Optoelectronics and Quantum Physics

Lasers in Medicine

The use of lasers in medical diagnosis, treatments, or therapies, such as PDT, is known as laser medicine.  After light activation, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a two-stage treatment that combines light energy with a medication (photosensitizer) to kill malignant and precancerous cells. Initial laser beam tests revealed that a precisely focused beam from a carbon dioxide gas laser could effortlessly and skillfully cut through human flesh. As a result, the beam is the ideal equipment for performing difficult surgeries as a backup to the traditional blade. Lasers were thought to be most effective in working on portions of the body that are easy to reach, such as the ears, skin, lips, eyes, and nose.