Photodisruption via optical breakdown

Photodisruption via optical breakdown is a **laser-based process** used to precisely ablate or disrupt biological tissue. When intense laser pulses (often femtosecond or picosecond lasers) are extremely tightly focused in transparent or semi-transparent biological tissues, nonlinear absorption occurs, resulting in plasma formation and the rapid creation of a tiny cavity or rupture in the targeted area. Because this process is highly localized, it minimizes thermal or mechanical damage to surrounding tissues compared to conventional ablation. It is widely used in ophthalmic surgery (e.g., LASIK), dermatology, and research applications for subcellular manipulation and high-precision tissue modification.

Other names

Laser-induced optical breakdownLIOBPhotodisruptionOptical tissue breakdownLaser ablation

Physical ablation/disruption by nonlinear absorption leading to plasma formation and mechanical rupture of tissue at the laser focal point