title: Laser output characteristics.
abstract: Certain aspects of laser radiation play an important role in laser safety. After a short description of basic laser principles, the unique characteristics of laser light are explained in a phenomenological manner. The enormously wide range of laser output parameters is demonstrated and correlated to typical medical laser applications. Temporal and spatial modes of laser operation are explained in greater detail because of their importance in laser safety.
authors.affiliation: H. Wacker Laboratory for Medical Laser Applications, University of Munich, München, Federal Republic of Germany.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Birngruber
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D013679:Technology, Radiologic