Laser, Light Energy, and Radiofrequency Therapy

Question 1

the removal of surface material from the body; devices of this type vaporize, cut, or removal all or part of the epidermis and or dermis

Answer 1

ablation

Question 2

the ability to cut, vaporize, or remove using a laser

Answer 2

ablative

Question 3

the uptake of one substance into another; in laser/light therapy, the attraction of energy particles, liquid, or gas to a particular chromaphore or target in the skin

Answer 3

absorbtion

Question 4

the act of removing light energy from a beam before it exits a second medium method of blocking laser energy

Answer 4

attenuation

Question 5

current that flows on a path of least resistance between postive and negative electrodes that are placed at opposite ends of the treatment forceps or device head; no dispersive electrode needed

Answer 5

bipolar radiofrequency energy (RF)

Question 6

the colored cells or target in the epidermis or dermis that absorbs the laser beam’s thermal energy, causing the desired injury or destruction of the material

Answer 6

chromophore

Question 7

parallel rays of light that travel spatilly and temporarilly in phase with each other

Answer 7

coherant light

Question 8

a gas liquified that is cooled to -238 degrees F

Answer 8

cryogen

Question 9

a grounding pad placed on the individual’s thigh or an area of large tissue mass that receives the radiofrequency energy

Answer 9

dispersing electrode

Question 10

irradiance multiplied by the exposure time, measured in joules per square centimeter (J/cm^2)

Answer 10

fluence

Question 11

electromagnetic radiation found in the invisable spectrum of light

Answer 11

infrared

Question 12

a polychromatic, noncoherant, dispersive band of light commonly using wavelengths from 500 to 1200 nm; common photoepilation hair reduction method

Answer 12

intense pulsed light (IPL)

Question 13

the rate of energy being delivered to tissue by a laser light source; measured in watts per square centimeter (w/cm2)

Answer 13

irradiance

Question 14

unit of energy or work; in thermodynamics, these are defined as a unit of heat energy used to measure the energy change in an object as it warms or cools from temperature T, to temperature T2; .1____ = 1 watt/second

Answer 14

joules

Question 15

plume or smoke that is generated from an ablative laser device

Answer 15

laser-generated air contaminants (LGAC)

Question 16

person responsible for the laser safety program at the facility; person authorized to monitor operation, enforce controls, and oversee hazards associated with laser usage

Answer 16

laser safety officer (LSO)

Question 17

device made up of panels of tiny diodes that are pulsed in an exclusive array sequence to trigger a photobiochemical response

Answer 17

light emitting diode (LED)

Question 18

splitting up or destruction of fat cells

Answer 18

lipolysis

Question 19

microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation

Answer 19

maser

Question 20

the level of laser radiation to which a person may be exposed without hazardous ocular or tissue effects

Answer 20

maximum permissible exposure (MPE)

Question 21

column of tissue that is heated by a fractional laser device

Answer 21

microthermal zone

Question 22

to stimulate or change cellular function

Answer 22

modulate

Question 23

describes light consisting of one wavelength that is typically found emitted from a laser system

Answer 23

monochromatic

Question 24

radiofrequency electrical current that uses a dispersive electrode to return the energy back to the generator device

Answer 24

monopolar radiofrequency energy

Question 25

deep dermal pigmented lesion usually found on the face in populations of darker-skinned asian

Answer 25

nevus of ota

Question 26

zone in which direct, reflected, or scattered radiation, during normal operation, exceeds the maximum permissible exposure (MPE)

Answer 26

nomial hazard zone (NHZ)

Question 27

amount of attenuation or reduction of radiant laser energy as it passes through the filter material in the laser eyewear

Answer 27

optical density (OD)

Question 28

cavity containing a laser rod or tube made up of two reflective mirrors at each end; the mirrors reflect light back and forth to build up amplification of the laser light under external stimulus

Answer 28

optical resonator

Question 29

Hemoglobin in red blood cells that has been oxygenated; a protein in red blood ccells

Answer 29

oxyhemoglobin

Question 30

LED technology that uses energy producing packets of light to enhance fibroblast collagen synthesis

Answer 30

photomodulation

Question 31

the elemental unit of light; particle of energy that has motion and travels in waves

Answer 31

photons

Question 32

the rate of energy being delivered to tissue by a laser light source; measured in watts per square centimeter (w/cm2)

Answer 32

power density

Question 33

duration of an individual pulse of laser light; usually measure in milliseconds

Answer 33

pulse duration/pulse width

Question 34

general physical process involving moving particles that are dispersed through a medium in a nonuniform manner

Answer 34

scatter

Question 35

treatment using an appropriate wavelength, exposure time, and pulse duration with sufficient energy fluence to absorb light into a specific area; allows damage to targeted tissue without involving the surrounding area

Answer 35

selective photothermolysis

Question 36

diameter of the optical laser or light beam

Answer 36

spot size

Question 37

the time it takes for the target tissue to dissipate 50% of the heat attained by a laser pulse

Answer 37

thermal relaxation time