Ultrafast laser physics continues to advance at a rapid pace, driven primarily by the development of more powerful and sophisticated diode-pumping sources, the development of new laser materials, and new laser and amplification approaches such as optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification. The rapid development of high average power cryogenic laser sources seems likely to play a crucial role in realizing the long-sought goal of powerful ultrafast sources that offer concomitant high peak and average powers. In this paper, we review the optical, thermal, thermo-optic and laser parameters important to cryogenic laser technology, recently achieved laser and laser materials progress, the progression of cryogenic laser technology, discuss the importance of cryogenic laser technology in ultrafast laser science, and what advances are likely to be achieved in the near-future.

Background and Purpose: The display resolution of the Apple iPad® is 1024 × 768 pixels, which is greater than that required for generating the typical CT or MRI images. The purpose of this study is to determine if specific CT and MR sequences can be interpreted accurately on mobile device/PACS software platforms when compared to a traditional stationary high resolution monitor/PACS radiological workstation. If so, this allows radiologists to provide comparable interpretation as if they were onsite at an imaging center or hospital. Materials and Methods: This study is an investigator initiated, single site, retrospective, nonrandomized, IRB approved study. Five radiologists were included in this study. Each independently interpreted specific CT and MR sequences on traditional high-resolution LCD monitors via eFilm® software as well as an iPad® mobile device using Osirix® software program. Repeat interpretations were performed, with 4 weeks minimum interval between interpretations of each patient. This investigation included: 50 patients with CTA perfusion imaging, 50 patients with MRI of the brain, and 50 patients with MRI of the spine, which were image study orders generated through emergency room requests. Subsequently, interpretive results of each radiologist for each patient were statistically compared to evaluate for intra-observer and inter-observer reliability. Results: The parameters set within the CTA perfusion brain studies demonstrated excellent intra-observer variability. All of the parameters within the MRI brain studies demonstrated excellent intra-observer variability with a Cohen's kappa value > 0.75. The Cohen's kappa values for the board certified neuroradiologist demonstrated excellent variability for all parameters; the resident radiologists had good variability, with a majority of kappa values near 0.75. Conclusions: The data and statistical analysis demonstrated that portable mobile devices such as the Apple iPad® can display adequate resolution of CT and MRI sequences to accurately diagnose acute central nervous system injuries and other non-acute pathology.

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A prototype system has been developed for producing controllable ablation of spherical lesions with a diameter of up to 2 cm. The system is based on a solid-state energy source operating in the super high frequency (SHF is defined as being a frequency of between 3 and 30 GHz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Results obtained from preliminary tissue testing, performed on morbid tissue samples prepared in a laboratory environment, show repeatability in terms of shape and size of ablation, and demonstrate the ability to produce controlled ablation in morbid liver and kidney models.

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