PDT Lasers: Photodynamic Therapy Lasers

What are PDT Lasers?

Photodynamic therapy or PDT, refers to any use of modulated laser light, used in conjunction with a photosensitizing chemical substance to induce a therapeutic response. Among the advantages of Photodynamic therapy is lessening the need for delicate surgery and lengthy recuperation and minimal formation of scar tissue and disfigurement. PDT is widely considered to be minimally invasive and minimally toxic. Applications of PDT lasers vary widely from photoactivated medicines to cancer targeting photothermal nanoparticles, to near-infrared laser-induced vein dilation.

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PDT Applications

Cancer Treatment: Laser diodes are utilized in cancer treatment to selectively target and destroy cancer cells. The process involves administering a photosensitizing agent that accumulates in cancer cells. When activated by laser light, typically in the range of 630 to 800 nanometers, the photosensitizer generates reactive oxygen species that cause cell death. PDT can be used as a localized treatment for superficial cancers or in combination with other therapies for deeper tumors.

Dermatology: Laser diodes are employed in dermatology to treat various skin conditions, including precancerous lesions, acne, and certain types of skin cancers. The photosensitizer is applied topically or injected systemically, targeting the abnormal cells or lesions. Laser light in the range of 630 to 660 nanometers is then used to activate the photosensitizer, leading to cell destruction or targeted therapy. PDT in dermatology offers a non-invasive or minimally invasive approach with excellent cosmetic outcomes.

Ophthalmology: Laser diodes are used in ophthalmology to treat certain eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A photosensitizing agent is injected intravenously and selectively accumulates in abnormal blood vessels in the retina. Laser light in the range of 690 to 800 nanometers is then directed to the target area, activating the photosensitizer and causing closure or destruction of the abnormal vessels. PDT can help preserve vision and slow the progression of AMD.

Recommended Laser Series

We recommend the following laser series options for PDT applications. There can often be a ton of options and many variables. Contact us today for help finding the perfect laser for your specific application!

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HL Series

TG420

The HL Series offers versatile and high-quality laser diode products in a variety of wavelengths and high-power options, ideal for direct imaging, industrial, and bio/medical applications. These reliable, efficient, and compact diodes come in TO-Can packages, making them perfect for OEM integration. Additionally, they operate with TE mode oscillation and are RoHS compliant, ensuring safe use. Choose the HL Series for quality, reliability, and performance in laser diodes.

Iris Series

The Iris Series is a line of low SWaP, air-cooled, nanosecond pulsed DPSS lasers at 447nm (blue) and 671nm (red), designed for air-to-ground & air-to-sea LIDAR, aerosol detection, and communications (blue wavelength’s exhibit high transmission through water and clouds), medical applications, and special marking applications. The Iris Series offers powerful and flexible lasers. With adjustable pulse width (15-50 ns) and rep. rate (50-100 kHz), an easily integrated, compact, all-in-one design, and optional add-ons, these lasers are ready to tackle demanding applications.

JDL Series

The JDL series offers industry-leading custom high-power unmounted laser diode bars in the 760-1070 nm spectral region. Our unmounted laser diode bars are available in a wide range of emitter configurations, cavity lengths, and CW or QCW operational modes. We offer low fill factor bars suitable for fiber coupling, high-power bars up to 300W for CW or hard-pulse industrial DDL applications, and QCW bars up to 500W for QCW or long-pulse optical pumping and medical applications. With full customization options including custom designed epitaxial wafer structures, you’re sure to get the perfect solution for your needs.

JOLD-FC Series

The JOLD-FC series of high-power fiber-coupled laser diode arrays (bars) provide a cost-effective and robust solution for OEM applications. With superior reliability and efficiency, our lasers offer industry-leading performance. We offer standard wavelengths of 760-1070 and 1470 nm, with 200, 400, or 600 µm fiber core diameters. Other optional components include pilot lasers, monitor diodes, and integrated Peltier elements, available in the JOLD-FC series, ensuring you get exactly what you need.

JOLD-Stacks Series

The JOLD–Stacks Series offers a highly modular approach for power scaling well into the kW range. The series features compact, lightweight, and robust multimode, free-space laser diode stacks with options for 760-1070 nm, CW & QCW operation, output power up to 2400 W (QCW), no lensing or FAC or FAC/SAC collimation, active or passive cooling, and are completely customizable. JOLD-Stacks achieve optimal beam quality by reducing the stack pitch without compromising cooling capacity, and our proven hard-solder technology and strictly monitored production processes ensure tried & tested reliability in the harshest environments.

LDX Series

The LDX Series of made-in-the-US, high-power, multimode laser diodes provide wavelengths from 400nm – 1900nm, a wide range of output powers and package types, as well as completely customized solutions. We have been offering these high-quality laser diodes for over 25 years. The performance, reliability, and lifetimes are time tested, and if for some reason there is an issue, we will make it right.

Nimbus Series

The Nimbus Series is a line of highly compact, air-cooled (water-cooled option), short nanosecond (770 nm) and picosecond (1064 nm) pulsed DPSS lasers with high peak power & high energy pulses, designed for photoacoustic flow cytometry (PAFC), but also useful for LIDAR, material processing, and medical applications. NIR wavelengths provide increased tissue penetration, and particularly at 770 nm, the Nimbus is perfect for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photobiomodulation (PBM) applications. Low pulse jitter reduces variations in trigger delay, and stable energy output ensures consistent results for measurement or processing.

RPK Series

The RPK Series of multiple, single-emitter fiber-coupled diode lasers are available in wavelengths from 405nm thru 1550nm with up to ≈ 500W output power. Our specialized fiber-coupling techniques ensure high efficiency, stability, and superior beam quality, while rigorous inspections and burn-in procedures guarantee each product’s reliability, stability, and long lifetime. Highly customizable packages allow us to meet our customers’ specific needs, providing high-quality products at reasonable prices.

RPKBDL Series

The RPKBDL Series is a high-power direct diode turn-key system available in wavelengths of 445nm, 915nm, or 976nm, providing up to 3kW of power and unprecedented brightness. Its pluggable design makes maintenance easy, avoiding troubles and high time costs caused by return-to-factory maintenance. The RPKBDL series results from continuous innovation, ensuring high technical strength and product quality. This highly customizable system allows us to meet our customers’ specific needs, providing high-quality products at reasonable prices.

RWLD Series

The RWLD series offers competitively priced laser diodes with high beam quality and a wide variety of products to support multiple applications. Available in a wide range of wavelengths, power levels, and packages. The RWLD wavelength options span from 405nm to 1650nm, with output powers in the range of 10 mW to 300 mW, packaged in a TO-18 package with photodiode. We also offer customized options, such as a customized wavelength, output power, or a special package to meet your specific needs.

RWLP Series

The RWLP series offers an affordable and versatile solution for your laser application needs with single-mode and multimode options and wavelengths from 405nm thru the IR region. With customizable options, our team can work with you to solve any challenges you may face. Rigorously tested for long-term reliability, the RWLP series ensures consistent performance and high beam quality. Perfect for integration, this series supports multiple applications including biological and analytical instrumentation.

SMX Series

The SMX Series of US-made, high-power, thermally stable, and cost-effective InP laser diodes is available at 13XX, 14XX, 15XX, 16XX, and 19XX nm, perfect for medical, military, aerospace, LIDAR, free-space communications, and more! With a patented EPI structure, low-cost packaging, DFB & SOA configurations, ISO certified supply chain with full lifecycle traceability, focus on ease of integration, and custom design capabilities, this laser diode family is an excellent choice for reliable, high-power InP devices.