Evaluating the thermal effects of Gaussian versus rectangular laser beams on single-layer biological tissues: Implications for advanced biomedical therapies

Abstract

This study explores the thermal dynamics of single-layer biological tissues subjected to Gaussian and rectangular laser beams, focusing on their unique thermal characteristics and potential medical applications. A comprehensive mathematical model that incorporates the Local Thermal Non-equilibrium (LTNE) framework is utilized, considering factors like tissue porosity and dual-lag effects to better understand thermal behavior. Through extensive numerical simulations, the influences of porosity, laser intensity, and exposure duration on the tissues under both beam configurations are analyzed. Results reveal that rectangular beams produce intense, localized heating, resulting in sharp temperature peaks that are particularly advantageous for targeted therapies. In contrast, Gaussian beams facilitate more uniform temperature distributions, which are beneficial for treatments requiring broader thermal coverage. Notably, it is found that increased porosity significantly mitigates maximum temperatures and reduces the extent of thermal damage, whereas higher laser intensities and prolonged exposure times lead to heightened tissue temperatures and an increased risk of thermal injury. These findings enhance the current understanding of bio-heat transfer mechanics and offer valuable guidance for the design and implementation of safer and more effective laser-based therapeutic systems.