Laser produced plasmas in medicine. II. Properties and effects

Summary form only given. In order to better understand laser-produced plasmas and their effects, researchers have performed experiments in fluids and in vitro on human stones and arterial samples. These plasmas have been studied with regard to production thresholds, temperatures and densities, optical emission, shock waves, acoustic transients, and cavitation bubbles. In addition, the effects of the laser-produced plasmas on the tissues of interest and on the surroundings have been investigated. Ablation thresholds, mass removal efficiency, and range of damage have been determined