Aesthetic and Dermatology Laser Systems

LSR 110 delves into the fundamental principles and practical aspects of aesthetic and dermatology laser and light-based equipment. Students will explore diverse laser technologies including those used for hair removal, skin resurfacing, and vascular/pigment treatments, as well as intense pulsed light systems. The curriculum covers critical components such as handpieces, optics, and cooling systems, alongside essential service procedures for flashlamps, capacitor banks, and addressing common faults and material degradation. This vendor-neutral approach equips technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively service medical aesthetic devices.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

LSR 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Introduction to Medical Lasers and Light-Tissue Interactionlecture

02Hair Removal Lasers: Alexandrite, Diode, and Long-Pulsed Nd:YAGlecture

03Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Systems: Operation and Maintenancelab

04Fractional and Ablative Resurfacing Lasers: Theory and Componentslecture

05Vascular and Pigment Laser Systems: Wavelengths and Applicationslab

06Q-Switched and Picosecond Laser Systems: Advanced Conceptslecture

07Handpieces, Fiber Optics, and Spot-Size Managementassignment

08Midterm Reviewlecture

09Contact and Cryogen Skin Cooling Technologieslecture

10Flashlamp and Capacitor Bank Service and Safetylab

11Dye and Crystal Degradation in Laser Systemslecture

12Common Faults, Diagnostics, and Troubleshooting Techniqueslab

13Preventative Maintenance, Calibration, and System Performance Testinglecture

14Capstone Service Project: System Fault Diagnosis and Repairassignment

Syllabus

**Course Title:** LSR 110 Aesthetic and Dermatology Laser Systems
**Course Description:** (See above)
**Target Audience:** Biomedical Technicians pursuing the Medical Laser Equipment Service Technician certificate.
**Prerequisites:** Basic electronics knowledge, fundamental understanding of light physics.

**Course Objectives:** Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the fundamental principles of light-tissue interaction and selective photothermolysis relevant to aesthetic applications.
2. Differentiate between various aesthetic laser and intense pulsed light technologies, including their operating mechanisms and primary applications.
3. Describe the function and maintenance considerations for critical system components such as laser cavities, flashlamps, capacitor banks, optical delivery systems, and cooling mechanisms.
4. Identify and diagnose common faults and material degradations (e.g., dye, crystal) in aesthetic laser and IPL systems.
5. Perform routine service, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting procedures on aesthetic laser and IPL equipment following safety protocols.
6. Understand the importance of calibration, spot-size optics, and skin cooling techniques for effective and safe system operation.
7. Apply comprehensive knowledge to complete a capstone service project involving the diagnosis and repair of a simulated aesthetic laser system issue.

**Weekly Outline:**

* **Week 1:** Introduction to Laser Physics and Light-Tissue Interaction
* **Week 2:** Hair Removal Systems: Alexandrite, Diode, and Nd:YAG Lasers - Principles and Components
* **Week 3:** Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Systems: Theory, Filters, and Service Considerations
* **Week 4:** Skin Resurfacing Lasers: Fractional and Ablative Technologies
* **Week 5:** Vascular and Pigment Lesion Lasers: Specific Wavelengths and Applications
* **Week 6:** Advanced Laser Systems: Q-Switched and Picosecond Technologies
* **Week 7:** Optical Delivery Systems: Handpieces, Fibers, and Spot-Size Optics
* **Week 8:** Midterm Review and Assessment
* **Week 9:** Skin Cooling Mechanisms: Contact, Cryogen, and Air Cooling Systems
* **Week 10:** Power Supply and Energy Storage: Flashlamps and Capacitor Bank Service
* **Week 11:** Laser Mediums and Degradation: Dye and Crystal Stability
* **Week 12:** Common Faults, Diagnostics, and Troubleshooting Strategies
* **Week 13:** Preventative Maintenance, Calibration, and Safety Protocols
* **Week 14:** Capstone Service Project