CO2 Laser Wavelength — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModeratePhysics & Clinical MeasurementCO2 Laser WavelengthFRCA Primary

The CO2 laser used in airway surgery has a wavelength of:

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Correct answer: D — 10600 nm

The CO2 laser wavelength is 10600 nm (10.6 μm far infrared). It is absorbed by water causing precise tissue vaporisation with minimal penetration (~0.1 mm). The Nd:YAG laser is 1064 nm with deeper penetration used for tumour debulking.

Reference: Al-Shaikh Stacey 2019 Essentials of Anaesthetic Equipment