Describes both diagnostic and therapeutic optical methods in medicine. This work covers the history of optics theory and the basic science behind light-tissue interactions. It looks at light-tissue interactions and their applications in different medical areas, such as wound healing and tissue welding.

This is the first comprehensive, introductory book describing both diagnostic and therapeutic optical methods in medicine. The first section covers the history of optics theory and the basic science behind light-tissue interactions. It also introduces the relevant approaches and approximations used to describe light propagation in turbid biological media. In the second section, the authors look more closely at light-tissue interactions and their applications in different medical areas, such as wound healing and tissue welding. The final section examines the various diagnostic methods that are employed using optical techniques. Throughout, the text employs numerical examples of clinical and research requirements.

"An outstanding feature of the book is its carefully designed structure which makes it abundantly clear where required material is located . . . one should commend the high standard of production of the book; it is well laid out . . . Overall it is considered that acquisition of this book will be an excellent investment for anyone who wishes to gain an appreciation of the principles and applications of biomedical optics." - Professor K. A. Shore, University of Wales, in Contemporary Physics, November 2007