Oregon Esthetician State Board

What process converts the light from a laser into heat?

1. Electroluminescence

2. Photothermolysis

3. Thermoelectric conversion

4. Infrared absorption

The correct answer is: Photothermolysis

Photothermolysis is the correct answer because it refers specifically to the process in which light energy, when absorbed by a target tissue, is converted into heat. This is particularly relevant in the context of laser treatments in esthetics, where lasers are designed to emit specific wavelengths of light that can be selectively absorbed by certain chromophores (like melanin or hemoglobin) in the skin. When this light is absorbed, it causes the tissue to heat up, leading to various therapeutic effects, such as the destruction of unwanted hair follicles or the reduction of vascular lesions. Other processes mentioned do not accurately describe this light-to-heat conversion specific to lasers. Electroluminescence describes the phenomenon where a material emits light in response to an electric current, which is not applicable to laser treatments. Thermoelectric conversion involves converting thermal energy directly into electrical energy, which is not relevant in the context of how lasers work in esthetics. Infrared absorption is related to the absorption of infrared radiation in materials but does not encompass the broader concept of light-to-heat conversion as effectively as photothermolysis does. Thus, photothermolysis is the most accurate and relevant term in this context.