QUANTITATIVE INSIGHTS INTO PLASMA GENERATION IN SKIN TISSUES BY NANOSECOND LASER PULSES: A NUMERICAL STUDY

Abstract

In this comprehensive numerical analysis, we investigate the critical dynamics of electron behaviour during the laser-induced breakdown (LIB) in skin tissues, a cornerstone for understanding and leveraging plasma generation in biomedical applications. Focused exclusively on numerical methodologies, our study advances the understanding of the delicate balance between electron gain and loss mechanisms under the influence of high-intensity laser pulses. This balance is pivotal for the precise control of LIB processes, which are integral to the development of innovative medical treatments and diagnostics. Our research employs a numerical model to simulate the evolution of free electron density within skin tissues exposed to Nd:YAG laser pulses, specifically within the 500–1000 nm wavelength range and featuring a pulse duration of 10 ns full-width half-maximum (FWHM). This model captures the essence of various ionization processes, such as multiphoton, cascade, and chromophore ionization, and accounts for electron losses due to diffusion and recombination. By providing a detailed numerical investigation into the rate equations governing electron density changes, our study not only enhances the theoretical framework for LIB but also offers practical insights into optimizing laser parameters for medical applications. This research underscores the potential of numerical simulations in driving forward the capabilities of laser technology in the medical field, offering a pathway toward the development of more effective and precisely targeted interventions.