title: Light, lasers, and beam delivery systems.
abstract: From a clinical standpoint, laser light differs from ordinary light in two important ways: (1) laser light, unlike ordinary light, is monochromatic; (2) laser light is highly directional, making it possible to efficiently collect and focus the light. Laser light is produced through a process known as stimulated emission. Tissue effects produced by laser light are governed by the light's wavelength. Recently, hollow, flexible fibers have been introduced for CO2 laser beam delivery; compared with existing beam delivery systems, the flexible fiber provides the clinician with increased tactile sensitivity and effective access into restricted spaces.
authors.affiliation: Luxar Corporation, Bothell, Washington.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Levy
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008027:Light; D011032:Podiatry