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Use of Laser in Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery and Pain Management

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Arthroscopic and Endoscopic Spinal Surgery

Abstract

Arthur L. Schawlow and Charles H. Townes are credited with the invention of the laser—light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation—dating back to 1958 with the publication of “Infrared and Optical Lasers.” The work of Schawlow and Townes traced back to the 1940s, when there was an attempt to create a device for studying molecular structure (1). Extending the research from microwaves to the infrared region of the spectrum required a series of mirrors to focus the shorter wavelengths. In 1960, a patent was granted for the laser. Townes was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1964, and Schawlow in 1981 (2).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurospine Surgery Department, California Spine Institute Medical Center Inc., Park, CA

    John C. Chiu MD, DSC (Director)

  2. American Academy of Minimally Invasive Spinal Medicine and Surgery, USA

    Martin H. Savitz MD, PhD, FACS, FICS (Executive Director, Adjunct Professor of Bioethics)

  3. MCP-Hahnemann School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

    Martin H. Savitz MD, PhD, FACS, FICS (Executive Director, Adjunct Professor of Bioethics)

Authors
  1. John C. Chiu MD, DSC
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  2. Martin H. Savitz MD, PhD, FACS, FICS
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

    Parviz Kambin MD (Professor Orthopedic Surgery and Endowed Chair of Spinal Surgery) (Professor Orthopedic Surgery and Endowed Chair of Spinal Surgery)

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© 2005 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Chiu, J.C., Savitz, M.H. (2005). Use of Laser in Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery and Pain Management. In: Kambin, P. (eds) Arthroscopic and Endoscopic Spinal Surgery. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-904-4:259

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-904-4:259

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-522-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-904-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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