<title>Laser-tissue interaction</title>

Abstract

Laser based techniques are in continuous development in medical research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. For example, in ophthalmology these techniques are ranging from a well established technique such as photocoagulation of retinal vessels with blue light from continuous emitting argon ion lasers, to the more recently developed technique with pulsed infrared emission from neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers for posterior capsulectomy and to the more experimental modalities such as photorefractive keratectomy utilizing excimer lasers with ultraviolet emission. This paper will give a brief discussion of the basic principles of light propagation in tissue together with a presentation of the basic interaction mechanisms between laser emission and living tissues.