Application of Semiconductor Devices to Optical Diagnosis and Therapy

Abstract

Although lasers are now widely applied for various medical diagnoses and therapies, classic lasers such as gas lasers and solid-state lasers are mainly used. Recently, medical applications of laser diodes and light-emitting diodes are increasing because of their compactness and low cost compared with gas and solid-state lasers. In this article, photodynamic diagnosis and therapy for cancer using laser diodes or light-emitting diodes and treatments of varicose veins and benign prostatic hyperplasia using laser diodes are introduced as examples.