Thermoelectrics can offer lower cost in medical laser cooling applications

Laird has designed and manufactured thermoelectric modules (TEMs) and thermoelectric assemblies (TEAs) that keep laser optics stable and at peak operating performance by controlling the operating temperature of the medical laser to within defined parameters. Excess waste heat generated from the laser head is removed by offering precise cooling below ambient via convection or conduction. The compact thermoelectric modules and assemblies provide reliable solid-state operation with no vibration to ensure long life operation with low maintenance requirements – resulting in lower total cost of ownership in medical laser applications.   Their TEMs offer precise temperature control accuracy achieving ±0.01C under steady-state conditions. They can cool to -100C (six-stage) and pump up to 15W per square centimeter of heat, with higher heat pumping capacities achieved by wiring TEMs into an array. Commonly used in medical laser applications, the Laird CP Series can pump between 3W and 120W of heat. Available in numerous heat pumping capacities, geometric shapes, and input power ranges, the CP Series modules are designed for higher current and larger heat pumping applications with a maximum operating temperature of 80C. Fitting into tight geometric space constraints, TEMs can be mounted in any orientation that cannot accommodate a much larger compressor-based system.   Laird claims to offer the widest selection of TEAs on the market. Thermoelectric assemblies utilize thermoelectric modules to transfer heat by air or conduction methods that include integrated temperature controls. Offered in air-to-air and direct-to-air versions, the Tunnel Series (up to 40W) and PowerCool Series (up to 195W) remove the passive heat load generated by the ambient environment in order to stabilize the temperature of sensitive components used in medical lasers. The liquid-to-air Liquid Series (up to 160W) offers dependable, compact performance by cooling objects via liquid to transfer heat.   "Thermal management of medical laser components and systems is now more challenging than ever. Power densities continue to increase while product form factors continue to shrink. Simple thermal management solutions, such as adding a fan or heat sink, are no longer typically viable to meet required performance and reliability specifications. In today's complex medical operating environment, TEMs and TEAs are necessary to provide precision cooling and heating in a variety of modular platforms," said Anders Kottenauer, senior vice president of Laird's Engineered Thermal Systems Business.