The surgical 980-nm diode laser is least absorbed by which chromophore?

The surgical 980-nm diode laser is least absorbed by carbonated hydroxyapatite primarily due to its distinct optical properties and absorption characteristics. Carbonated hydroxyapatite is a mineral form of calcium apatite that is prevalent in bone and tooth structures. At the wavelength of 980 nm, the absorption spectrum does not significantly favor hydroxyapatite, which means that this material does not absorb this particular wavelength efficiently.

In contrast, the other chromophores like melanin, hemoglobin, and water have higher absorption rates at this wavelength. Melanin, a pigment in skin and hair, absorbs light strongly in the near-infrared range, making it effective in procedures that target pigmented tissues. Hemoglobin, found in red blood cells, also shows significant absorption at the spectral range near to 980 nm, which is beneficial in laser applications involving vascular tissues. Water, being a primary chromophore in many biological tissues, absorbs near-infrared light at differing wavelengths, including 980 nm, and is thus targeted in laser therapies for cutting and coagulating tissue.

Understanding these absorption characteristics helps practitioners choose the appropriate laser settings and wavelengths for specific clinical objectives, confirming that the 980-nm diode laser is least absorbed by carbonated