Open AccessEvaluation of the potential eye hazard at visible wavelengths of the supercontinuum generated by an ultrafast NIR laser in water
Author(s) -
Xomalin G. Peralta,
J. Clary,
Amanda M. Peterson,
Gary D. Noojin,
Brian J. Lund,
Francesco J. Echeverria,
Benjamin A. Rockwell
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
biomedical optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.362
H-Index - 86
ISSN - 2156-7085
DOI - 10.1364/boe.415044
Subject(s) - supercontinuum , optics , ultrashort pulse , laser , femtosecond , materials science , optoelectronics , wavelength , visible spectrum , physics , photonic crystal fiber
Lasers with ultrashort pulse durations have become ubiquitous in various applications, including ocular surgery. Therefore, we need to consider the role of nonlinear optical effects, such as supercontinuum generation during propagation within the ocular media, when evaluating their potential hazard. We used a NIR femtosecond laser to generate a supercontinuum within an artificial eye. We recorded the visible spectra of the supercontinuum generated and calculated the energy contained within the visible band. Our results indicate that for wavelengths between 1350 nm and 1450 nm the energy contained within the visible band of the generated white light supercontinuum may surpass current safety exposure limits, and pose a risk of injury to the retina.