Laserablatsioon

Laserablatsioon, also known as laser ablation, is a technique that uses focused laser energy to remove or vaporize material from a solid surface. It is employed across various fields, including materials science, medicine, and environmental engineering. The process involves directing a high-intensity laser beam onto a targeted area, causing rapid heating, melting, and vaporization of the material without affecting surrounding regions significantly.

In medical applications, laser ablation is commonly used for minimally invasive tumor treatments, such as removing liver, kidney, or prostate cancer cells. The procedure involves inserting a fiber-optic laser probe into the body, where precise energy delivery destroys malignant tissue while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. This technique offers advantages like reduced recovery time and lower risk of infection compared to traditional surgery.

In material sciences, laser ablation enables precise material removal, surface structuring, and thin-film deposition. It facilitates microfabrication, patterning, and cleaning of complex surfaces with high accuracy. Additionally, laser ablation is used in analytical methods such as laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), which allows for spatially resolved elemental analysis of samples.

The efficiency and precision of laser ablation depend on variables such as laser wavelength, pulse duration, energy density, and target material properties. Common laser types used include pulsed Nd:YAG, excimer, and femtosecond lasers.

While laser ablation offers many benefits, potential risks include thermal damage to adjacent tissue, aerosolized particulate generation, and equipment cost. Ongoing research continues to improve understanding and application of laser ablation techniques across disciplines.