Comparative Analysis of Pulsed and Continuous Wave Modes in High-Intensity Laser Light Therapy: Implications for Deep...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Photomedicine
• Laser Therapy

Background:

• High-intensity 1064nm lasers offer deep tissue penetration for therapeutic applications.
• Continuous wave laser therapy can lead to undesirable increases in skin surface temperature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of pulsed wave laser irradiation compared to continuous wave for transdermal deep tissue light therapy.
• To optimize light fluence in deep muscle tissue while minimizing skin temperature elevation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a high-intensity 1064nm laser system.
• Simulated pulsed wave parameters: 60W peak power, 2ms pulse width, 10% duty cycle, 50Hz frequency, and 20mm beam size.
• Evaluated skin surface temperature and light fluence in human knee muscle tissue over 300 seconds.

Main Results:

• Pulsed wave irradiation resulted in the lowest skin surface temperature (42.5°C).
• Achieved the highest light fluence in deep tissue (approximately 4.2 J/cm²).

Conclusions:

• Transitioning from continuous to pulsed wave laser therapy enhances therapeutic potential.
• Pulsed wave 1064nm laser irradiation is a promising method for deep tissue treatment with reduced thermal risk.