Study of a Frugal Design Picosecond Laser System for Laser‐Assisted Corneal Surgery

ABSTRACT Femtosecond lasers have long been the gold standard for corneal laser‐assisted surgery, but their high cost limits widespread use. This study challenges their supremacy by investigating a cost‐effective alternative: a frugal all‐fiber picosecond laser source. We first conduct a pump‐probe experiment to characterize cavitation bubbles in water based on the laser pulse's temporal profile. Picosecond pulses concentrate energy in a confined volume near the focal point, allowing for more precise material interaction than femtosecond pulses. A distortion in the temporal profile, often seen as a flaw, paradoxically further reduces cavitation bubble size. These findings are then applied to ex vivo porcine cornea cutting tests. Results show that 1.5 ps pulses with a distorted profile create sharp, consistent cuts. This study reveals that a cost‐effective picosecond laser can rival femtosecond lasers in precision, paving the way for more accessible corneal laser‐assisted surgery.