Effect of excimer laser irradiation on tissue contained with Ca, P atoms

Abstract

The interaction of UV laser light with hard tissue has been investigated. Cow thighbone and teeth enamel were irradiated by excimer lasers; ArF (193nm) and KrF (248nm). Electron Probe Micro Analysis (EPMA) was used to know the ratio of Ca atoms and P atoms (Ca/P) on the irradiated surface.
In the case of cow thighbone, Ca/P ratio increased by ArF laser irradiation of low intensity comparing with that of the control. On the other hand, for KrF laser irradiation, the ratio slightly increased only at high intensity.
In the case of teeth enamel, the ratio is enhanced by KrF laser irradiation and no change was observed by ArF laser irradiation.
These results can be explained by the relation between bond strength of Ca-O and P-O and photon energy and the type of photon absorption.