Plasma ablation of hard tissue by the free-electron laser

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Abstract
The Vanderbilt Free Electron Laser operating at wavelengths from 2.8 to 5.0 micrometers was focused and used to ablate samples of human temporal bone from cadavers, swatches of leather, and Plexiglas. The ablation efficiency, energy density necessary for ablation, and thermal damage to the surrounding tissue was investigated in all three samples. Comparisons are made between the different wavelength and the light interaction with tissue. At the highest intensities, a plasma is formed at the air tissue interface. The ablation process at these intensities is strongly influenced by the plasma, and the rate of ablation appears to become nearly independent of the laser wavelength. At lower intensities, the laser light interacts with the tissue in a more traditional fashion.

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