Most laser systems have a lens to focus the laser energy down to a sale spot diameter (see figure 1 below). However, in many systems, the focal point (where the spot diameter is the smallest) is outside the handpiece assembly. This has a potentially hazardous effect if not properly understood! The problem with this design… Continue reading Laser spot size – how it changes with distance from the target…
Category: Interesting stuff
Carbon Facial treatment with a QS Nd:YAG laser
Recently I tried the new ‘carbon facial’ treatment using the 1064nm wavelength of the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. My wife was keen to try it! I painted a little black carbon ink solution (which I made myself) onto my wife’s face. After about 20 minutes, or so, to allow it to dry, I applied the laser… Continue reading Carbon Facial treatment with a QS Nd:YAG laser
What is ‘energy density’ or ‘fluence’?
Many laser operators are not sure what is meant by energy density or fluence. They should know this as it is fundamental to generating good clinical outcomes. Here’s a video I made explaining how to calculate ED/fluence… You can download a pdf copy of the above here. Hope this clears this topic… Continue reading What is ‘energy density’ or ‘fluence’?
Experiments with India ink and a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser
What happens when India ink absorbs laser energy? I irradiated some dry India ink trapped between two glass slides here (the ink was allowed to dry overnight). I used 5 J/cm^2 with a 1064 nm wavelength. As you can see, the laser energy ‘vapourises’ the ink and leaves voids behind. But, very little ink leaves… Continue reading Experiments with India ink and a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser
The virus is in the air…
Research from around the world clearly shows that the coronavirus sits on saliva droplets in the air for hours. This is not widely understood. Even The WHO have only recently begun to ‘get’ this!! I put together a video to explain the physics behind this – its not rocket science!!! Watch here – You can… Continue reading The virus is in the air…
From the very, very small to the very, very big….
I found a great video showing ‘The Scale of the Universe’… Ciao, Mike.
Laser/IPL Hair Removal – plume and precautions!!!
I wrote an article for Aesthetics recently regarding the plume generated by laser/IPL hair removal and other treatments. All ablative treatments will generate a plume. In addition, many other laser/IPL treatment will also generate plume. What is a ‘plume’? Plume consists of smoke particles and tiny, invisible particles of tissue, hair, bacteria, viruses and potentially… Continue reading Laser/IPL Hair Removal – plume and precautions!!!
Back-scattered light from the skin is much more than we think…
My Letter describing back-scattered laser radiation from the skin has been published in the ‘open market’ by Springer! I’m very pleased that they have done this. However, I am now thinking that the levels of back-scattered light are higher than I first thought. The is coming from new work I have been doing looking at… Continue reading Back-scattered light from the skin is much more than we think…
New Book – Medical/Aesthetic Lasers & IPLs and Skin Treatments
I have been asked many times in the last few years for a recommendation for an introductory book describing the application of lasers and IPLs in aesthetic treatments. My answer was always the same – “There isn’t one!!” So, I finally took the plunge and decided to write one, with my colleague PA Torstensson. … Continue reading New Book – Medical/Aesthetic Lasers & IPLs and Skin Treatments
Laser/IPL Plume – Aesthetic Journal
My article on the hazards associated with laser/IPL-generated plume during various standard procedures was published recently in the Aesthetic Journal. Click here – Ciao, Mike.
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