hemoglobin to stop bleeding or to seal blood vessels. Another example is
thermal ablation when laser light vaporizes tissue water for tissue cutting.
This interaction requires laser solutions that have high average power and a
wavelength that matches the absorption levels of target tissue.

Photochemical Reactions:
Photons absorbed by tissue molecules. Excited molecules can undergo
chemical reactions. A prominent example is Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
where a photosensitive drug is administered. Using specific wavelengths
enables applications such as selective photo thermolysis. Tattoo removal is
an example of this. This interaction requires laser solutions that have high
average power and a wavelength defined by molecule absorption.

Photoablation:
Laser light is used to break the molecular bonds in the tissue. Key applica-
tions include ophthalmology where UV laser light is used for refractive sur-
gery of the cornea, as well as in lithotripsy where high energy laser pulses
are used to generate plasma and shock waves that can break up kidney
stones. Typical laser solutions operate in pulsed mode for high peak power
and, depending on the type of tissue, have UV to NIR wavelengths.
Medical
Applications
Served Ophthalmology:

Today
In Ophthalmology, historically a core segment for
us, we cover a wide range of applications. In the field
of refractive surgery, we supply excimer laser based
solutions for vision correction (LASIK). As a supplier
of the majority of laser systems worldwide, we are
closely connected in this growing market. In retinal
Our OEM customers use all of the funda-
applications we pioneered laser solutions for photo-
mental methods in a broad range of medical
coagulation, an important application to treat wet
disciplines, and we provide a broad range
form age related macular degeneration (AMD).
of laser and photonics solutions to enable
Our recent innovation utilizes our unique Optically
effective medical procedures.
Pumped Semiconductor Lasers (OPSL) and allows
OEM customers access to wavelengths that are
optimal for photocoagulation. Yellow light couples
effectively with hemoglobin which enables more
efficient sealing of blood vessels (photocoagulation).
Accordingly, this offers a more controlled healing effect
and better patient comfort due to minimized heat-
load. The direct modulation capability of OPSL enables
us to use pulsing modes proven beneficial in recent
applications.
Surgical: provides efficient machining and throughput. Defined
by the level of precision needed, we provide solutions
For surgical applications, our CO2 lasers are used in a
from short pulse (nanoseconds) to ultrashort pulses
number of laparoscopic applications. Fiber based beam
(picoseconds). Ultrashort pulses minimize heat affect-
delivery systems for urology applications enable the
ed zones and with cold machining offer the highest
quick deployment of laser technologies in surgery. Our
level of precision beneficial for the most demanding
custom fiber delivery solutions are a key component
applications such as stent manufacturing.
in laser liposuction. Here we supply specialty custom
fiber assemblies that are then converted into consum-
able products by our OEM customers.
Diagnostic Applications:
Many areas of medical treatment start with diag-
Dermatology: nostics. In the area of diagnostic imaging, we translate
our know-how of Life Sciences applications and
In the field of dermatology we serve a number of appli-
bridge the gap into clinical solutions. This includes
cations. Our CO2 lasers and semiconductor diode lasers
low power visible lasers used in flow cytometers,
are widely adopted in the areas of tattoo removal and
hematology analyzers or retina scanners.
hair removal, and our waveguide technology with CO2
lasers is the leading technology in the rapidly growing
fractional skin resurfacing application. More recently,
system builders have begun to use our visible OPSLs in
the treatment of pigmentation, blood vessels or wrinkles
because of its better absorption of yellow wavelengths
in melanin compared to legacy green laser solutions.

Dentistry:
In dentistry we supply near infrared diode lasers for
soft tissue applications such as gum surgery. Our
laser solutions in this field range from diode bar level
systems to higher integrated subsystem solutions.

Medical Device Medical Laser

Manufacturing: Applications Table:
Another area we are involved in is medical device man- The following table illustrates how our laser
ufacturing. These medical devices encompass a broad portfolio matches to key medical applications.
range of solutions that host a variety of different laser
sources from the UV to mid IR wavelength spectrum.
Using the right wavelength for a specific material
 Solutions
Portfolio
As a laser supplier to clinical medical equipment providers, we offer a broad portfolio ranging from laser
sources and laser systems to components such as detectors and consumables for light delivery. Our
customers benefit from the breadth of our core expertise in laser technologies that translate into optimum
solutions for medical applications that are both cost efficient and application specific. It is not part of our core
business to sell direct to end users.

CO2 Lasers:
Our CO2 portfolio focuses on the value of sealed lasers. Using
slab laser technology, our lasers offer higher peak powers
that dramatically reduce any charring effect resulting in quicker
healing times. The pulsing characteristics of our sealed CO2 lasers
translate into optimum results. With a portfolio ranging from 20W
to the kW level we can match photon density demands needed
for practically any medical treatment. In addition to the standard
wavelength of 10.6 m, we are experienced in using other isotopes
to achieve additional wavelengths accessible within the CO2 laser
spectrum. Customers benefit from our medical CO2 laser portfolio
with its superior performance and reliability from developments
we do for materials processing with CO2.

Fiber Semiconductor OPSL Excimer CO2

Components Diodes

Dental - Soft and Hard Tissue x

Ophthalmology - Refractive x

Ophthalmology - Photocoagulation x

Hair Removal x

Dermatology and Aesthetics x x

Surgical x x
Excimer Lasers:
Excimer lasers are the leading UV laser solution in the medical
market, providing pulse energies at the mJ level and beyond.
These lasers are appropriate and required for medical treatment
applications we serve. Our more than 30 years of experience in
the design and development of excimer lasers is the background
for unbeaten uptime of our lasers. We offer customized solutions
to ensure the best value in medical applications. Integrated gas
supply bottles are available to provide ease of use and integration.

Semiconductor Diodes:
As a vertically integrated provider of semiconductor laser diode-
based solutions, we offer a full range of options, from single
emitters to laser bars and stacks. Solutions range from supplying
the unpackaged semiconductor material and mounted configura-
tions including heatsink, to hands-off key switch ready solutions.
Using GaAs materials with MBE or MOCVD reactor technology,
we cover the wavelength range from 785 To 980 nm. With power
levels from multiple Watts to multiple kWs, our hard solder
technology is optimum for pulsing conditions prevalent in medical
applications. Our experienced design and engineering teams
support custom packaging, characterization and other develop-
ments needed for these applications.

Optically Pumped
Semiconductor Lasers:
In the late 1990s Coherent identified the capabilities of a novel
concept for a semiconductor based laser that would overcome
current solid-state laser limitations of wavelength and power
scalability. The Optically Pumped Semiconductor Laser (OPSL),
established as the next generation of solid-state laser technology,
uses a semiconductor chip instead of a laser crystal as the laser
medium. With its fundamental packaging and reliability benefits
as an all semiconductor technology, there are more than 20,000
OPSLs installed in Life Sciences and Medical applications through-
out the world. The design elegance of OPSLs provide compact
and cost efficient solutions for multimode performance in medical
therapeutics.
Custom Fiber Solutions:
As a vertically integrated organization, we provide custom fiber so-
lutions to the medical industry using our own drawing towers and
our experienced engineering and design teams. Our business is to
provide custom assemblies as a unique value added consumable
for surgical applications such as liposuction. Our OEM customers
benefit from our dedication to the design, manufacture and com-
mercialization of these products as well as from our sophisticated
fabrication, modeling and characterization techniques.

Beam Shaping:
Delivering the laser light with a spatial beam profile optimized for
the individual therapeutic application is a value we offer to drive
adoption of innovative photonics solutions. We offer custom beam
shaping options such as line beams or flat top profiles taking ad-
vantage of a broad range of the structured light solutions and com-
ponents we already serve in other market segments today.

Measurement:
Controlling the laser light used in any medical therapy area is key
to meeting regulatory compliance. Our business is to partner with
our customers to ensure the best measurement sensor is selected
for production test, field service, and embedding into their medi-
cal tool. We work with our customers to create the most reliable
and highest performing systems and that includes laser power and
energy measurement devices for virtually all lasers. We have tailored
several of our products specifically for the unique wavelengths
and beam intensities common in medical laser applications.
We also develop turn-key laser characterization systems designed
specifically for OEM embedded applications.
Future
Developments
As a leading supplier to the medical industry we are committed to new product
developments. These developments include expanding our portfolio in areas
where they add value for our customers. A recent example is in the area of fibers,
where we built expertise from the component and assemblies level all the way
up to fiber laser systems. If your application is not addressed by one of the
solutions from our current portfolio, we look forward to discussing your needs,
and helping you to evaluate new developments and alternative technologies.
Regulatory Compliance:
As a leading supplier of photonics solutions we comply with all applicable
regulatory requirements. Coherent is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company.
Coherent is also ISO 13485 certified in Europe, which specifies protocols for
adherence to customer requirements and product improvement within
the European regulatory framework for medical devices. We have signifi-
cant experience in supporting our OEM customers with laser engine relat-
ed questions regarding FDA and other regulatory clearances. Our primary
business model is to supply lasers to medical OEM customers. It is not
part of our core business to sell direct to endusers.

Safe Supplier Value:

With more than 40 years in business, we operate as a Nasdaq listed public
company. You can rely on us being your long term partner and count on
the value we bring to your business. Vertical integration on key compo-
nents (e.g. semiconductor, crystals) and using quality management prac-
tices is the basis for the reliability our products are known for. As a global
company with worldwide offices, we provide the logistics and support
structure needed by our customers.

Visit the Medical Therapeutics

page on our website for more
information and latest news:

www.Coherent.com/Medical
 Coherent as Your Partner.
To compete and succeed in todays fast-paced research and manufacturing environments, you need
a laser partner who understands your needs. A partner who can provide a wide range of technology
solutions, and the support that goes with them.

Since 1966, Coherent has been helping customers by providing complete laser-based solutions for
a wide range of commercial and scientific applications.

With a heritage of innovation and an uncompromising position on quality, Coherent is the most
forward-thinking and diversified manufacturer of solid-state, gas, excimer and semiconductor lasers
in the industry.

For more information, visit us on the Web at www.Coherent.com. Or call 800-527-3786.

Coherent, Inc.
5100 Patrick Henry Drive Benelux +31 (30) 280 6060
Santa Clara, CA 95054 China +86 (10) 6280 0209
phone (800) 527-3786 France +33 (0)1 6985 5145
(408) 764-4983 Germany +49 (6071) 968 333
fax (408) 764-4646 Italy +39 (02) 34 530 214
e-mail tech.sales@Coherent.com Japan +81 (3) 5635 8700
Korea +82 (2) 460 7900
UK +44 (1353) 658 833

www.Coherent.com

Printed in the U.S.A. MC-011-11-1M1210

Copyright 2010 Coherent, Inc.