Which laser mode offers a half on/half off exposure to limit heat absorption?

The gated wave mode is designed to provide controlled exposure to the target tissue, which allows for a half on/half off cycle. This timing pattern effectively limits heat absorption by alternating between active exposure and periods of inactivity. During the "on" phase, the laser emits energy to achieve the desired effect, such as cutting or ablating tissue, while the "off" phase gives the tissue a chance to cool down. This mechanism is particularly beneficial in situations where minimizing thermal damage to surrounding tissues is critical, helping to achieve better safety and patient outcomes.

In contrast, continuous mode delivers a constant beam of laser energy without breaks, leading to a higher risk of overheating the target area. Free running pulsed mode emits laser pulses at defined intervals but does not inherently feature the precise on/off ratio that gated wave mode offers. The choice of gated wave mode is therefore more suitable when a specific exposure pattern is required to manage thermal effects effectively.