Introduction to the Laser in Medicine

Abstract

The central problem confronting the laser researcher today in clinical medicine is laser safety. To enhance safety for both the patient and the operator, the flexibility of the laser beam must be increased. All forms of optics have been tested: prisms, lenses, windows, rods, and more recently, fiber optics. Optical fibers of quartz, capable of transmitting laser beams through internal reflection (Fig. 1.1), are proving to be useful in medicine. Quartz fibers are widely used in laser communications, information handling, and computer technology. Current developments include fiber-optics systems for the far-infrared CO₂ laser (Fig. 1.2). Other new combinations of special fibers, lens systems, mirrors, and prisms will extend the flexibility of fiber-optic transmission to new areas of treatment.