What wavelength does a diode laser operate at?

The diode laser typically operates at a wavelength of around 810nm, making it effective for laser hair removal treatments. This specific wavelength is well-absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicles, allowing for efficient targeting of the hair while minimizing damage to surrounding skin tissue. The 810nm wavelength strikes a good balance between effectiveness for various hair and skin types, penetrating the dermis while still being safe for use on the skin.

Other wavelengths, while useful for different purposes, do not fall within the optimal range for the diode laser's function in hair removal. For instance, 755nm is more associated with alexandrite lasers, 1064nm is utilized in Nd:YAG lasers suited for darker skin tones, and 10,600nm is characteristic of CO2 lasers, which are used primarily for ablative skin treatments rather than hair removal. Thus, 810nm is specifically suited for its purpose in the diode laser hair removal context.