Abstract

The portion of a laser beam that penetrates tissue is absorbed and scattered. The distribution of light intensity in the tissue is of prime importance with regard to photochemical reactions and the rate of heat generation. Determination of the distribution of laser light in tissue requires (1) measurement of the optical properties of the media of interest and (2) a theory or model for computing the light distribution. Unfortunately these are not independent steps.

© 1986 Optical Society of America