Analytical and finite element analysis of laser-induced heat generation on biological tissues in Korea: analytical study
10.25289/ML.25.021
- Author:
Hohyun KEUM
- Publication Type:Original article
- From:
Medical Lasers
2025;14(3):158-167
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Medical lasers have become essential tools in dermatology for both therapeutic and cosmetic applications, treating conditions such as vascular lesions, pigmentation disorders, and scars. The efficacy and safety of these treatments depend on the interaction between laser energy and skin tissues, where laser parameters—power, pulse width, and wavelength—control how heat is generated and distributed.Understanding these interactions is critical to prevent unwanted thermal damage while achieving effective treatment outcomes.
Methods:An experimental setup simulating human skin layers was used to measure temperature changes under controlled laser exposure. Analytical calculations and finite element analysis were applied to quantify how variations in laser power, pulse width, and wavelength affect heat generation and distribution in the tissue.
Results:Higher laser power and longer pulse widths caused significant increases in skin temperature, indicating stronger thermal effects. Wavelength influenced the depth of penetration and the spatial distribution of heat across skin layers. Additionally, increasing the laser duty cycle led to greater cumulative heating, further elevating tissue temperature during repeated or continuous irradiation.
Conclusion:Laser parameters, including power, pulse width, wavelength, and duty cycle, critically determine the thermal response of skin tissue. Optimizing these settings can enhance therapeutic outcomes while minimizing the risk of burns, scarring, or other thermal injuries.
