The second edition maintains the standard of excellence established in
the first edition, while adjusting the content to reflect changes in
tissue optics and medical applications since 1995. The material
concerning light propagation now contains new chapters devoted to
electromagnetic theory for coherent light. The material concerning
thermal laser-tissue interactions contains a new chapter on pulse
ablation of tissue. The medical applications section now includes
several new chapters on Optical Coherent Tomography, acoustic imaging,
molecular imaging, forensic optics and nerve stimulation. A detailed
overview is provided of the optical and thermal response of tissue to
laser irradiation along with diagnostic and therapeutic examples
including fiber optics. Sufficient theory is included in the book so
that it is suitable for a one or two semester graduate or for senior
elective courses. Material covered includes (1) light propagation and
diagnostic application; (2) the thermal response of tissue and
therapeutic application; (3) denaturation; and (4) ablation. The theory
and applications provide researchers with sufficient detail that this
volume will become the primary reference for laser-tissue interactions
and medical applications.