Tattoo removal with two laser beams via multi-photon processes

摘要

A method for removing tattoos using two laser beams and a multi-photon process is disclosed. A 0.1 to 100 nsec pulse secondary laser beam focused to 108 W/cm2 creates a temporary channel from the skin surface to the tattoo pigment. A 100 fsec pulse main laser beam is then guided through the channel to the pigment and focused to sufficient intensity, i.e., 1012 W/cm2 or more, to initiate a multi-photon process that breaks up the pigment, disrupting its light reflecting properties. The channel allows the main laser beam unobstructed passage to the pigments, resulting in efficient use of the main laser. The pigment fragments escape through the temporary channel or diffuse into the blood stream. A suitably configured Ti/Sapphire laser beam is split into two components, with an uncompressed component used as the secondary laser beam, and a compressed component as the main laser beam.

主权项

1. A method of removing pigment from beneath the surface of the skin, comprising:
creating a temporary channel from said surface of the skin to a vicinity of said pigment by ablating material using a first laser beam emanating from a laser, said first laser beam having a pulse length in a range from 0.1 nsec to 100 nsec and, being focused to have an intensity in a range of 107 to 1010 W/cm2 within a focal regions; directing through said temporary channel to said vicinity of said pigment, a second laser beam emanating from said laser or from a second laser, said second laser beam having a pulse length of 400 fsec or less and being focused to have an intensity of at least 1012 W/cm2 in a focal region, thereby initiating a multi-photon ablation process in said vicinity of said pigment, and breaking said pigment into two or more constituent parts.