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An Alexandrite Laser is a type of LASER (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) that emits high energy light through an alexandrite crystal. As the light passes through the alexandrite crystal, a beam of light 755 nm long is produced.
Note: The length of the beam of light determines how far into the skin the laser penetrates.
The color of the laser light is red.
Alexandrite Lasers can be set on Q-switching mode, which causes the laser to produce a high-energy beam of light in short pulses. This is what makes it effective for hair removal.
In addition to hair removal, Alexandrite Lasers are used for:
- Treating age spots
- Treating spider veins
- Treating vascular birthmarks
- Tattoo removal
What is the difference between the Alexandrite Laser and other lasers? Aside from the color, the wavelength of the light is the only thing that changes.
For example, the Alexandrite Laser emits a red beam of light that is 755 nm. A diode laser, on the other hand, emits a 810 nm laser beam and a YAG laser emits a beam at 1064 nm.
Technical Specifications
Chromium doped chrysoberyl lasers are called alexandrite lasers. The synthetic alexandrite crystal is grown from the chrysoberyl mineral by the floating zone method. The alexandrite crystal displays its color based on the surrounding lighting. The alexandrite laser was invented in the year 1964.
Chrysoberyl crystal is an aluminate of beryllium, having formula BeAl2O4. The alexandrite is a tunable laser, with the tunable wavelengths varying from 700 to 820 nm. Some of the notable characteristics of this laser are high thermal coefficient, Q-switching, mechanically strong, chemical stability and ability to lase in CW mode. It is best suited for high power laser applications.
The physical properties and applications of this laser are discussed in the sections below.
Laser Properties
