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  3. The Basic Principles Of Laser Technology, Uses And Safety Measures In Anaesthesia

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Basic Sciences

Tutorial 255

The Basic Principles Of Laser Technology, Uses And Safety Measures In Anaesthesia

Dr Emily Simpson, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UK

Correspondence to emily.simpson@southend.nhs.uk

19th March 2012

Abstract

LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
Laser light has a single wavelength, is coherent and collimated
A laser is constructed from 3 basic components: a lasing medium, an energy source and an optical resonator
Laser is produced by the energy released by electrons moving from high-energy to low-energy orbits , followed by the collision with excited atoms (stimulated emission) releasing 2 photons identical in wavelength, phase and in parallel.
Laser light has to be absorbed by the tissue in order to exert biological effect. The main absorbing components are water, melanin and haemoglobin.
The wavelength determines the depth of penetration.
The principle dangers of lasers are damage to the eye, burns and flammability.

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