Effects of polarization and apodization on laser induced optical breakdown threshold.
We investigated the influence of polarization and apodization on laser induced optical breakdown threshold in transparent and diffuse media using linearly and radially polarized light. We demonstrate a lower irradiance threshold for optical breakdown using radially polarized light. The dominance of radial polarization in higher-order multiphoton ionization has important medical applications where a lower irradiance threshold may allow reaching deeper layers inside the skin with less risk of collateral damage and thereby improving safety and efficacy of treatment.
Department of Care and Health Applications, Philips Research, 5656AE, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. babu.varghese@philips.com
Babu
B
Varghese
Simona
S
Turco
Valentina
V
Bonito
Rieko
R
Verhagen
D003198:Computer Simulation; D004056:Differential Threshold / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008027:Light; D008954:Models, Biological; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry / Q000379:methods*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena / Q000528:radiation effects*