Time and Frequency Resolved XeCl Laser-Induced Mechanical Transients in Otic Capsule Bone

Abstract

Objective-This study identifies the presence of photoacoustic waves during excimer laser treatment of porcine otic capsule bone.Background Data-Pulsed ultraviolet lasers have been suggested for use in middle ear surgery due to their potential for fiberoptic delivery, decreased thermal trauma, and precise ablation characteristics. However, the short pulse width of excimer lasers (typically 10-150 ns) can create large thermoelastic stresses in the ablation specimen.