Medical Laser Physics
Study Course Implementer
Riga, 26a Anninmuizas boulevard, 1st floor, Rooms No 147 a and b, fizika@rsu.lv, +371 67061539
About Study Course
Objective
Preliminary Knowledge
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to: 1. Correctly use terms of laser physics. 2. Discuss the differences between continuous and pulsed laser systems, and the uses of both. 3. Describe the basics of laser safety. 4. Understand how the design of a laser affects its output characteristics. 5. Assess the properties of laser systems based on a knowledge of their design. 6. Describe the role of lasers in medicine, their applications in diagnostic and therapeutic processes.
Skills
1.Students will be able to use the physical principles in modern medical laser equipment for further studies. Will be able to recognise the more frequent use of laser types and safety class.
Competences
1.Upon completion of the study course students will be able to evaluate the activity of the laser, its physical structure and its effect on the human body, and to justify the use of lasers in medicine. By the end of the study course the students will be able to apply the principles of the effective use of medical lasers and knowledge of risks.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Individual work |
-
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-
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During the course the students do individual work – practical calculations according to the course themes.
Presentation: Each student gives an oral presentation with demonstration of understanding of physical principles and applications of medical lasers.
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Examination |
-
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-
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Students are evaluated by in class activities: attendance and oral presentation about study theme.
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Study Course Theme Plan
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Introduction. The physical laser guiding principles. Atomic spontaneous and stimulated radiation. The population inverse levels. Optical and electrical "pumping" scheme. The principle of laser resonator. Resonator modes. Laser operating continuous and pulse mode.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Laser Safety. Medical laser safety classes and the corresponding potential tissue damage. Most frequently applied medical laser exposure limits. Medical staff and patient laser safety rules. The laser safety rules and standards. Goggles and other safety equipment. Warning signs of the laser beams, the colour combinations, depending on the degree of danger. National and international laser safety standards.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Laser radiation effects on tissues. Living tissue specificity. Scattering and absorption in tissue. Therapeutic window. Skin optics and basic optics of blood.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Laser radiation effects on tissues. Main mechanisms of laser radiation – tissue interactions. Laser – induced photochemical, photothermic and photodegradation effects; appropriate radiation dose and temperature ranges. Laser radiation penetration depth in tissue. Cell necrosis. The critical laser power/ energy density tissue photocoagulation, photoablation, and evaporation.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Laser types. The main types and constructions of medical lasers.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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The use of lasers in therapy and diagnostics. Laser fluorescence diagnostics: basic principles and clinical applications in oncology, cardiology and dentistry.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Laser dopplerography principles.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Lasers in dermatology. Medium-power laser biomedical applications. Laser photodynamic therapy. Cosmetic laser applications: port-wine stains and tattoos. Laser hair removal.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Laser surgery: a high-powered laser medical applications. Laser scalpels. Laser surgery, laser angioplasty and laser dentistry.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Lasers in surgery: eye surgery using lasers. Tissue welding with lasers.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Seminar: lasers in dermatology.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Seminar: lasers in therapy and diagnostics.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Seminar: laser surgery.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Laboratory
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3
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Topics
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Laboratory works: Tissue heating with Infrared laser. Skin fluorescence spectrum intake. Photoablation.
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Computer room
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3
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Topics
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Process experimental data – calculation, drawing graphs, writing conclusions. Practical work submission.
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Bibliography
Required Reading
W.T. Silfvast. Laser Fundamentals. Cambridge University Press, 2008. (akceptējams izdevums)