Laser Equipment Operation & Care Flashcards
7 cards from real CLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Laser Equipment Operation & Care flashcards as text
What does the term 'duty cycle' refer to in pulsed laser therapy devices?
Answer: The percentage of time the laser is 'on' during a pulse cycle
Duty cycle is the proportion of time a pulsed laser is in the 'on' state relative to the total pulse period, expressed as a percentage.
Which cooling system component requires the most frequent maintenance inspection in a high-power therapeutic laser?
Answer: The water-cooling reservoir and filter
The water-cooling reservoir and filter must be inspected frequently because mineral deposits and contamination can reduce cooling efficiency and damage the laser diode.
What is the purpose of the interlock system on a therapeutic laser device?
Answer: To prevent laser emission when the treatment head is not properly attached
The interlock system is a safety mechanism that disables laser emission when a handpiece or treatment head is disconnected or improperly seated.
A CLT notices the laser's actual output power is consistently 15% below the displayed setting. The FIRST corrective step should be:
Answer: Perform an output power calibration using a calibrated power meter
Calibration with a traceable power meter should be performed first to confirm and quantify the discrepancy before any component replacement or workaround.
What type of optical fiber is most commonly used to deliver therapeutic laser energy to a handpiece?
Answer: Step-index multimode silica fiber
Step-index multimode silica fiber is the standard choice for therapeutic laser delivery due to its large core diameter, durability, and efficient energy transmission.
When storing a therapeutic laser overnight, the recommended practice is to:
Answer: Power it down completely and cap the treatment head aperture
Powering down fully and capping the aperture prevents accidental activation and protects the optical surfaces from dust and damage.
Which parameter most directly determines the beam spot size delivered to tissue through a standard contact handpiece?
Answer: The diameter of the focusing lens or fiber end-face in the handpiece
The focusing optics or fiber end-face diameter within the handpiece dictates the spot size at the tissue surface when held in contact.