What type of light is IPL commonly classified as?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is commonly classified as broadband light. This type of light comprises a wide spectrum of wavelengths, typically ranging from approximately 500 nm to 1200 nm. This broad spectral output allows IPL systems to be versatile and effective for various treatments, such as hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and treating vascular lesions, as it can target multiple chromophores (pigments) simultaneously.

The broadness of the spectrum is significant because it enables practitioners to adapt the treatment to a variety of skin types and conditions, making it a valuable tool in aesthetic and dermatological procedures. This versatility is what differentiates IPL from other light sources that emit more targeted wavelengths.

In contrast to broadband light, monochromatic light refers to light that consists of a single wavelength, such as that emitted by lasers. Narrowband light also focuses on a limited range of wavelengths, while coherent light pertains to light waves that are in phase and have the same frequency, characteristics that are typically associated with laser technology rather than the dispersed nature of IPL.