The effect of wavelength on ablation mechanisms during CW laser irradiation: argon versus Nd:YAG (1.32 mu m)

摘要

Some of the wavelength-dependent physical phenomena associated with continuous wave (CW) laser ablation are studied. Porcine aortae were irradiated with CW argon and Nd:YAG ( lambda =1.32 mu m) lasers while high-speed video and infrared cameras were used to observe events occurring during the ablation process. Visual and thermal recordings both contain clear indications of the explosive nature of the process in air for both lasers. The results indicate that specific mechanisms involved in tissue dehydration, ablation onset, and subsequent burning are substantially dependent on the wavelength of the incident irradiation and the distribution of the chief chromophores within the tissue.