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Laser: what it is and how it works

LASER is an acronym from the English words “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” It is a device that uses light of very high energy 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 the laser work?

A laser works by a process called “amplification of radiation emission.” Inside the laser is an energy source (which can vary depending on the type of laser, as will be discussed below). This energy source excites particles or atoms in the laser material. When 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, meaning that the light waves are synchronized and travel in a single phase. This makes the laser beam highly concentrated, precise and has properties that allow it to be focused on 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:

  • Gas lasers: Gas lasers use gas as the laser material. In medicine (CO2 laser), they are used for surgical procedures such as removing tumors and polyps in the digestive tract, removing skin lesions and in ophthalmological treatments. Argon lasers are often used in epilepsy therapy and for photocoagulation procedures in ophthalmology, helping patients with retinal diseases.
  • Semiconductor lasers including diode lasers: Semiconductor lasers use semiconductors as the laser material and are used in medicine mainly in vascular surgery or proctology but also in acne treatment and for teeth whitening.
  • Solid-state lasers: These lasers use solid crystalline materials as the laser material. In medicine, they are widely used for surgical treatments such as in ophthalmology or urology and also in plastic surgery or aesthetic medicine.
  • PDL dye lasers: is a type of laser that is widely used in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. The name “pigmented” comes from 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 hyperpigmentation.

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