Low-Power Laser Alteration of Physiological Processes.
Abstract:
The report summarizes a recent analysis of research concerning the alteration or stimulation of biological processes by low-power laser irradiation. A survey of reported studies is given, along with abstracted biomedical case reports. The analysis compares reported laser exposure levels to current safety standards, solar irradiance levels, and exposure levels from published reports of low-level laser effects on visual function. An estimated depth of penetration for the commonly used helium-neon laser is calculated. Thermal modeling was used, with reported laser exposure levels, to estimate the possible contribution of hyperthermia to reported bioeffects. Possible mechanisms are discussed for the coupling of laser energy to cellular processes. Results are correlated to current Air Force research on laser bioeffects. Author