The field of fibre optics is an interdisciplinary one, involving aspects of science, engineering and medicine. Some who work in this field are scientists interested in physics of optical fibers, or chemists interested in the optical triggering of certain chemicals. Engineers may be attracted to the challenge of new problems in designing and making laser and fiber systems. Among physicians, some are interested in the more scientific aspects of laser tissue interactions and in animal experiments; others are more interested in the implementation of these techniques on patients.;The increasing use of fibre optics in the field of medicine has created a need for an interdisciplinary perspective of the technology and methods for physicians as well as engineers and biophysicists. This book presents a comprehensive examination of lasers and optical fibers in an hierarchical, three-tier system. Each chapter is divided into three basic sections: the fundamentals section provides an overview of basic concepts and background, the principles section offers an in-depth engineering approach, and the advances section features specific information on systems and biophysical parameters. All those int