picosecond laser

A picosecond laser is a type of laser that emits ultrashort pulses of light, with each pulse lasting only a trillionth of a second (one picosecond, or $10^{-12}$ seconds). This extremely short pulse duration allows the laser to deliver high – peak power in a very brief moment, which is significantly different from traditional lasers with longer pulse widths.

The high – peak power of picosecond lasers enables them to interact with target materials in a highly efficient way. When used in medical and cosmetic applications, such as tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation, the picosecond laser can break down tattoo ink particles or pigmented lesions more effectively than longer – pulse lasers. The rapid energy release shatters the target into much smaller fragments, which are then more easily cleared away by the body’s immune system.

In industrial settings, picosecond lasers are employed for precision micromachining tasks. Their short pulse lengths reduce the heat – affected zone, minimizing damage to the surrounding material. This makes them suitable for applications like cutting, drilling, and engraving of delicate materials such as semiconductors, glasses, and metals. Overall, the unique properties of picosecond lasers make them a powerful tool in both medical and industrial fields.