The Science of Phototherapy: An Introduction

Phototherapy exemplifies scientific medicine. The major advances have resulted from effective collaborations between basic researchers and clinicians. This book is directed to clinicians and basic researchers who are interested in current and emerging implementations of phototherapy. It can serve as an introductory reference and a textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in medical physics and biomedical engineering. The emphasis is on the science underlying the various phototherapy procedures, which encompasses aspects of classical and molecular photophysics, biological photochemistry, photobiology and biophotonics. Topics that do not usually appear in other general sources include the theory and applications of tissue optics, Monte Carlo simulation, light dosimetry, and analytical modeling of laser surgery. Many illustrative problems with answers are provided to exemplify the more quantitative aspects of each topic. TOC:An Overview of Phototherapy.- Optical Physics and Biotechnology.- Phototherapy Light Sources.- Quantum Description of Light Interactions with Matter.- Tissue Optics.- Photochemical Damage to Biological System.- Optical Methods of Imaging and Diagnosis.- Light Dosimetry Modeling for Phototherapy.- Laser Interactions with Tissues.- Photodynamic Therapy: Science and Technology.- Photodynamic Therapy: Clinical Aspects.- Phototherapy of Skin Disease: Science and Technology.- Phototherapy of Neonatal Jaundice.