Investigation and development of a measurement technique for the spatial energy distribution of home-use intense pulsed light (IPL) systems

Abstract

The current annual global market for domestic intense pulse light (IPL) hair removal has been estimated at US $1 billion and continues to grow. The five key technological parameters to consider in cutaneous photo-therapy are wavelength, energy density, pulse duration, spot size and spatial distribution. Uneven energy distribution in the treatment area can result in over or under treatment of the treated area, thus causing dissatisfaction or harmful results. This study investigates a method of measuring and analysing spatial distribution of a number of commercially available home-use IPL systems as there is no quantitative method to conduct and compare spatial distribution at the present. Using a CCD camera and a phosphorescent screen to extend the pulse duration, averaged time frames were analysed using Matlab mathematic software. 3D graphical images of the data are presented to show the spatial profile of five commercially available IPL systems. Numerical analysis of the data was completed by two methods, arithmetical mean roughness and path difference.

Keywords:

• Intense pulsed light
• Energy density
• Spatial distribution
• Side effects

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the help and time given by Kevin Palmer and Peter Charlton in completing the thermal camera measurements which support the results presented here.

Declaration of interest:

Caerwyn Ash is a PhD Graduate from Swansea University and receives a salary from CyDen Institute of Light Therapy. Godfrey Town is a PhD student at University of Wales and receives consultancy fees and travel grants from CyDen Ltd, Swansea, SA1 8PH, UK and Unilever, Trumball, CT 06611, USA.