Abstract

Acoustic effects associated to excimer laser ablation of polymers and organic tissues have been recently recognized.'-³ Beside UV induced photodissociation of organic molecules, also the explosive nature of the interaction of high power UV laser radiation with tissue has to be taken into account to explain the observed ablation rates of tissues. On the other hand, mechanical effects on tissue produced by supersonic waves developing during excimer laser photoablation can represent a severe limitation to the applicability of these laser systems in surgical procedures, as excimer laser angioplasty and keratectomy.

© 1994 Optical Society of America