title: The effect of surface finish on the reflection of CO2 laser beams from specula.
abstract: A potential source of hazard during gynaecological surgery with a CO2 laser is the reflection of the laser beam from the surfaces of the metal speculum. An experimental method of measuring the levels of radiation reflected from a variety of surfaces is described. Results which compare the effectiveness of different surface treatments in reducing reflections and show how this varies over a range of angles of incidence are presented. The significance of the results in terms of hazards to patients and staff is discussed.
mesh_terms: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D013499:Surface Properties; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide