What is the difference between a picosecond laser and a neodymium laser?

Published: 21/03/2024 Times Read: 1719

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Pico Laser: Cutting-Edge technology in modern cosmetology

Pico lasers are at the forefront of modern cosmetology. Many have heard of them, but few understand the essence of the hype surrounding these new devices. On one hand, the promise of maximum procedural efficiency is highly attractive. On the other hand, there's a sense of mild disappointment with the emergence of this new technology. It seems that the inevitable moment has come when we must move away from the universally beloved neodymium laser and urgently seek a supplier to buy a pico laser for our beauty salon or clinic. But is it really necessary? How does a pico laser differ from a neodymium one? What makes it better? We will answer these and other questions today.

Terminology and physics of lasers

Let's start with the fact that the question of how a pico laser differs from a neodymium one is, to put it mildly, incorrect. The term "pico" is not a type of laser, but rather a technical characteristic. It indicates that the laser equipment is capable of operating in a mode of ultra-short pulses. Such devices create light emission with an extremely small number of optical field oscillations. So small, in fact, that the duration of one pulse is measured in picoseconds – that is, the duration of one pulse is equal to several trillionths of a second (or 10^-12).

Next, it's important to understand that any laser is a quantum generator of sequential, monochromatic electromagnetic radiation in the optical range, or simply put, light emission. For its creation, the equipment is equipped with a working body – an active medium that is pumped to produce photonic (light) emission. The active medium can be solid, liquid, gaseous, plasma, or semiconductor, thereby determining the type of laser. For example,

A solid active medium includes ruby, sapphire, alexandrite, neodymium, and other types of lasers.
A liquid medium refers to lasers based on various dyes.
A gaseous medium includes argon, excimer, carbon dioxide, and other types of lasers.
A semiconductor medium refers to diode lasers, etc.

Practically any type of laser can be made to operate in a picosecond mode. This is achieved through the use of the quality modulation method and the mode modulation principle. We will not delve into their essence, as it is not so important for the work of a cosmetologist. The main thing to understand is that "pico" is a special mode of operation – a kind of enhanced characteristic (ability, possibility) of a laser, which can be based on dyes, sapphire, alexandrite, diode, or, as in our case, neodymium.

Returning to the terminology of the question, it should be noted that the correct formulation would be "How does a picosecond neodymium laser differ from a regular neodymium laser?" We will answer this question further.

Features of the picosecond neodymium laser

We have established that the picosecond neodymium laser operates in the mode of ultra-short pulses. This equipment demonstrates several characteristic features:

Wide spectrum of light emission.
High temporal and spatial consistency of pulses.
High peak intensity of each pulse.

The high indicators of peak intensity create the conditions for nonlinear processes at the point of application of light energy, allowing for the effect of self-action – a state in which the light emission changes the original properties of the tissue chromophores. As a result, the dye pigment of tattoos, collagen fibers, melanin, and other chromophores instantly and irreversibly change their structure. This occurs without significant heating of the chromophores and the surrounding tissues, which is the basis of the working principle of the picosecond neodymium laser.

Principle of operation of the picosecond laser

You might be surprised, but unlike the conventional neodymium laser, the working principle of the picosecond device is not based on the effect of selective photothermolysis, but on the photoacoustic effect. This effect is characterized by the active absorption of light energy followed by the formation of a shock front. In simpler terms, with the picosecond laser, we do not heat or cause thermal damage to chromophores as was done previously. Instead, we only transmit a shock (acoustic) pulse indicating possible thermal damage, leading to the effect of self-action - the chromophores irreversibly change their structure. As a result, procedures using the picosecond neodymium laser demonstrate a number of undeniable advantages.

Advantages of using the picosecond laser

Absence of epidermal damage.
The impact does not cause significant heating of the skin and its structures.
Instant biological response.
High speed of achieving the desired effect.
No period of rehabilitation.
Short recovery period.
Minimal risk of complications.
Cumulative effect of procedures.
Comfort and minimal pain of the impact.
All-season nature of procedures.

Application sphere of picosecond neodymium lasers

Cosmetological devices capable of operating in the picosecond mode are used for the same procedures as neodymium lasers:

Removal of colored and black-and-white tattoos.
Removal of permanent makeup.
Treatment of skin hyperpigmentation.
Correction (or complete removal) of scars, stretch marks, and post-acne.
Rejuvenation of facial and body tissues.
Carbon peeling.

On one hand, the capabilities are the same, but on the other hand, it is still worth purchasing a picosecond laser. We will now explain why.

Why should you buy a picosecond laser?

The success of a beauty salon or clinic is shaped by a range of factors – the professionalism of cosmetologists, the atmosphere of the establishment, reasonable service costs, etc. Cosmetological equipment holds a significant place in this list. The opinion of clients about the beauty salon is formed under the influence of its effectiveness and safety. It depends on its operation whether people will say about your establishment, "solved my problem quickly, painlessly, and well" or "it was painful, no use, money down the drain."

It's important to understand that we are not trying to diminish the merits of ordinary neodymium lasers and exalt picosecond lasers "to the skies". No! We just want you to make rational decisions with a perspective on the future: if you are at the threshold of choosing equipment and have the opportunity to buy a picosecond laser – take it without hesitation! And if this equipment is not relevant for you at this stage of activity, just keep in mind that it is indeed better than a regular neodymium laser and is worth the money.