[Determining energy density distribution in laser irradiation fields, generated by the LILAB system]

Laser energy densities of less than 1 J/cm2 had no apparent effect on human tissues, while energy densities of more than 4 J/cm2 resulted in tissue damage. For non-punctiform laser applications, therefore, a laser beam distribution system that provides a homogeneous energy density distribution is of advantage, since such a system permits safe application of the laser in the effective therapeutic range. Conventional laser scanners for medical use have been reported to produce grossly inhomogeneous energy density distributions. The new LILAB system, which is a very fast laser beam distribution system, readily generates application fields of different configuration with high homogeneous energy density distribution. The article presents an example of a randomly selected application field, in which the energy densities at the edges and at the centre are compared.