LASER is an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". It is a device that uses very high energy light to produce a beam of radiation. In short, a laser is a powerful "beam" of light that is used in many fields, including medicine, for a variety of purposes.

How does a laser work?

The laser works on the basis of a process called "amplification of radiation emission". Inside the laser is an energy source (depending on the type of laser, it can vary, as will be discussed below). This energy source excites molecules or atoms in the laser material. As these excited molecules return to their ground state, they release energy in the form of laser radiation.

What distinguishes lasers from ordinary light sources is that they produce laser radiation that is coherent, which means that the light waves are synchronized and travel in a single phase. This makes the laser beam very focused, precise and has properties that allow it to be focused at a single point.

Types of lasers used in medicine

There are many types of lasers, each with its own unique properties and applications. Here are examples of the most commonly used lasers in medicine:

  1. Gas lasers: Gas lasers use gas as a laser material. In medicine (CO2 laser) they are used for surgical procedures such as the removal of tumors and polyps in the gastrointestinal tract, the removal of skin lesions and in ophthalmological procedures. Argon lasers are often used in the treatment of epilepsy and for photocoagulation procedures in ophthalmology, helping patients with retinal diseases.
  2. Semiconductor lasers, including diode lasers: Semiconductor lasers use semiconductors as a laser material and are used in medicine, mainly in vascular surgery or proctology, but also in the treatment of acne and for teeth whitening.
  3. Solid-state lasers: These lasers use solid crystalline materials as the laser material. In medicine, they are widely used for surgical procedures, e.g. in ophthalmology or urology, as well as in plastic surgery or aesthetic medicine.
  4. PDL dye lasers: is a kind of laser that is widely used in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. The name "pigmented" is due to the fact that this type of laser is particularly effective in treating skin lesions that contain pigments such as hemoglobin in hemangiomas or melanin in discolorations

These are just a few examples of laser types, but there are many other specialized laser types with different applications. Laser is a versatile tool that is crucial in many fields of science, technology, and medicine.