The Core of Knowledge is the underpinning physics and safety qualification that insurers, Laser Protection Advisers and most practical laser courses expect you to hold before you go anywhere near a device. This course is delivered entirely online, so you can work through it at your own pace and in your own time.
Course structure
Unit 1 — Laser and intense light generation and characteristics
- Light waves, wavelength and the electromagnetic spectrum
- Ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation, and the distinctive features of optical radiation
- Key technical terms: radiant exposure (fluence), pulse duration, output power, power density and pulse energy
- How lasers and intense light sources work, the lasing medium, and solid-state, gas and semiconductor diode lasers
- What makes light laser light, beam size and shape
- Laser and IPL applications
Unit 3 — Laser and intense light source radiation-tissue interaction
- Interactions of light with tissue, tissue targets, chromophores and selective photothermolysis
- Output spectrum, heating effects and thermal relaxation time, and spot size on tissue
- Therapeutic tissue effects: photothermal, photoablative, photoacoustic and photochemical
- Photodynamic therapy and photobiomodulation
- How the physics applies to hair removal, photo-rejuvenation, ablative resurfacing, fractional photothermolysis, tattoo removal, pigmented and vascular lesions, and acne
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Explain how lasers and intense light sources generate light, and what makes laser light different
- Use the key technical terms correctly: fluence, pulse duration, power density and pulse energy
- Explain selective photothermolysis, chromophores and thermal relaxation time, and why they govern safe settings
- Describe how each therapeutic tissue effect is produced and where it is used clinically
- Relate the underlying physics to the treatments you offer, and to safe practice
Duration and delivery
Online only, worked through at your own pace, with a student workbook for each unit.
Assessment and certification
Workbook and course questions. On successful completion you receive your Core of Knowledge certificate.
Course credits
3 CPD credits.
