Midwest Free-Electron Laser Program.
Abstract
Developments in infrared waveguides for laser beam delivery include liquid core fibers, germanium coated brass guides, whispering gallry waveguides, Bragg fibers and waveguides with periodic structures. Studies of interaction of laser radiation with tissue over a broad range of wavelengths include absorption of radiant energy by chromophores in a light scattered matrix, effects of heating with pulsed Nd-YAG lasers and the use of the diffusion model of radiative transfer to optical dosimetry in clinical phototherapy. The development of picosecond laser instrumentation for neuroscience research allows for the simulation of the FEL in pulse duration, energy and wavelengths. The effects of laser-beam energy in neural tissue were investigated. These studies included the effects of Carbon Dioxide laser energy on the rat spinal cord as determined by the evoked potentials recorded from dorsal white matter in the mid-thoracic cord. The latter showed no discernable effects for levels below those causing visible damage to the dorsal column white matter. These studies indicate minimal thermal effects at levels corresponding to the onset of breakdown. Keywords: Laser; Laser beam delivery systems; Laser design; Optical waveguides; Neurosurgery; Neural tissue.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA178106
Entities
People
- K. G. Spears
- L. J. Cerullo
- M. E. Marhic
- M. Epstein
- W. Z. Rymer