A.R.C. Laser

Absorption in blood and water

How strongly oxygenated haemoglobin, deoxygenated haemoglobin and water absorb light across the surgical laser range. All three plotted in the same unit, on a logarithmic scale, so the distances between them are read directly.

Substrate

Wavelengths

Wavelength

445nm

HbO₂

—

Water

—

Drag or hover across the chart to read values.

Key wavelengths

Wavelength	HbO₂	Hb	Water

Notes on the data

Sources.

S. Prahl, "Tabulated molar extinction coefficient for hemoglobin in water," Oregon Medical Laser Center, 4 (1998). omlc.org/spectra/hemoglobin/summary.html

G. M. Hale and M. R. Querry, "Optical constants of water in the 200nm to 200 micron wavelength region," Appl. Opt., 12, 555–563, (1973).