Beam delivery system for Ho:YLF and applications in endodontics

The beam delivery systems, whether using fibers or articulated arms, are very important for the expansion of laser applications into life sciences. This work aims to couple an optical fiber to a home-made Er:Tm:Ho:LiYF4 laser. For this purpose the beam profile was studied using the beam quality factor M2 to achieve an homogeneous beam. To determine the M2 factor, the knife-edge technique was used, relating the laser energy eclipsed by the knife with its transversal position. The resonant cavity was made suitable in order to obtain a stable and homogeneous transversal beam profile, for the optical fiber coupling. It was used a 365 μm diameter core low OH- content fused silica optical fiber, with a proximal SMA-905 connection and a flat distal end. M2 factors for the Ho:YLF were between 3 and 8, with a non astigmatic beam, although it was observed a divergence asymmetry in the transversal sections. The coupling efficiency was 96%, and in a repeated operation without any adjustment, the new coupling were 82% and 81%. Lasers have being recently used as an adjunct to conventional endodontic preparation to reduce intracanal microbial, preventing reinfection. The knowledge of thermal profile in endodontic procedures is important to determine laser irradiation conditions avoiding periodontal damages. In this sense, the second scope of this work was to use the Ho:YLF system to register the thermal profile in vitro and to compare the results with those obtained with Nd:YAG and Er:YAG commercial lasers. The temperature was recorded in real time through a thermocouple probe at the root apex , resulting in maximum increase of 7 deg C. (author)