PULSED LIGHT

Définition

Light is an electromagnetic wave. Its wavelength is measured in nanometres (nm). Each colour has its specific wavelength (violet 400nm, red 800nm). Ultra-violets (UV) are below 400nm and Infra-reds (IR) over 800nm.

When light is emitted with extremely high intensity and in very short pulses, it is known as pulsed light. Pulse duration is a few milliseconds (ms).

Light conveys a quantity of energy via particles known as Photons. This energy is measured in Joules (J).

Technology

Pulsed light is made up of a range of wavelengths (between 300 and 1200nm). It is then filtered so as to reduce the spectrum to match application needs. The light beam is said to be polychromatic (consisting of several colours).

The beam emitted by a laser, on the other hand, has only a single wavelength. It is said to be monochromatic (one single colour). In addition, the laser beam is coherent and focussed, i.e. all waves are in phase and concentrated at a single point.

Clinical

From a clinical point of view, the Laser is only suitable for one application at a time. Pulsed Light on the other hand has an extensive spectrum and is a technology suited to multiple applications and several skin types.

Pulsed Light is also easier to use than its Laser counterpart and gives identical, if not often better results.