▶ Previous Artlcle: #10-1. Q-switched Ruby Laser
When the spot size or fluence was intended to be changed, the calibration had to be carried out repeatedly, increasing the inconvenience.
Furthermore, the shot speed was as slow as 1 Hz during the procedure due to low efficiency in converting the pumping energy into laser output. So, procedure took a long time.
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In addition, devices were very expensive and maintenance was very costly, reducing the affordability of the procedure although it was effective for pigmentation treatment.
Another stumbling block to selections of the Ruby Laser was the occurrence of hyperpigmentaion or hypopigmentation during the process despite the good clinical results of treatment of pigmented lesions.
However, the shot speed has been recently doubled from 1hz to 2hz by applying a high-output power supply and high-output chiller for cooling, and some companies have increased the shot speed up to 3hz. As a result of the increased device output, the output drop occurred less frequently during the procedure, and the pulse duration was shortened to 25 to 40 ns, allowing the increased peak power to be used for more effective treatments while decreasing the side effects.
Device prices and maintenance costs have been significantly decreased, making the Ruby Laser more accessible. Ruby Lasers manufactured or imported in Korea are as shown in <Figure 2>.
Figure 2. Ruby Laser: RUBY STAR, Q-PLUS, MELASTAR, SINON.
-To be continued
