[LILAB, a new system for superficial application of low intensity laser beams in medicine]

Laser energy densities between 1 and 4 J/cm2 evoked a significant biostimulation in human tissues. Lower energy densities had no apparent effect, but higher energy densities resulted in cell damage. In principle, low energy densities can be applied with high-energy lasers in combination with laser beam diverging lenses, or with low-power lasers in combination with scanning devices. High-energy lasers are undesirable because of their high cost. Low-energy lasers in combination with conventional scanners also suffer from high cost, and these scanners have another major disadvantage: the energy density at the edge of the application field may be up to five times as great as in the center. A new laser beam distribution system for medical applications is introduced here. Because of its moderate price it is well-suited for use with low-energy lasers. Any desired geometrical shape of the application field is easily created, and with a homogeneous energy density.