Growth, spectroscopy and continuous-wave laser performance of Nd³⁺:LiLu<inf>0.65</inf>Y<inf>0.35</inf>F<inf>4</inf> crystal

© 2018 Astro Ltd. A mixed fluoride crystal of LiLu0.65Y0.35F4 doped with Nd3+ ions was grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method. Polarized absorption and luminescence spectra as well as luminescence lifetime were measured at room temperature. Emission probabilities, branching ratios and radiative lifetime were studied within the Judd-Ofelt theory and the emission cross section spectra were calculated. Efficient continuous wave laser operation was demonstrated with the crystal. A maximum output power of 7.7 W and slope efficiency of 60% were achieved at 1047 nm for the TEM00 mode

Growth, spectroscopy and continuous-wave laser performance of Nd³⁺:LiLu<inf>0.65</inf>Y<inf>0.35</inf>F<inf>4</inf> crystal

© 2018 Astro Ltd. A mixed fluoride crystal of LiLu0.65Y0.35F4 doped with Nd3+ ions was grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method. Polarized absorption and luminescence spectra as well as luminescence lifetime were measured at room temperature. Emission probabilities, branching ratios and radiative lifetime were studied within the Judd-Ofelt theory and the emission cross section spectra were calculated. Efficient continuous wave laser operation was demonstrated with the crystal. A maximum output power of 7.7 W and slope efficiency of 60% were achieved at 1047 nm for the TEM00 mode

Combined ultrasound, optoacoustic and elasticity imaging

Combination of three complementary imaging technologies- ultrasound imaging, elastography, and optoacoustic imaging- is suggested for detection and diagnostics of tissue pathology including cancer. The fusion of these ultrasound-based techniques results in a novel imaging system capable of simultaneous imaging of the anatomy (ultrasound imaging), cancer-induced angiogenesis (optoacoustic imaging) and changes in mechanical properties (elasticity imaging) of tissue to uniquely identify and differentiate pathology at various stages. To evaluate our approach, analytical and numerical studies were performed using heterogeneous phantoms where ultrasonic, optical and viscoelastic properties of the materials were chosen to closely mimic soft tissue. The results of this study suggest that combined ultrasound-based imaging is possible and can provide more accurate, reliable and earlier detection and diagnosis of tissue pathology. In addition, monitoring of cancer treatment and guidance of tissue biopsy are possible with a combined imaging system