What occurs when laser energy is absorbed by chromophores?

When laser energy interacts with chromophores, it is absorbed and converted into other forms of energy, primarily thermal or mechanical energy. Chromophores are specific molecules in tissues that have the ability to absorb particular wavelengths of light, and the absorption leads to an increase in temperature in the surrounding tissue or induces mechanical effects such as tissue disruption or vaporization. This principle is foundational in many laser applications, including photothermal therapy and laser surgery, where the precise delivery of energy results in targeted treatment effects.

The other options do not accurately describe the interaction between laser energy and chromophores. Reflection would imply that the energy is sent away from the tissue without effect, scattering suggests a random distribution of energy rather than targeted absorption, and passing through without interaction overlooks the very purpose of using specific wavelengths that are intended to be absorbed by chromophores for therapeutic benefit.