Dr. Welch's research involves the general field of medical optics. He specializes in the optical and thermal response of tissue to laser radiation. Basic science investigations of light and heat propagation in tissue form the bases to evaluate present and future therapeutic and diagnostic applications of lasers.
Several projects investigate the use of feedback to improve medical laser systems.
Studies have demonstrated the feasibility of reflectance control for retinal photocoagulation and temperature control for tissue fusion. Biomedical Engineering area.