What is the wavelength of an Erbium YAG laser?

The Erbium YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser has a wavelength of 2,940 nanometers (nm). This particular wavelength is highly effective for laser applications involving skin and soft tissue, making it suitable for procedures such as laser hair removal as well as resurfacing and scar reduction. The 2,940 nm wavelength corresponds to the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, which allows the laser to be absorbed effectively by water, a primary component of human tissue. This absorption leads to efficient tissue vaporization while minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding structures, enhancing both safety and efficacy during treatments.

In contrast, the other wavelengths listed—10,600 nm, 810 nm, and 1064 nm—are associated with different types of lasers that serve alternative purposes or have different absorption characteristics in tissue. 10,600 nm is characteristic of the CO2 laser, which is predominantly used for ablative procedures; 810 nm corresponds to the diode laser, often used for hair removal but with different absorption dynamics; and 1064 nm is usually associated with the Nd:YAG laser, commonly used for deeper tissue penetration in various treatments. Understanding these distinctions is important for selecting the appropriate laser for specific medical or cosmetic applications