Which laser tissue interaction results in absorption of competing chromophores?

The correct answer is absorption. The absorption of competing chromophores is a key process in laser tissue interactions. When a laser beam interacts with biological tissue, various chromophores (substances that absorb light) can compete for the energy of the laser photons. When the laser light is absorbed, it is converted into thermal energy, which can lead to the desired biological effects such as tissue vaporization, coagulation, or necrosis.

In contrast, reflection, transmission, and scatter refer to different interactions that do not primarily focus on the energy absorption by competing chromophores. Reflection occurs when light bounces off a surface without being absorbed, transmission involves the light passing through a medium without significant interaction, and scatter refers to the deviation of light from its original path due to interaction with particles or structures within the tissue. None of these processes primarily results in the absorption of energy by multiple chromophores, which makes absorption the key interaction for this context.