Comparison of light absorption levels with different skin phantoms and the Monte Carlo simulation using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Dermatologic patients have various skin characteristics such as skin tone and pigmentation color. However most studies on laser ablation and treatment only considered laser operating conditions like wavelength, output power and pulse duration. The laser ablation arises from photothermal effect by photon energy absorption. Chromophores like melanin exist as the absorber in the skin. In this study, we painted color to mimic chromophores on in-vivo and in-vitro skin models to demonstrate influence on the laser ablation by skin color. Water-based pens were used to paint color. Cross sectional images of the laser ablation were acquired by Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (Fd-OCT). Light source to make ablation was a Q-switch diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 nanosecond laser (532nm central wavelength). Irradiated light energy dose of the laser could not make ablation craters in the control group. However experimental groups showed craters with same irradiation light energy dose. These results show painting on skin increased tissue damage by absorption in painted color without dyeing cells or tissues.