1. Fundamentals of Light and Laser Technology
1.5 Future Trends in Light-Based Medical Technologies
The convergence of photonics, biosensing, and AI is pushing laser diagnostics into new frontiers. Miniaturized optical chips, multi-modal imaging systems, and smart wearable laser sensors are being developed to monitor real-time biomarkers such as glucose, lactate, or oxygen levels through the skin (Zafar et al., 2021; De Miguel & Martínez, 2023). These systems leverage both laser precision and intelligent data processing to bring diagnostics closer to point-of-care and even at-home environments.
In parallel, education and training in laser technologies are being enhanced by immersive tools such as Augmented Reality (AR). By overlaying laser-tissue interactions, beam properties, and molecular models onto 3D simulations, AR can provide an experiential understanding of complex optical principles. This is particularly valuable for learners encountering concepts like scattering, coherence, or spectral absorption for the first time (Akçayır & Akçayır, 2017).