We analyze the potential of an optical fiber based remote thermography system. Achievable accuracy, resolution, range, and response time are examined. Experimental results concerning each of these parameters will be presented and compared with theoretical predictions. Results obtained utilizing both silica and fluoride fibers are compared and the benefits and limitations of each are discussed. Two main application areas of this measurement technique are addressed. The use of this technique in the invitro and invivo study of laser induced temperature rise in biological tissue will lead to a better understanding of laser-tissue interaction. Tissue temperature information can be used as a feedback element in a medical laser energy delivery system. Simultaneous laser energy delivery and thernographic sensing through a single fiber will provide "automatic dosing" in many laser coagulative treatments.

Date Published: 15 June 1988
PDF: 6 pages
Proc. SPIE 0907, Laser Surgery: Characterization and Therapeutics, (15 June 1988); doi: 10.1117/12.945329

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0907:
Laser Surgery: Characterization and Therapeutics
Kazuhiko Atsumi M.D.; Stephen N. Joffe M.D., Editor(s)