This thesis provides a unique method of producing an Isotropic dosimetry probe for monitoring light in highly scattering media, such as tissue. The requirement of such a probe is made apparent through a detailed review of current mathematical methods used to predict light distribution based on Radiative transfer theory and its subsequent solution under slab geometry. Initial methods of probe manufacture are discussed with the eventual technique involving a light cured polymer material providing the final method of construction. The resulting probe Is used to assess response uniformity and shadow effects. Mathematical modelling of the probe under spherical geometry is developed with experimental verification of boundary effects caused by refractive index mismatch presented for both internal and external Illumination. Typical application of the probe Is demonstrated resulting In direct measurement of backscattered reflectance and penetration depth. Indirect methods of measurement involving absorber modified penetration depths, reduced scattering co-efficients and an added absorber experiment are compared with theory. Further examination of the internal illumination of a probe In a scattering medium is related through theory and experiment to the optical properties of the surrounding medium. Continuing work on tissue . classification, fluorescence measurement including photodegradation, and a hyperthermia dosimetry probe is introduced.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 198-212). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Thesis (M.S.)--School of Dentistry. University of Missouri--Kansas City, 2006. / "A thesis in oral biology." Advisor: Simon R. MacNeill. Typescript. Vita. Title from "catalog record" of the print edition Description based on contents viewed Nov. 12, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 56-60). Online version of the print edition.

Thesis--University of Finland, 1987. / At head of title: Department of Cariology and Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Finland. Abstract sheet inserted. "Also published in Proceedings of the Finnish Dental Society, 1987, vol. 83, Suppl. XII"--T.p. verso. Includes bibliographical references (p. 60-70).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1999. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 230-245). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1998. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 176-183). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 223-242). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1997. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 226-241). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (MChD (Chir Max-Fac Dent))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgery / unrestricted

The goal of this thesis is to propose and investigate a method of predicting depth of a laser dissection pulse in soft tissue without acquiring material properties of the tissue target or measuring the laser output. The method proposed is similar to what is used by laser surgical operators today, but uses regression learning to perform on-the fly predictions in place of a skilled laser surgeon. Power of the laser and the ablation depth were recorded for 57 samples and fed into the regression algorithm. Data exclusion was performed using Temperature before laser action as criteria. A linear and logarithmic model was explored using random points from the data post-exclusion, validation RMSE ranged from 135-200 micrometer. A linear and logarithmic model was explored using data points below a moving power threshold and validated with data points above said threshold, validation RMSE ranged from 108-170 micrometer. The t.test performed showed there was not a significant difference between the linear and the logarithmic models' goodness of fit metrics, but it did show there was a significant difference between the model building methods (randomly selected data points, moving power threshold). The method of building a model using lower power levels to predict larger power levels had better goodness of fit metrics than the method of selecting data points at random. In the future, this method could be used to help approximate the laser settings for surgery on a procedural basis, and allow for surgeons to perform at a higher skill level with less training.