A RECONSIDERATION OF THE PROPERTIES OF A PULSED RUBY LASER IN RELATION TO MICROSURGERY

Abstract— The properties of a pulsed ruby laser beam focused through a triocular microscope were studied in relation to microsurgery. Quantitative studies on 'model tissues' with different absorbencies at 6943 Å revealed that the spot diameter of the focused microbeam was dependent upon several factors. It decreased with (1) a decrease in the absorption by the object at 6943 Å; (2) a decrease in the energy of the microbeam; and (3) an increase in the magnification of the microscope. The existence of the 'tube of effect' in the optical path of the focused micro-beam was realized by irradiating the object at different planes. The depth of the tube of effect increased with (1) increase in laser energy or (2) decrease in magnification. By employing certain plant species ( Spirogyra praetensis Transeau, Ulva lactuca Linnaeus, Porphyra miniata (Lyngbye) C. Agardh and Elodea sp.) the reaction of the protoplasm to the laser microbeam in terms of 'primary damage' and 'secondary damage' was defined. Based on these experimental data the concept of minimal visible spot size in laser microsurgery and its limitations are discussed.