Page 232 - Chapter 3 - Laser/IPL Hair Removal

Chapter 3 – Fundamentals of Laser/IPL Hair Removal 2nd Edition
Difference between IPL and Diode Laser hair removal
IPL tech is more difficult to use properly! Most IPL systems allow a range of user inputs including fluence, pulsewidth, pulse train modifications, skin cooling and filters. Successful results depend very strongly on the correct choice of all of these, so a better understanding of what you are doing is required! We made a short animation to discuss this.
Most diode lasers only allow for changes to the fluence and pulsewidth, although some systems have these two parameters tied – if you change one, the other changes automatically. In this case, you should choose an appropriate fluence and let the device ‘choose’ the pulsewidth.
Comparison between Lasers and IPL Systems
Lasers and IPL are completely different devices, although they both produce high energy light. We hear many people stating that “IPLs are rubbish – they’re not as good as lasers.” This is complete nonsense and merely shows their ignorance. Both are devices which generate light energy – that’s all they are! They just generate quite a lot of energy at the same time.
Diagram of a laser
Figure 123 - Diagram of a laser
All lasers have a source, which determines the laser output parameters, a pumping source, usually a lamp, mirrors and internal reflectors – all contained within a laser cavity. (Semi-conductor lasers are quite different in that they are essentially little electronic circuits).
Diagram of an IPL
Figure 124 - Diagram of an IPL
________________________________________________________________________ 232 Chapter 3, Ed. 2.0 Laser/IPL Hair Removal
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