Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Characterization of Biological Absorption Spectra Spanning the Visible to the Short-Wave Infrared
Published on: January 10, 2025
Measurement of tissue absorption coefficients by use of interferometric photothermal spectroscopy
A D Yablon1, N S Nishioka, B B Mikić
1Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Abstract:
We describe a spectroscopic technique called interferometric photothermal spectroscopy (IPTS) that can measure the absorption coefficient of pulsed laser radiation in nonscattering tissue samples. The technique is suitable for measuring effective absorption coefficients from 10(3) to 10(5) cm(-1). IPTS is particularly attractive because it requires minimal disturbance of the sample. These features indicate potential use for in vivo measurements of tissue absorption coefficients. To validate the technique, the absorption coefficient of pulsed Q-switched Er:YSGG (2.79-microm) radiation in pure water was measured to be 5200 (+/-500) cm(-1) when IPTS was used, in agreement with other published values. IPTS was also used to measure the absorption coefficient of pulsed ArF excimer laser radiation (193 nm) in bovine corneal stroma (in vitro), giving a value of 1.9 (+/-0.4) x 10(4) cm(-1).
Related Concept Videos
Spectrophotometry: Introduction
The essential components of a spectrophotometer include a source of electromagnetic radiation, a slot for placing a material to be analyzed, and a...
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Interference
Spectral interference occurs when signals from other elements or molecules overlap with the analyte signal, falsely elevating or masking the analyte's absorbance. This interference can be corrected using Zeeman,...
Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Infrared Spectroscopy: Overview
The ATR process begins by directing a beam...
IR Spectrometers
UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Beer–Lambert Law

