Experimental Characterization of Near-Infrared Laser Energy Absorption, Scattering, and Transmittance in Biological Tissue
Abstract
Many infrared (IR) laser systems are being used in tactical military ground and airborne applications. Understanding the biological impact of IR laser energy absorbed by skin and ocular tissues is essential for developing models that can predict collateral hazards. Due to the lack of IR wavelength-dependent microscopic cross sections for skin, research is needed to understand biological damage caused by IR radiation in tissues. Florida International University (FIU) carried out a series of experiments on 34 biological skin samples to measure transmission, reflectance and absorption of IR lasers at 1064 and 1313 nm. Tissue samples varied in thickness from millimeters to microns. Readings from three IR detectors were used to calculate the diffuse reflectance, diffuse transmittance, and collimated transmittance. These values were entered into an Inverse Adding Doubling program to calculate the tissue's optical properties. The results varied as much as an order of magnitude from published results. A secondary goal of this research was for FIU to gain experience in preparation, handling, and measurement of IR in tissues to become a future resource to the U.S. Air Force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA470641
Entities
People
- David Roelant
- John Laffitte
- Michael L. Denton
- Robert J. Thomas
Organizations
- Florida International University