title: ArF-excimer laser-induced secondary radiation in photoablation of biological tissue.
abstract: Secondary radiation, emitted during and after the irradiation of corneal, dermal, and dental tissue by an ArF-excimer laser (193 nm), was qualitatively and quantitatively characterized. Emission of secondary radiation was found in the range of 200-800 nm. The intensity of secondary radiation in the range of 200-315 nm (UVC and UVB) is approximately 20% of the total intensity at high laser fluences (> 2 J/cm2), and approximately 50% at moderate laser fluences (< 500 mJ/cm2); 10 muJ/cm2 in the UVC and UVB were measured at the sample surface, at fluences (< 1J/cm2) which are of relevance for clinical procedures on soft tissues. In dental tissue processing, very high fluences (> 5 J/cm2) are required. As a consequence, laser-induced plasma formation can be observed. Secondary radiation can be used as a visible guide for selective removal of carious altered tissue. The data we have found might be of assistance in estimating potential hazards for future mutagenic studies in the field.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Angewandte Physik, Universität Bonn, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lubatschowski
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kermani
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Otten
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Haller
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Schmiedt
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ertmer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013552:Swine; D014070:Tooth / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*