Advanced Lasers and Their Applications II

Dear Colleagues,

Advanced lasers have revolutionized various fields, ranging from telecommunications to medical surgery, offering unparalleled precision, power, and versatility. These sophisticated devices generate intense beams of coherent light through stimulated emission, where atoms or molecules release photons in synchronization.

One of the key advancements in laser technology is the development of various types of lasers tailored to specific applications. For instance, solid-state lasers, such as Nd:YAG or Ti:sapphire lasers, offer high energy and precise wavelength control, making them ideal for scientific research and medical procedures. Semiconductor lasers, commonly found in DVD players and laser pointers, boast compactness and efficiency, driving innovations in telecommunications and data storage.

We are inviting both research articles and review papers that are related to this fascinating topic. Further information can be found on the Special Issue website. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Fiber lasers;
• All-solid-state lasers;
• Semiconductor lasers;
• Micro/nano-structure fabrication;
• Optical sensors.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Song Yang
Dr. Lujun Hong
Dr. Ling Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Photonics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• fiber laser
• all-solid-state laser
• semiconductor laser
• micro/nano-structure fabrication
• optical sensor

• Advanced Lasers and Their Applications in Photonics (18 articles)

Title: Advanced Lasers and Their Applications in Dentistry
Authors: Olivia Lili Zhang; John Yun Niu; Ollie Yiru Yu; Iris Xiaosue Yin; Chun Hung Chu*
Affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong
Abstract: The development of laser technology has revolutionised the field of dentistry, offering a complementary and alternative approach to traditional techniques. Lasers have been successfully integrated into various dental procedures. Laser fluorescence has been utilised for the preoperative diagnosis of dental caries, allowing for early detection and effective treatment planning. Several lasers can increase enamel surface resistance to acid attacks, thus preventing caries. The therapeutic application of lasers in caries treatment aligns with the contemporary philosophy of minimally invasive procedures. For example, lasers can enhance the bonding surface and improve adhesion, leading to longer-lasting restorations. In endodontics, lasers have proven to be effective, with their efficacy depending on the degree of pulp tissue contamination. They can be used in various interventions, such as management of dentine hypersensitivity, vital pulp therapy (pulp capping and partial pulpotomy), and endodontic treatment. These operative procedures benefit from the precision and reduced invasiveness provided by laser technology. Furthermore, lasers have demonstrated clinically beneficial effects in periodontology, offering nonsurgical periodontal therapy for people with periodontitis. Low-level laser therapy promotes progress in gingival and mucosal tissue repair, reducing postoperative symptoms of periodontal surgery and enhancing overall healing. Photodynamic therapy, which utilises lasers to induce a photochemical reaction in mucosal tissue, has been shown to prevent recurrence after treatment. In summary, laser technology has significantly impacted contemporary dentistry, facilitating early diagnosis, minimally invasive treatment, and effective and precise operative procedures. As technology advances, lasers are expected to play an even more prominent role in the future of dental care.

Title: Laser in Dentistry: New Concepts and Prospects
Authors: Olivia Lili Zhang; John Yun Niu; Ollie Yiru Yu; Iris Xiaosue Yin; Chun Hung Chu*
Affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong
Abstract: Lasers have been extensively utilised in dentistry, offering benefits regarding diagnosis, preventive procedures, and treatments. This review aims to give an overview of lasers in dental care. Understanding the mechanism of laser-tissue interaction is crucial when choosing suitable lasers for various dental applications. This interaction involves several processes, such as the photothermal effect, which results in tissue heating and coagulation; the photochemical effect, which involves chemical reactions induced by light; photoablation, where tissue is removed through vaporisation; and photodesorption, where the laser mechanically disrupts tissue. Laser can be categorised based on four factors, which are radiation wavelength, active medium, output power, and clinical use. Clinicians often name and use dental laser according to their wavelength, dental lasers range from the ultraviolet to far infrared spectrum, mainly operating within the visible and infrared light spectrum. Lasers can also be classified according to their active medium, including gas, liquid, solid, or semiconductor lasers. Lasers can be classified by their output power. In general, low-power lasers are used for therapeutic purposes such as pain relief and tissue repair, whereas high-power lasers are typically employed for cutting and ablation procedures in dental treatments. Finally, Lasers can be categorised according to their clinical use, targeting to soft tissue like gingivae or hard tissue like teeth. This categorisation is essential when selecting the appropriate laser for a specific dental procedure. In conclusion, dental lasers are versatile tools for various clinical applications from diagnosis to operative treatments, aiding clinicians to deliver up-to-dated dental care in modern dentistry.