The optical properties of tissues determine the penetration into tissue of the radiant energy from a laser (or other light) source. Subsequently, the laser energy is converted to chemical, thermal, or mechanical energy, and a variety of laser-tissue interactions are possible. The initial distribution of the radiant energy, however, affects the distribution and often the nature of the subsequent laser-tissue interactions. In this report, the manner in which optical penetration affects the subsequent photochemical, photothermal, and photomechanical mechanisms of laser-tissue interaction are presented. Understanding the optical dosimetry is an important step in developing protocols for clinical therapies.
S. L. Jacques, "How tissue optics affect dosimetry for photochemical, photothermal, and photomechanical mechanisms of laser-tissue interaction," SPIE Proceedings of Recent Advances in the Uses of Light in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine, edited by R. R. Alfano, 1599, 316-322 (1992).