Science & technology · A.R.C. Academy

From light quanta to clinical practice.

The scientific foundations of our laser technology — from stimulated emission to precision semiconductor fabrication. Solid science behind every clinical decision.

5 topicsLive diagramsClinical evidence
Anatomy of a laser · schematic
100% REFLECTORPARTIAL MIRRORACTIVE MEDIUMNd:YAG · KTP · SemiconductorLASER BEAMoptical powerENERGY SOURCEelectrical powerEFFICIENCYη=optical powerelectrical powerOutput / Input
01 · LASER FUNDAMENTALS

Three components produce coherent light.

A laser is a device that generates monochromatic, coherent and focused light through stimulated emission. An optical wave is amplified inside an active medium until a tightly directed beam emerges.

01

Active medium

Crystal, semiconductor or gas — generates the laser radiation through stimulated emission.

02

Energy source

Pump diode or flash lamp — drives the active medium into population inversion.

03

Resonator

Two mirrors amplify the light wave on every pass — one of them is partially transmissive.

Laser principle · stimulated emission

One photon creates two.

During pumping, atoms in the active medium are excited until population inversion is reached. When a photon then strikes an excited atom, a second photon is released — same direction, frequency, phase and polarisation. Both are coherent.

This process repeats continuously inside the resonator until a coherent laser beam exits through the partially transmissive mirror.

Three transitions compared
Spontaneous EmissionE₁E₂1× hνExcitationE₁E₂0× hνStimulated EmissionE₁E₂2× hν
02 · SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY A.R.C. ACADEMY STUDENTS

Laser types — five wavelengths, five platforms.

From blue TruBlue at 445 nm to Nd:YAG at 1064 nm. Every ARC system is engineered for a specific clinical task. What sets the platforms apart technically — and where are they used?

ARC laser types across the spectrum
400
500
700
1.000
2.000
5.000
10.000
Wellenlänge (nm) · log-Skala
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1064 nm
1064 nmOphthalmology

Q-Las

Nd:YAG · solid-state laser

The Q-Las belongs to the solid-state laser category.

More precisely, this ophthalmic laser is a Nd:YAG laser (neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminium garnet) optically pumped by a laser diode (µ-Chip technology). The Nd³⁺ ions in the YAG crystal absorb light from the diode and become excited until the threshold of population inversion is reached. The crystal is then ready to emit laser radiation.

To capture the spontaneous emission, the Nd:YAG crystal is placed inside a resonant optical cavity formed by two parallel mirrors: one fully reflective, the other partially transmissive.

Photons bounce between the mirrors and trigger successive stimulated emissions. This process amplifies the light until a coherent, collimated and monochromatic laser beam (1064 nm) exits through the partially transmissive mirror.

Diode pumping is what sets the Q-Las apart from the competition.

µ-Chip technologyUp to 10 HzBurst mode at 4 Hz
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532 nm
532 nmOphthalmology

Cito 532

SLT · frequency-doubled solid-state laser

The CITO 532 belongs to the solid-state laser category.

More precisely, the SLT laser CITO 532 is an ophthalmic frequency-doubled laser (second-harmonic generation) that also relies on µ-Chip technology.

In addition to a Nd:YAG crystal (Q-Las), the CITO contains a KTP crystal (potassium titanyl phosphate). KTP is a non-linear optical crystal without an inversion centre and exhibits outstanding optical and electro-optic properties. A primary laser beam generated in the Nd:YAG passes through the KTP crystal, where second-harmonic generation takes place. Photons interact inside the KTP, producing new photons with double the energy — that is, double the frequency or half the wavelength. The infrared 1064 nm beam is thus efficiently converted into a visible green beam at 532 nm.

Diode pumping is applied in the CITO too and is what sets us apart from the competition.

KTP crystal2nd harmonic10 Hz
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1064 nm
1064 nmOphthalmology

Cetus NanoLaser

Q-switch Nd:YAG · solid-state laser

The Cetus NanoLaser is a solid-state laser.

More precisely, it is an actively Q-switched Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm in the near-infrared. The Nd³⁺ ions in the YAG crystal are excited and, through active Q-switching, release high-intensity nanosecond pulses with minimal thermal load.

The NanoLaser is used in ophthalmology — specifically in cataract surgery. Unlike conventional systems, the Cetus NanoLaser is triggered externally by pneumatic pulses from a phaco machine to which it is connected via the vitrectomy port. The footswitch controls the laser firing rate through the phaco machine's cutting frequency — every pneumatic pulse fires one laser pulse. This makes it a seamless upgrade for existing phaco systems.

The laser beam is absorbed inside the titanium tip of the disposable handpiece. This ignites a plasma and induces a shock wave that, on exiting the side aperture, gently fragments the occluded lens material — without the laser beam ever reaching the eye. A precise, low-energy and atraumatic alternative to conventional phacoemulsification.

Q-switchNanosecondsPhaco-compatible
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810 nm
810 nmOphthalmology

FOX IV 810

Diode laser

The FOX IV 810 laser is based on diode laser technology.

Diode lasers generate light through electroluminescence: when electric current flows through the p-n junction of the diode, electrons recombine with holes and release photons. These are amplified by stimulated emission inside a tiny resonant optical cavity — producing a coherent, monochromatic and highly directional laser beam.

Diode lasers are compact, energy-efficient and allow fast modulation. The emission wavelength depends on the semiconductor material used, so the laser output can be tuned precisely across a broad near-infrared range — including 810 nm.

This makes the FOX IV 810 diode laser ideally suited to precision applications in ophthalmology, particularly transscleral glaucoma therapy, retinal coagulation and lacrimal duct surgery.

p-n junctionFast modulation810 nm NIR
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514 / 445 nm
514 / 445 nmOphthalmology · ENT

ArgonGreen · TruBlue

Precision-tuned semiconductor lasers

ARC Laser's ArgonGreen and TruBlue systems mark a significant step forward in semiconductor laser technology. Unlike conventional diode lasers, they are manufactured using advanced semiconductor fabrication techniques that deliver superior performance and precision. Operating in the visible spectrum, ArgonGreen emits a sharply defined green wavelength at 514 nm, while TruBlue produces a pure blue beam at 445 nm. Both systems deliver exceptionally stable, high-purity output.

The FOX 514 and Classic 514 form ARC Laser's ArgonGreen line — tradition combined with breakthrough technology for outstanding ophthalmic care. Argon lasers were traditionally gas-based and widely used for retinal photocoagulation; ARC Laser has reinterpreted this classic wavelength using innovative semiconductor technology and exceptionally precise optics. ARC Laser is the only company offering 514 nm photocoagulation lasers built on this advanced semiconductor technology — the gentler 514 nm wavelength enables milder coagulation, greater patient comfort and less pain.

TruBlue pioneers the high-power 445 nm wavelength and combines the advantages of KTP and CO₂ lasers in one versatile device. The WOLF 445 nm sets a new benchmark in ENT surgery and is transforming operating rooms worldwide thanks to its outstanding performance — purpose-built for advanced ENT applications.

Semiconductor fabricationFlat-top profileStable & high-purity
03 · µ-CHIP TECHNOLOGY LINE

Pump diode instead of flash lamp — four decisive advantages.

Unlike conventional Nd:YAG and KTP lasers, our µ-Chip Technology Line systems are excited by a dedicated laser diode. The result: higher energy efficiency, longer lifetime and a more stable emission.

01

Beam guidance

µ-CHIP TECHNOLOGYdirectional radiationFLASHLAMPscattered radiation
µ-Chip

Pump diodes emit directional radiation that is steered straight onto the disc of active laser medium.

This direct beam guidance lets virtually all of the light energy be used efficiently. It simplifies optical alignment and makes the system much more robust. Pump diodes enable more stable pumping and therefore deliver a constant output power.

Flash lamp

A flash lamp, by contrast, emits light in almost every direction. This requires a complex collection system and makes the pump configuration very fragile.

On top of that, the lamp's intense emission gradually degrades and destroys its own components. This lowers the pumping efficiency and erodes laser performance over time. That is why flash lamps have a ten-times shorter lifetime than pump diodes.

02

Emission spectrum

µ-CHIP TECHNOLOGYIntensityWavelength λAbsorption rangeNd:YAG crystalnarrow bandFLASHLAMPIntensityWavelength λAbsorption rangeNd:YAG crystalbroadband · UV to IR
µ-Chip

A pump diode's emission spectrum is matched precisely to the crystal's absorption spectrum. Intensity is tuned to the same window.

The result: high efficiency, minimal losses and very little heat build-up.

Flash lamp

By contrast, a flash lamp's emission spectrum is very broad and contains many different wavelengths. Because the laser crystal's absorption spectrum is narrow, energy efficiency is low and losses are high — every component of the pump light outside the absorption band is wasted.

This generates significant heat. The flash lamp's high UV intensity can also damage other laser components over time.

03

Energy stability

µ-CHIP TECHNOLOGYstable energyFLASHLAMPfluctuating
µ-Chip

Thanks to easier thermal management and a stable p-n junction, laser diodes provide a high, steady energy supply.

Laser diodes are therefore clearly superior to flash lamps in efficiency, longevity and consistent output.

Flash lamp

On the emission side, flash-lamp pumping is prone to fluctuations. The lamp's tube is filled with gas — comparable to the fluorescent tubes of a ceiling light.

The lamp's energy output depends on variables such as temperature and gas pressure inside the tube. Because these are not constant, the energy supply itself fluctuates.

04

Repetition rate

µ-CHIP TECHNOLOGY10 HzFLASHLAMP1–4 Hz
µ-Chip

Lasers equipped with µ-Chip technology offer the highest repetition rates. Thanks to dedicated pump diodes, A.R.C. Laser's µ-Chip Technology Line systems operate exceptionally fast and efficiently. This enables a smooth treatment workflow at minimal duration — a clear advantage for clinicians and patients alike.

With this technology we achieve industry-leading numbers: SLT and Nd:YAG lasers at up to 10 Hz, and the Q-Las still runs at 4 Hz even in burst mode 2 and 3.

Flash lamp

Competing products typically max out at 4 Hz — and on Nd:YAG lasers the frequency in double- or triple-pulse mode usually drops to just 1 Hz.

The reason lies in the technology: with conventional flash-lamp pumping, capacitors have to recharge more slowly — which limits the repetition rate. Pump diodes, by contrast, allow markedly faster repetition and therefore more efficient treatments.

10×
Longer lifetime than flash lamps
10 Hz
Max. repetition rate (SLT/Nd:YAG)
≈ 0
UV loss thanks to a narrow spectrum
04 · ARGONGREEN TECHNOLOGY · 514 NM

The clinically proven wavelength — reimagined.

ArgonGreen Technology brings the clinically effective 514 nm wavelength back with modern semiconductor technology. Same outcomes as 532 nm and 577 nm — with significantly less pain and higher predictability.

01

Less pain

514 nm bypasses the haemoglobin absorption peaks — less nerve stimulation, a markedly more comfortable treatment, especially for dense grid coagulation.

02

Melanin focus

≈45% higher melanin absorption than 532 nm. Precise, pigment-focused energy delivery into the retinal pigment epithelium.

03

Macula protection

Xanthophyll absorption is 375× lower than that of melanin. Central vision stays protected from thermal damage.

04

Predictable

Flat-top beam profile instead of a Gaussian peak. No hotspots, no premature centre coagulation, reproducible spot sizes.

Absorption compared

Melanin focus, haemoglobin spared.

Chromophore514 nm (ArgonGreen)532 nm
Melanin (RPE)1506/cm1040/cm
Haemoglobin (peaks)avoidedstrong
Xanthophyll3.97/cm3.0/cm
Beam profile

Flat-top instead of Gaussian hotspot.

Solid-state lasers emit a Gaussian beam with an energy peak at the centre — hotspots at the spot centre are the consequence. ArgonGreen produces a flat-top profile with even energy distribution: no premature centre coagulation, consistent tissue interaction, reproducible spots — even in high-density treatments.

GAUSSIAN · Solid-state laserFLAT-TOP · ArgonGreen 514 nmTOP VIEWCROSS-SECTIONHotspot · unevenPlateau · uniform energy
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