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Questions and Answers
What does the acronym LASER stand for?
What does the acronym LASER stand for?
LASER light is characterized by being multi-colored and non-coherent.
LASER light is characterized by being multi-colored and non-coherent.
False
What happens to an electron when it absorbs an adequate amount of energy?
What happens to an electron when it absorbs an adequate amount of energy?
It moves to a higher orbital level.
The process by which an excited atom releases a photon and returns to its ground state is called __________.
The process by which an excited atom releases a photon and returns to its ground state is called __________.
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Match the components of a laser unit with their descriptions:
Match the components of a laser unit with their descriptions:
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Which of the following is NOT a property of LASER light?
Which of the following is NOT a property of LASER light?
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The energy absorbed by an atom is not necessary for it to reach an excited state.
The energy absorbed by an atom is not necessary for it to reach an excited state.
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What role does the resonating cavity play in a laser unit?
What role does the resonating cavity play in a laser unit?
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Which of the following describes the property of laser light that is characterized by having a specific wavelength?
Which of the following describes the property of laser light that is characterized by having a specific wavelength?
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Lasers with longer wavelengths are absorbed more by the skin compared to shorter wavelengths.
Lasers with longer wavelengths are absorbed more by the skin compared to shorter wavelengths.
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What is the wavelength of the Helium Neon laser in nanometers?
What is the wavelength of the Helium Neon laser in nanometers?
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Semiconductor diode lasers, such as gallium arsenide (Ga-As), emit radiation in the __________ region.
Semiconductor diode lasers, such as gallium arsenide (Ga-As), emit radiation in the __________ region.
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Match the type of laser with its corresponding lasing medium:
Match the type of laser with its corresponding lasing medium:
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What physiological effect of laser is associated with increasing nerve conduction velocity?
What physiological effect of laser is associated with increasing nerve conduction velocity?
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Chemical lasers are primarily used in medical applications.
Chemical lasers are primarily used in medical applications.
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Name one indication for laser therapy.
Name one indication for laser therapy.
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Study Notes
LASER Therapy Overview
- LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
- It's an electromagnetic modality
- LASER light differs from other light sources in being monochromatic (single wavelength), coherent (travels in a straight line), and polarized & collimated (concentrated beam)
LASER Properties
- Monochromatic: Single wavelength and color
- Coherent: Travels in a straight line
- Directional (Collimated): Parallel beam
LASER vs. Conventional Light
- Conventional light sources have many wavelengths and are non-directional (multidirectional)
- Conventional light is incoherent, which means the waves are not in phase/correlated
Atomic Structure and LASER Action
- An atom has electrons orbiting the nucleus in energy levels.
- When an electron absorbs energy (photon), it jumps to a higher energy level (excited state).
- Excited state is unstable
- The atom returns to its ground state (lowest energy level) by emitting a photon.
- This is called spontaneous emission.
- A photon emitted by an excited atom can cause a similar excited atom to emit a photon (stimulated emission)
- Amplification occurs if there are many excited atoms
- This amplification of photons is how a laser works
LASER Production
- A large number of atoms with excited electrons lead to amplification. This happens repeatedly, producing a concentrated, coherent beam of light.
- Components needed: Energy source, lasing medium, resonating cavity (mirrors).
LASER Components
- Energy source: Electrical, light, or thermal
- Lasing medium: Gas, solid, liquid, or semiconductor.
- Resonating cavity: Reflected, mirrored chamber with the lasing medium inside.
LASER Wavelength and Penetration
- Wavelength impacts penetration depth
- Near infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper than visible light.
- Visible red light penetrates shallowly.
- LASER type often chosen based on target tissue depth.
LASER Classifications
- Solid-state lasers: Ruby crystal
- Gas lasers: Helium-neon (HeNe)
- Semiconductor/diode lasers: Gallium arsenide (GaAs)
- Liquid lasers: Dye lasers
- Chemical lasers: High-powered (military applications)
LASER Hazards and Usage
- Different LASER classes based on power and hazards.
- Class I is least dangerous.
- Class IV is most hazardous
LASER Tissue Interaction
- Laser light interacts with tissues through reflection, transmission, scattering, and absorption
- This interaction leads to photothermal, photomechanical, and photochemical effects.
Physiological Effects of Laser
- Stimulates tissues healing (improving wound healing, soft tissue healing and nerve tissue regeneration)
- Has anti-inflammatory effects (stimulating phagocytosis = cell eating, the process by which a cell engulfs a foreign particle)
- Provides pain control
- Enhances nerve conduction speed
- Increases angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and improves microcirculation
LASER Indications
- Non-infected and infected skin wounds and ulcers
- Non-united fractures
- Acute and chronic inflammation of the musculoskeletal system (OA, RA)
- Acute and chronic soft tissue injuries
- Neurogenic pain
- Trigger point and acupuncture point stimulation
LASER Contraindications
- Direct irradiation of the eyes is contraindicated
- Hemorrhaging regions are contraindicated
- Locally to the endocrine glands is contraindicated
- Pregnancy is contraindicated
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of LASER therapy, including the properties of LASER light and its differences from conventional light sources. Understand how LASERs work at the atomic level and why their unique characteristics make them suitable for therapeutic applications. Dive into the electromagnetic modality that is reshaping various treatment methodologies.
