Allows Observing Processes at the Molecular and Atomic Level: Unique Medical Femtosecond Laser Developed

Russian scientists have created an innovative femtosecond laser that allows studying processes at the molecular and atomic level in real time. This discovery can significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, osteoporosis, skin cancer, and osteogenesis imperfecta. This was reported by the press service of Bauman Moscow State Technical University.

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Russian scientists have created a unique femtosecond laser that emits ultrashort light pulses with a duration of 0.00000000000006 seconds. It operates in the range of 2.2-2.4 micrometers (µm), while at a wavelength of 2.2 µm, the spectrum width is a record 96 nanometers.

press-служба МГТУ имени Н. Э. Баумана

The new laser allows observing processes occurring at the level of atoms and molecules in real time. With its help, it is possible to study chemical reactions and the structure of human tissues, recording changes in molecules at the moment of their interaction.

It is especially important that the laser operates in the range where water almost does not absorb light (2.1–2.3 µm, the so-called "fourth window of water transparency") and does not interfere with the observation of tissues. This allows, for example, to clearly see collagen – the main protein of soft and connective tissues – and obtain tissue images with high resolution – up to 22 µm, as noted in the message.

Earlier, engineers from the Moscow Aviation Institute presented уникальную технологию that helps to increase the strength and service life of parts made of composite and polymer materials created on a 3D printer using layer-by-layer deposition. This technique can be useful in various fields, including aircraft construction and the production of prostheses and orthoses.