H. Lubatschowski et al., ARF-EXCIMER LASER-INDUCED SECONDARY RADIATION IN PHOTOABLATION OF BIOLOGICAL TISSUE, Lasers in surgery and medicine, 14(2), 1994, pp. 168-177
Secondary radiation, emitted during and after the irradiation of corne
al, dermal, and dental tissue by an ArF-excimer laser (193 nm), was qu
alitatively and quantitatively characterized. Emission of secondary ra
diation was found in the range of 200-800 nm. The intensity of seconda
ry radiation in the range of 200-315 nm (UVC and UVB) is approximately
20% of the total intensity at high laser fluences (>2 J/cm2) , and ap
proximately 50% at moderate laser fluences (<500 mJ/cm2); 10 muJ/cm2 i
n the UVC and UVB were measured at the sample surface, at fluences (<1
J/cm2) which are of relevance for clinical procedures on soft tissues
. In dental tissue processing, very high fluences (>5 J/cm2) are requi
red. As a consequence, laser-induced plasma formation can be observed.
Secondary radiation can be used as a visible guide for selective remo
val of carious altered tissue. The data we have found might be of assi
stance in estimating potential hazards for future mutagenic studies in
the field. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.