Quantification and modeling of the dynamic changes in the absorption coefficient of water at [lamda] = 2.94 [micro]m

From the measured transmission data, we have developed a phenomenological, finite-difference absorption model (the dynamic saturable absorption model) that can, at least to a first-order approximation, accurately predict the dynamic and effective absorption coefficient of water at the wavelength Π= 2.94 μm. The model developed in the present study should prove useful in efforts to understand the underlying mechanisms of laser-tissue interaction in applications such as skin resurfacing and corneal sculpting, wherein Er:YAG lasers are used to target water as the dominant chromophore