Inactivation of Bacteria during Stimulation of Sensitizers with High-Power Nanosecond Laser Pulses

Abstract

Abstract—The results of a study of photoinactivation of bacteria during stimulation of sensitizers with nanosecond laser pulses with a power density within 1–30 MW/cm² are presented. The irreversible damage to living cells by shock waves developed during the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in locally heated microregions of the medium is discussed. The local heating of the medium occurred due to heat release during nonradiative relaxation of high electronic states of sensitizer molecules.