Lasers

laser

light amplification of stimulated emission of radiation

photon

energy packet

neutron

neutral particles

proton

positive particles

electron

negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus

spontaneous emission

release of a photon of energy equal to the one that was absorbed

stimulated emission

external power source causes population inversion o

population inversion

environment of excited electrons

three properties that distinguish laser from incandescent light

coherence, monochromaticity, collimation c

Coherence

all photon of emitted light are of the same wavelength in phase with one another

monochromaticity

only one wavelength of light is produced

collimation

all photons move in parallel fashion without divergence

types of lasers

high power: output >500 watts

low power: cold laser output= mwatts

laser treatment techniques

gridding and scanning

gridding

treatment area divided into a grid of cm² stimulated for specified time

gridding dosage

depends on laser output

surface area of beam

treatment time

depth of penetration

direct or indirect responses

direct response

superficial response from absorption of light

indirect response

catalyzed response in deeper tissue

laser therapy works by….

stimulating ATP production

increase DNA and RNA synthesis

increase levels of beta endorphins and serotonin

enhanced collagen production

when is enhanced collagen production most beneficial

in the fibroblastic repair stage

laser wound healing through…

enhancing cellular metabolism

increasing vascularization

an anti-inflammatory action

accelerated phagocytic activity and select destruction of bacteria

increasing the tensile strength of healing tissues

reducing edema

decreasing pain

contraindications for laser

application to eyes

over malignancies

1st trimester of pregnancy