Integrated Concepts

(a) During laser vision correction, a brief burst of 193 nm ultraviolet light is projected onto the cornea of the patient. It makes a spot 1.00 mm in diameter and deposits 0.500 mJ of energy. Calculate the depth of the layer ablated, assuming the corneal tissue has the same properties as water and is initially at $\text{34}.\text{0}º\text{C}$. The tissue’s temperature is increased to $\text{100}º\text{C}$ and evaporated without further temperature increase.

(b) Does your answer imply that the shape of the cornea can be finely controlled?