Ultrashort Laser Pulses in Biology and Medicine


Book Description

Learn about the many biological and medical applications of ultrashort laser pulses. The authors highlight and explain how the briefness of these laser pulses permits the tracing of even the fastest processes in photo-active bio-systems. They also present a variety of applications that rely on the high peak intensity of ultrashort laser pulses. Easy-to-follow examples cover non-linear imaging techniques, optical tomography, and laser surgery.




Lasers and Optical Fibers in Medicine


Book Description

The increasing use of fiber optics in the field of medicine has created a need for an interdisciplinary perspective of the technology and methods for physicians as well as engineers and biophysicists. This book presents a comprehensive examination of lasers and optical fibers in an hierarchical, three-tier system. Each chapter is divided into three basic sections: the Fundamentals section provides an overview of basic concepts and background; the Principles section offers an in-depth engineering approach; and the Advances section features specific information on systems and biophysical parameters. All those interested in the fields of lasers and fiber optics will find this book fascinating and instructive reading.




Micromanipulation by Light in Biology and Medicine


Book Description

There are probably few people who do not dream of the good old times, when do ing science often meant fascination, excitement, even adventure. In our time, do ing science involves often technology and, perhaps, even business. But there are still niches where curiosity and fascination have their place. The subject of this book, technological as its title may sound, is one of the fortunate examples. It will report on lasers generating the coldest places in the Universe, and on table top laser microtools which can produce a heat "inferno" as it prevails in the interior of the Sun, or simulate, for specific plant cells, microgravity of the space around our plan et Earth. There will be some real surprises for the reader. The applications range from basic studies of the driving forces of cell division (and thus life) via genetic modification of cells (for example, for plant breeding) to medical applications such as blood cell analysis and finally in vitro fertilization. What are these instruments: laser microbeams and optical tweezers? Both are lasers coupled with a fluorescence microscope. The laser microbeam uses a pulsed ultraviolet laser. Light is focused, as well as possible, in space and time, in order to obtain extremely high light intensities - high enough to generate, for a very short instant, extremely hot spots which can be used to cut, fuse or perforate biological material.




Biomedical Aspects of the Laser


Book Description

This book is a review of past and current studies and future plans of the Laser Laboratory in Cincinnati and some of the contributions of laser research groups in other medical centers. Special thanks are due to the Directing Physicist of the Laser Labora tory, R. James Rockwell. Without his advice, constant supervision and corrections, this enthusiastic investigator would continue to upset even many more people than he has done already. The excuse, of course, is to stimulate much needed interest and controlled research and development of the laser for biology and medicine. The Associate Research Physicist, Ralph Schooley, has worked with many phases of laser research but especially in Q spoiling, Raman spectroscopy, and the almost alchemy of holography. Holography, as of now, provides many opportunities for Gumperson's Law, "If anything can go wrong, it will. " Sincere appreciation is expressed to the Surgeons in the Laser Labora tory, who have supplied clinical and investigative surgical supervision often under great difficulties, Dr. V. E. Siler and Dr. Bruce Henderson. We are grateful for help from the Directing Biologist of the Laser Labo ratory, Edmond Ritter, the Director of Laser Neurosurgery, Dr. Thomas Brown and the Professor of Neurosurgery, Dr. Robert McLaurin, for important and basic work in laser neurosurgery. Special thanks are given to Robert Meyer, who has given most of the treatments in careful and skillful fashion, and his associate, Robert Otten.




Lasers in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy: Basics, Applications and Future Prospects


Book Description

Lasers in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy: Basics, applications and future prospects provides an overview on medical lasers and laser systems as well as laser applications in medical diagnosis and therapy. Since it was written by physicists, it focusses on the physics and underlying mechanisms of laser diagnosis and therapy.




Principles of Lasers


Book Description

This book is the result of more than ten years of research and teaching in the field of quantum electronics. The purpose of the book is to introduce the principles of lasers, starting from elementary notions of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. Because it is an introductory book, an effort has been made to make it self contained to minimize the need for reference to other works. For the same reason; the references have been limited (whenever possible) either to review papers or to papers of seminal importance. The organization of the book is based on the fact that a laser can be thought of as consisting of three elements: (i) an active material, (ii) a pumping system, and (iii) a suitable resonator. Ac cordingly, after an introductory chapter, the next three chapters deal, respectively, with the interaction of radiation with matter, pumping processes, and the theory of passive optical resonators.




Laser Dentistry


Book Description

Laser Dentistry: Current Clinical Applications by the World Federation for Laser Dentistry (WFLD) is a comprehensive guide the state of the art, principles and practices of laser dentistry. This collection of articles were compiled by Professor Aldo Brugnera Junior DDS, MS, PhD and Professor Samir Namour, DDS, MS, PhD, is written for all those interested in the clinical use of laser technology related to dentistry, research, development and biology, and medicine and surgery. Topics include: Laser, history and physics; Laser periodontics; Laser applications in implantology; Laser in oral soft tissue surgery; The laser management of oral leukoplakias; Treatment of bone necrosis caused by biphosphonates, Treatment of vascular malformations; The role of lasers in caries prevention; Dentinal adhesion and cavity preparation; The power of the bubble Erbium laser generated cavitation; Pre-emptive dental anaesthesia by Nd:YAG photobiomodulation; Non-invasive diagnostic methods using lasers; Clinical use of laser/LED phototherapies; Laser photobiomodulation (PBM) with low level laser therapy (LLLT) in esthetic dentistry; Laser phototherapy & oral mucositis; Lasers in dentin dehypersensitivity; Photobiomodulation therapy and dentoalveolar derived mesenchymal stem cells; Dental bleaching without gel; Hard tissue modification, cavity preparation and caries removal using erbium lasers; Laser safety; Optical fluorescence; World Federation for Laser Dentistry (WFLD) progress and history.




Lasers in Dermatology and Medicine


Book Description

Laser technology is constantly evolving and progressing. The use of laser therapy is vastly expanding and for this reason a medical book of this magnitude is necessary. Lasers and Light Therapy includes an up-to-date comprehensive look at lasers and light therapy not only in the field of Cutaneous Laser Surgery, but in other medical specialties as well.




Medical Applications of Lasers


Book Description

A careful review of the literature covering various aspects of applications of lasers in science and technology reveals that lasers are being applied very widely throughout the entire gamut of physical medicine. After surveying the current developments taking place in the field of medical applications of lasers, it was considered appropriate to bring together these efforts of international research scientists and experts into one volume. It is with this aim that the editors have prepared this volume which brings current research and recent developments to the attention of a wide spectrum of readership associated with hospitals, medical institutions and universities world wide, including also the medical instrument industry. Both teachers and students in the medical faculties will especially find this compendium quite useful. This book is comprised of eleven chapters. All of the important medical applications of lasers are featured. The editors have made every effort that individual chapters are self-contained and written by experts. Emphasis has been placed on straight and simple presentation of the subject matter so that even the new entrants into the field will find the book of value.




Lasers and Energy Devices for the Skin


Book Description

Rapid technical developments with lasers and other energy devices have continued over recent years, both in the different types of devices available and in what can be used for cosmetic and other treatments, including scar and tattoo removal, hair removal, cellulite, and lipolysis. In the second edition of Lasers and Energy Devices for the Skin, the top practitioners in the field have pooled their expertise to offer a broad and balanced perspective. Updated to encompass the latest refinements in the field, this volume: Explores the latest techniques in laser hair removal and scar removal Reviews advances in antiaging techniques for the skin of the face Covers the use of photodynamic therapy for skin tumors, psoriasis, localized scleroderma, viral warts, onichimycosis, and more Reviews currently available and novel approaches for noninvasive and intended selective destruction of fat Highlights the risks of pigmentary alterations and scarring following procedures on Asian skin Covers advances in liposuction brought about by the advent of tumescent anesthesia The book also discusses pain management during laser surgery and laser treatments and includes coverage of the importance of complying with safety standards, potential unsafe practices, and potential medicolegal problems. Providing the understanding needed to develop creative ways to use light-based technologies, the book gives readers easy access to practical treatment parameters.