This volume contains the Proceedings of a two-week course on "Laser
Applications to Biology and Medicine" held from September 4 to 16, 1983
in Erice, Italy. This is the 10th annual course of the International
School of Quantum Electronics organized under the auspices of the "E.
Majorana" Center for Scientific Culture., Among the possible approaches
to a course on Laser Applications to Biology and Medicine, the one which
emphasizes the scientific and technological aspects of the advanced
laser techniques when applied to laboratory and clinical tests has been
chosen. In fact, it reflects the new policy of the School to stress the
advanced scien- tific and technological achievements in the field of
Quantum Elec- tronics. Accordingly, the Course has given the broadest
information on the ultimate performances already achieved and the
perspectives of their applications. Because of the great variety of
applications of laser in biology, medicine, chemistry, engineering and
related branches of science, this school addressed a subject of
interdisciplinary interest. The formal sessions have been balanced
between tutorial presentations and lectures focusing on unsolved
problems and future directions. In addition, wide time has been provided
for the par- ticipants to meet together informally for additional
discussions on the forefront of current work. Therefore the character of
the Course was a blend of current research and tutorial reviews.