Medical applications of laser-emitting radiation within the range 1000 to 3000 nm

This paper presents the current state of technology and technique of solid-state lasers, especially of those generating radiation within the range 1 divided by 3 micrometers , designed for medical applications. Rapid development, both in the field of scientific research and in a number of new constructions of lasers and laser systems for medical applications which have appeared during recent years, causes a necessity of their systematization in respect to the expected affects of interaction between a laser radiation and tissues, and thus also therapeutic effects of the particular types and kinds of lasers applied or planned for application in medicine. This elaboration presents the limited, chosen group of laser devices and lasers themselves, namely solid-state lasers, considering especially the new laser media, generating in the infrared range and semiconductor lasers of the particular high power -- of the order of several watts of radiation -- in respect of the expected effects, connected with their medical applications. Considering the specific features of each kind of lasers -- the semiconductor lasers and with the classic resonator configuration ones -- despite their classification among solid-state lasers, in this elaboration they are treated separately in spite of the present constructions of laser medical equipment and the laser devices supplemented each other.