What is a 1470nm Diode Laser?
When an intrinsic semiconductor's electrical properties are altered by introducing impurities to the surface of a crystal wafer a laser diode is created. When semiconductor layers meet, charge carriers combine and the electrical current in the laser's energy is released as light, hence the acronym L.A.S.E.R. which stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
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While most people measure laser wavelengths in nanometers, for longer wavelengths other measurements such as micrometers can be used to describe the laser's wavelength. A 1470nanometer laser is the same as a 1.47µm (1.47 micrometers) laser.
Infrared Lasers and Eye Safety
A 1470nm diode laser is an infrared diode laser, or a laser whose light is invisible to the naked human eye. The invisibility of this wavelength has many advantages for industries because it is infrared and because the light is considered safe to the human eye. Traditional wavelengths of visible light can damage the eye because the light is visible and therefore focused on the retina and absorbed by sensitive nerves in the eye. Laser light at infrared wavelengths, like 1470nm, is absorbed in the cornea, reducing the risk of permanent eye damage. However, even at 1,470nm the cornea can be severely burned if the laser light is functioning at very high powers.
Applications for 1,470nm Lasers
A laser diode with a wavelength of 1470 nanometers can be used in a variety of industries. 1470nm lasers are most commonly used for the treatment of saphenous veins (varicose veins), but can also be used by the medical industry for noninvasive surgeries. 1470nm lasers can also be used by the military for range finding, by the aerospace industry, and in free-space optical communications.
Range Finding with 1470nm Diodes
1470nm laser diodes are popular with the military for targeting. In the military, 1470nm diode lasers are primarily used as laser target designators, which are used with precision-guided munitions to guide the munitions. An infrared diode laser of 1470nm is favored when directing munitions at live targets because light from a laser diode at 1470nm cannot be seen without infrared goggles.
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1470 nm Laser Diodes and the Cosmetic Industry
1470nm diode lasers are most commonly used by the cosmetic industry for treating saphenous veins (the main cause of varicose veins). Using 1470nm laser diodes is the alternative to the traditional laser treatment for varicose veins which targets the lining of the blood vessel to cause blood coagulation and destruction of the vein. This procedure is painful and can cause bruising and swelling at the treatment area, lengthening the post-surgery recovery period. The 1470nm diode laser targets the water in vein walls to collapse the walls and ensure complete vein closure. Treatment using the 1470nm laser diode results in virtually no post-operative bruising or swelling. 1470nanometers is the peak wavelength for water absorption in skin and has 40 times greater absorption than the traditional vein treatment laser of 980nm and is associated with significantly less pain.
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