Page 95 - Chapter 3 - Fundamentals of Laser/IPL Hair Removal

Chapter 3 – Fundamentals of Laser/IPL Hair Removal 1st Edition
Intense Pulsed Light Systems - What is an IPL?
Intense Pulse Light Systems (IPLs) are much more flexible compared with lasers. They do not generate coherent light like lasers – instead their light is much more similar to camera flashguns. They produce a high intensity flash of light of many wavelengths. Some systems produce a range of pulse durations.
IPL systems work in exactly the same way as lasers but are much ‘gentler’ on skin. Their powers are considerably lower and hence they induce much less in the way of damage to surrounding tissues, if applied correctly. In addition, they are much safer to operate since there is little risk of damage to the eye, unlike lasers. (What are the differences between lasers and IPLs? Watch this video.)
All IPL systems produce filtered light. This is easy since all it requires is a filter to block parts of the spectrum. The remainder of the light can then progress through the filter to the skin. However, in some systems too much of the red is allowed through which can lead to thermal damage in the tissue.
Figure 34 – Spectral output of a Xenon lamp - unfiltered
________________________________________________________________________ 95 Chapter 3 Laser/IPL Hair Removal
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