| Abstract: | Secondary radiation, emitted during and after the irradiation of corneal, dermal, and dental tissue by an ArF-excimer laser (193 nm), was qualitatively and quantitatively characterized. Emission of secondary radiation was found in the range of 200–800 nm. The intensity of secondary radiation in the range of 200–315 nm (UVC and UVB) is ∼20% of the total intensity at high laser fluences (>2 J/cm2), and ∼50% at moderate laser fluences (<500 mJ/cm2); 10 μJ/cm2 in the UVC and UVB were measured at the sample surface, at fluences (<1J/cm2) which are of relevance for clinical procedures on soft tissues. In dental tissue processing, very high fluences (>5 J/cm2) are required. As a consequence, laser–induced plasma formation can be observed. Secondary radiation can be used as a visible guide for selective removal of carious altered tissue. The data we have found might be of assistance in estimating potential hazards for future mutagenic studies in the field. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc. |
