A tunable medical
laser diode system for activating
PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) compounds is disclosed. A tunable medical
laser diode system for activating
PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) compounds and other moderate or low energy multiple
wavelength applications is disclosed. Interchangeable
diode laser cartridges are used. Each
cartridge contains a diode laser, which consists of at least one diode or
diode array or some combination thereof. Typically, each diode laser
cartridge is tuned to a different
wavelength. Multiple cartridges, however may be tuned to the same
wavelength for some applications One or more cartridges are attached to the
system base unit simultaneously. The cartridges may be powered in series or in tandem for different applications. Selectively powering these cartridges causes light to be emitted at a certain wavelength or wavelengths. Selection of cartridges is facilitated by a
drug identification
scanner which scans
drug activation wavelength information into the system. The wavelength can then be changed by selecting different
cartridge(s) with diodes operating at other wavelengths. Applicator
fiber parameters are recognized by the system as are
power output and
energy density. Modifications of input power are made accordingly. On a finer scale, tuning can be accomplished using a
Master Oscillator Power
Amplifier (MOPA). Still Finer tuning can be done by adjustment of system
operating temperature. The ability to vary output wavelengths allows for multiple PDT compounds to be activated by one laser system. Other medical applications, such as aiding coagulation, may also be performed with diode lasers using the present invention, while retaining the inherent advantages of diode lasers, i.e., simplicity, low cost, and ease of maintenance.