Calculation of crater shape in pulsed laser ablation of hard tissues

Background and Objective: An expression describing the ablation crater shap e as a function of lateral fluence distribution has been derived in a recen t paper by Ostertag et al, [Lasers Surg Med 1997; 21:384-394]. Study Design/Materials and Methods: The ablation model presented therein is improved by taking into account the influence of the ablation front inclin ation on the ablation dynamics. Results: The resulting crater profiles deviate from the previously predicte d ones (which reflect the Gaussian fluence distribution of the impinging la ser beam) progressively with increasing pulse fluence. Conclusion: The ablation front inclination must be taken into account to pr edict the ablation crater shapes and volumes correctly. Lasers Surg. Med. 2 4:55-60, 1999, (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.