Physics Exam 4: Laser Safety- Questions
and Answers
CO2 laser uses Condyloma excision, excision of skin cancers, removal of laryngeal
polyps, areas where thin layers of tissue need to be removed, vocal cord lesions (high risk of
concern for airway fires)
Argon laser A laser that emits blue-green visible light absorbed by hemoglobin, allows the
closing off of ruptured blood cells
Argon laser uses Detached retina, liver resections, glaucoma surgery, basal cell carcinoma
(used where high need for coagulation)
YAG laser A laser that emits infrared radiation weakly absorbed by tissue, used for
phototherapy, coagulation, and kidney stone treatment. Deeper penetration than CO2 but shorter
wavelength; effects not apparent for days after exposure
Holmium laser Type of YAG; combines CO2 and YAG AKA cuts and coagulates tissue,
good for endoscopic surgery and breaking up kidney stones
Thulium laser A continuous wave laser operating at a wavelength of approximately 2000
nm, uncommon
Excimer laser A UV gas emitting laser that produces a precise energetic beam, used for
corrective eye surgery (LASIK). Does not burn or cut tissue
and Answers
CO2 laser uses Condyloma excision, excision of skin cancers, removal of laryngeal
polyps, areas where thin layers of tissue need to be removed, vocal cord lesions (high risk of
concern for airway fires)
Argon laser A laser that emits blue-green visible light absorbed by hemoglobin, allows the
closing off of ruptured blood cells
Argon laser uses Detached retina, liver resections, glaucoma surgery, basal cell carcinoma
(used where high need for coagulation)
YAG laser A laser that emits infrared radiation weakly absorbed by tissue, used for
phototherapy, coagulation, and kidney stone treatment. Deeper penetration than CO2 but shorter
wavelength; effects not apparent for days after exposure
Holmium laser Type of YAG; combines CO2 and YAG AKA cuts and coagulates tissue,
good for endoscopic surgery and breaking up kidney stones
Thulium laser A continuous wave laser operating at a wavelength of approximately 2000
nm, uncommon
Excimer laser A UV gas emitting laser that produces a precise energetic beam, used for
corrective eye surgery (LASIK). Does not burn or cut tissue
