Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Table Top USP Lasers Slice, Dice, and So Much More

Posted by Zonk on from the not-sold-in-any-stores dept.

UltravioletLED writes "A company in Petaluma, California has developed highly programmable desktop lasers. The same devices used in hospitals could also be used to turn any metal surface black by simply changing the software. From the article: 'The technology once filled a large room at DARPA until Raydiance scientists made it into a compact, tabletop unit. Schuler (The CEO) said he hopes it will replace just about any cutting device you can think of, from a big metal saw to a precise surgical blade ... Now that it's a little bigger than a breadbox, researchers want to use them to kill tumors, identify friend or foe during combat, and even remove tattoos.' Femtosecond lasers for eye surgery have been around for years now, but these new lasers are far smaller and promise to have much greater versatility."

9 of 79 comments (clear)

  1. Black Metal ... Like Nargaroth? Burzum? by hattig · · Score: 5, Funny

    presenting your spouse with a jet-black engagement ring

    Dude, that's not the correct order to do things in, or you're being highly presumptuous.

    1. Re:Black Metal ... Like Nargaroth? Burzum? by TempeTerra · · Score: 3, Funny

      Nothing wrong with that - if it's a token of your intention to divorce. "Here honey, I got this for you. It matches the inky blackness of your heart." ;)

      --
      .evom ton seod gis eht
  2. Tabletop sharks? by iHasaFlavour · · Score: 5, Funny

    Until they manage to create suitable tabletop sharks upon which to mount these frickin lasers, I ain't impressed....

    --
    Reality is that which, when we cease to believe in it, still exists. - Philip K Dick
  3. Yes by El+Lobo · · Score: 5, Informative
    We are using programable lasers at our hospital too (well, kind of experimental). The programmable laser radiation doser may be successfully employed in rheumatology (arthritis, arthrosis), neurology (radiculitis, osteochondrosis), gynaecology (inflammation of adnexa), urology, in cases of pancreatonecrosis, pulmonary pathology, hepatitis, gastritis, trophic ulcer, dermatitis, eczema and other diseases.

    The dosing device goes together with laser therapy apparatus comprising only low-energy semiconductor and gas lasers. Its control mode is set with regard to the functional condition of the patient's body, the disease dynamics and stage.

    --
    It's time to realise that Abble's products are the biggest abomination these days. Just say NO to the dumb iAbble way!!
  4. How do I build one? by the_kanzure · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Does anyone know where I can go to learn to build my own desktop lasers? I have found Sam's laser FAQ before, but surely there are other sources out there.

    1. Re:How do I build one? by flyingfsck · · Score: 3, Funny

      Depends on how much power you want. Diode lasers are easy...

      --
      Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
  5. Oh, to be twelve again with a desktop laser.... by jollyreaper · · Score: 3, Funny

    Barbie with monocle and stuffed, white persian cat, Ken strapped to table with the desktop laser humming. "So, do you expect me to talk?" "No, Mr. Ken, I expect you to melt!" "Moooooooooooom!"

    --
    Kwisatz Haderach
    Sell the spice to CHOAM
    This Mahdi took Shaddam's Throne
  6. Medical lasers by the_kanzure · · Score: 4, Funny

    We are using programable lasers at our hospital too (well, kind of experimental). The programmable laser radiation doser may be successfully employed in rheumatology (arthritis, arthrosis), neurology (radiculitis, osteochondrosis), gynaecology (inflammation of adnexa), urology, in cases of pancreatonecrosis, pulmonary pathology, hepatitis, gastritis, trophic ulcer, dermatitis, eczema and other diseases.
    Hey, quick question: does your hospital keep around anybody that knows lasers inside-and-out, or are they all closed source machines? Just wondering what sort of detailed information floats around hospitals, I suppose. Sometimes, I hear of labs that do not make their own machinery and consequently are "in the dark" when doing unknown procedures or updates to hardware.
  7. New ? by dbcad7 · · Score: 3, Informative
    Table top, and bigger, lasers used for cutting materials have been around for quite a while.

    I used to do waterjet cutting, and we had looked into laser cutters as well, but many materials are toxic when burned.. so we stuck with water. There are applications, where a laser is better. Wood is not practical with a waterjet because it absorbs water and the wood warps. Metals are problematic, but can be cut with laser, although much easier to add sand to a waterjet stream and cut it with water. I know that there were also cutters being developed using high pressure air. The waterjet machine I ran was made by Flow International, really an awesome machine. I kinda miss that job.

    --
    waiting for ad.doubleclick.net