Pico Laser Types: Understanding Wavelengths, Technologies and Their Uses
If you are researching Pico laser types, you will quickly encounter terms such as picosecond, Nd:YAG, Alexandrite, 532nm, 755nm, 1064nm, fractional Pico and multi-wavelength Pico lasers. Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they describe different aspects of laser technology.
A Pico laser is primarily defined by its extremely short picosecond pulse duration, but different Pico laser machines can use different laser sources, wavelengths, pulse widths, handpieces and energy-delivery systems. These differences influence the pigments a machine can target, its treatment versatility and how suitable it may be for a particular clinic.
For clinic owners and aesthetic professionals, understanding these distinctions is important when comparing professional aesthetic laser equipment. Choosing a machine should not simply come down to whether the word “Pico” appears in its name.
You need to understand the wavelength, pulse architecture, peak power, beam delivery and treatment capabilities behind the technology.
This guide explains the main types of Pico lasers, common Pico laser wavelengths, how they work and what clinics should consider when comparing systems.
What Is a Pico Laser?
A Pico laser is a laser system capable of delivering energy in extremely short pulses measured in picoseconds.
One picosecond is one trillionth of a second.
Traditional pigment and tattoo-removal lasers often operate using nanosecond pulses. Picosecond technology shortens the energy-delivery period substantially, allowing a high amount of energy to be delivered in an extremely brief pulse.
This produces a powerful photoacoustic or photomechanical effect.
Rather than relying primarily on prolonged heating of pigment, rapid energy delivery helps fragment targeted tattoo ink or pigment into smaller particles. The body's natural clearance processes can then gradually remove these fragmented particles.
This is one reason picosecond technology has become an important part of modern laser tattoo removal, pigmentation correction and advanced skin treatments.
If you want a broader understanding of where picosecond technology sits alongside other technologies, BeautiMed's guide to the different types of lasers used in aesthetic treatments explains Alexandrite, Diode, Nd:YAG, Q-Switched and Picosecond systems in more detail.
However, simply saying that a device is a Pico laser does not tell you everything about what that machine can do.
How Are Pico Laser Types Classified?
There is no universally accepted list containing a fixed number of Pico laser types.
Instead, types of Pico lasers can be differentiated according to several characteristics, including:
Laser source
Wavelength
Pulse duration
Peak power
Beam profile
Operating modes
Handpiece configuration
Fractional delivery capabilities
The most useful starting point is usually the laser source and wavelength.
Some of the major Pico laser categories include Nd:YAG picosecond lasers, Alexandrite picosecond lasers, multi-wavelength Pico lasers, hybrid laser systems and fractional Pico systems.
Let's look at each in more detail.
1. Nd:YAG Picosecond Lasers
Nd:YAG is one of the most established laser technologies used in professional tattoo-removal and pigment equipment.
Its fundamental wavelength is 1064nm. Through frequency doubling, many Nd:YAG laser platforms can also produce 532nm.
This gives a professional laser system access to two wavelengths with significantly different optical characteristics.
1064nm Pico Laser
The 1064nm Pico laser wavelength penetrates relatively deeply into the skin and has lower absorption by melanin than many shorter visible wavelengths.
For tattoo removal, 1064nm is commonly associated with targeting black and other darker tattoo pigments.
Its interaction with melanin also makes 1064nm an important wavelength when considering treatments across different Fitzpatrick skin types. Skin assessment, correct parameters and practitioner training remain essential regardless of the wavelength being used.
For clinics intending to provide tattoo-removal services, 1064nm is therefore one of the most important wavelengths to investigate when comparing Pico laser machines.
532nm Pico Laser
The 532nm Pico laser wavelength interacts more strongly with superficial pigment.
In tattoo removal, it is commonly associated with warmer colours such as red and orange pigments. Depending on the pigment and device configuration, it may also have applications involving selected superficial pigmentation concerns.
Because 532nm interacts more strongly with epidermal melanin than 1064nm, treatment planning needs to take skin type, pigment depth, energy settings and other clinical factors into account.
A professional system offering both 532nm and 1064nm wavelengths can therefore provide substantially greater flexibility than a device built around one wavelength alone.
2. Alexandrite Picosecond Lasers – 755nm
Another major Pico laser type uses an Alexandrite laser source operating at approximately 755nm.
The 755nm wavelength has relatively strong melanin absorption and sits between shorter visible wavelengths such as 532nm and the longer 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength.
Alexandrite picosecond technology has become well known for pigmentation applications and for targeting certain tattoo pigments, including some blue and green inks.
PicoSure is one example that helped popularise the 755nm picosecond laser category.
However, there is an important distinction between PicoSure and Pico laser technology.
PicoSure is the name of a particular commercial laser platform.
Pico laser is the broader category of technology.
The same principle applies to other commercial platforms. Two machines can both be described as picosecond lasers while using completely different wavelengths, pulse widths, laser media and handpiece systems.
That is why clinic owners should compare the underlying specifications rather than comparing brand names alone.
3. Ruby and 694nm Laser Systems
The 694nm Ruby laser wavelength has a long history in pigmentation and tattoo-removal treatments.
Ruby wavelengths interact strongly with certain pigments and have been incorporated into some multi-wavelength professional laser platforms.
However, a machine offering 694nm should not automatically be assumed to deliver that wavelength using the same picosecond pulse architecture as its other wavelengths.
This introduces an important principle when comparing Pico laser types:
A multi-wavelength laser can contain several wavelengths without every wavelength necessarily operating with exactly the same pulse duration or delivery mode.
When evaluating equipment, practitioners should therefore look at the technical specifications associated with each wavelength rather than only reviewing the wavelength list.
4. Multi-Wavelength Pico Lasers
Modern professional systems increasingly use multiple Pico laser wavelengths to increase treatment versatility.
The two core wavelengths commonly found on Nd:YAG systems are:
1064nm, commonly associated with black and dark tattoo pigments and deeper targeting.
532nm, commonly used with selected superficial pigments and warmer tattoo colours.
Depending on the laser platform, additional wavelength options may include wavelengths around:
585nm
650nm
670nm
694nm
730nm
755nm
785nm
Additional wavelengths can be particularly relevant for clinics offering laser tattoo removal, because tattoo ink does not consist of one universal pigment.
Professional tattoos can contain black, red, orange, blue, green, yellow and mixed pigments. Their chemical compositions, depth and density can also vary considerably.
One wavelength cannot necessarily interact optimally with every colour.
This is why a multi-wavelength Pico laser machine can provide a significant practical advantage for clinics treating complex or multicoloured tattoos.
It is also why asking, “What is the best Pico laser wavelength?” is not quite the right question.
A better question is:
Which wavelength is most appropriate for the pigment, depth, skin type and treatment indication in front of the practitioner?
Pico Laser Wavelength Comparison
Wavelength
Common Association
Common Professional Applications
532nm
Frequency-doubled Nd:YAG
Selected superficial pigmentation and warmer tattoo colours
585nm–670nm
Specialised or converted wavelengths
Selected tattoo ink colours depending on the platform
694nm
Ruby
Selected tattoo and pigmentation applications
730nm–785nm
Specialised laser systems
Selected resistant blue and green tattoo pigments and pigmentation applications
755nm
Alexandrite
Pigmentation and selected blue/green tattoo pigments
1064nm
Nd:YAG
Dark tattoo pigments, deeper targeting and broader skin-type applications
This comparison should be considered a general overview rather than a treatment protocol. Tattoo ink chemistry, skin type, pigment depth, fluence, spot size and other treatment parameters can all influence the clinical response.
5. Hybrid Picosecond Laser Systems
Another important category is the hybrid Pico laser system.
Instead of restricting the practitioner to one pulse architecture, a hybrid system can offer different operating modes or pulse-delivery approaches.
Why does that matter?
Because shorter is not automatically better for every treatment scenario.
Pulse duration changes how laser energy interacts with a target. Picosecond pulses can create an extremely strong photoacoustic effect, while other pulse structures may provide advantages for different treatment goals.
A system with greater control over its energy delivery can therefore give experienced practitioners more flexibility.
One example is BeautiMed's PicoMed picosecond laser machine, a Hybrid Nd:YAG Q-Switched Picosecond Laser designed for tattoo removal, pigmentation and skin revitalisation.
PicoMed incorporates 1064nm and 532nm as standard wavelengths, with additional wavelength options available, giving clinics greater scope when treating different tattoo pigments and aesthetic concerns.
For clinics that intend to offer several laser-based services, this type of versatility can be particularly valuable.
6. Pure Picosecond Laser Systems
At the other end of the spectrum are laser systems engineered specifically around extremely short pure picosecond pulse delivery.
These machines are designed to generate high peak power over very short pulse durations, creating a strong photoacoustic effect on targeted pigment.
When comparing systems in this category, practitioners should look beyond the word “Pico.”
For example, two machines may both technically operate within the picosecond range but have different:
Pulse widths
Peak power
Energy output
Wavelength combinations
Spot sizes
Handpiece options
Beam profiles
A 300ps machine and a 500ps machine can both be described as picosecond systems, but this does not mean their energy delivery or performance characteristics are identical.
BeautiMed's PicoMed Pro uses a pure picosecond approach with multiple wavelengths and specialised handpiece configurations for clinics focusing on advanced tattoo removal, pigmentation correction and skin rejuvenation.
The key lesson for clinic owners is simple:
Don't buy the category name. Compare the actual technology.
7. Fractional Pico Laser Delivery
Fractional Pico laser is another term commonly encountered when researching different Pico laser types.
Fractional Pico is generally a method of delivering picosecond energy, rather than an entirely separate laser source.
A fractional handpiece redistributes energy into multiple microscopic treatment zones.
Instead of using the laser only to directly target visible tattoo ink or pigmentation, fractional delivery can create controlled microscopic effects within the skin.
Depending on the device and treatment protocol, fractional picosecond technology may be used within treatment plans addressing concerns such as:
Skin texture
Acne scarring
Enlarged pore appearance
Skin revitalisation
Collagen remodelling
Some technologies use specialised lens arrays or optical systems to create these fractional treatment patterns.
This is particularly important when comparing equipment because two Pico laser machines might share similar wavelengths but offer very different treatment menus because of their available handpieces.
Pico Laser vs Q-Switched Laser: What Is the Difference?
This is one of the most frequently misunderstood areas of aesthetic laser technology.
Picosecond describes a unit of time and therefore refers to the approximate duration of the laser pulse.
Q-switching refers to a method of producing high-energy laser pulses.
They are not necessarily opposite categories.
Traditional Q-switched pigment lasers commonly operate in the nanosecond range, which is why Q-switched technology is frequently associated with older nanosecond tattoo-removal systems.
However, picosecond technology can also involve Q-switched laser architecture.
A more technically useful comparison is therefore often:
nanosecond pulse technology vs picosecond pulse technology
rather than assuming that every Q-switched laser and every Pico laser represents a completely separate technological family.
Pico Laser vs Nanosecond Laser
A nanosecond is one billionth of a second.
A picosecond is one trillionth of a second.
Because picosecond laser energy is delivered over a shorter period, the system can generate very high peak power and a pronounced photoacoustic effect.
This can help fragment targeted pigment and tattoo particles into smaller pieces while limiting unnecessary thermal diffusion into surrounding tissue.
However, this does not mean that every Pico laser automatically performs better than every nanosecond laser in every situation.
Treatment performance is influenced by a combination of:
Wavelength
Pulse duration
Peak power
Fluence
Spot size
Beam profile
Energy stability
Treatment technique
Practitioner experience
This distinction is important when clinic owners are assessing the real value of one laser platform against another.
Which Pico Laser Wavelength Is Best for Tattoo Removal?
There is no single Pico laser wavelength that is best for every tattoo.
The colour black absorbs laser energy differently from red, blue or green pigment.
Tattoo depth, pigment concentration, ink chemistry, previous treatment history and the client's skin type can also affect the response.
This is why modern tattoo-removal systems frequently include several wavelengths.
For example, a clinic specialising in tattoo removal may need to address:
Black and dark tattoos, red and orange pigments, resistant green or blue pigments, multicoloured tattoos, professional tattoos, amateur tattoos and cosmetic tattoo pigments.
This makes wavelength flexibility an important consideration for clinics intending to offer a comprehensive tattoo-removal service.
For a deeper explanation of tattoo colour, treatment sessions and laser technology, read BeautiMed's guide to laser tattoo removal.
What Type of Pico Laser Is Best for Pigmentation?
Choosing a Pico laser for pigmentation is more complicated than matching a wavelength to the visible colour of a skin concern.
Pigmentation may be epidermal, dermal or mixed.
Different conditions that look similar to the eye can also have very different causes.
Wavelength, diagnosis, pulse duration, fluence, spot size, skin type and treatment technique all influence the treatment approach.
Shorter wavelengths such as 532nm interact strongly with superficial melanin.
Longer wavelengths such as 1064nm penetrate more deeply and have lower absorption by epidermal melanin.
Other wavelengths, including those around 730nm and 755nm, may also be used by certain platforms for selected pigmentary applications.
The important point for practitioners is that a laser should not be selected according to a generic “Pico pigmentation” label.
Both the clinical indication and laser characteristics need to be considered.
Are Pico Lasers Used Only for Tattoo Removal?
No.
Tattoo removal is one of the applications most strongly associated with Pico laser technology, but modern picosecond devices can have a broader role within professional aesthetic clinics.
Depending on the device, handpiece and appropriate treatment protocols, a Pico laser may be used across treatment categories involving:
Tattoo removal
Pigmentation correction
Skin revitalisation
Acne-scarring treatments
Fractional skin treatments
Texture improvement
This versatility is important commercially as well as clinically.
A machine that can support multiple high-demand treatment categories can potentially be utilised more frequently than a device purchased for only one service.
For clinics comparing different technologies rather than only Pico devices, BeautiMed's aesthetic laser machine guide provides a useful overview of the wider laser landscape.
What Matters More Than the Word “Pico”?
One of the biggest mistakes a clinic can make is assuming that all picosecond systems are equal.
They are not.
When comparing Pico laser machines in Australia, consider the following factors.
Wavelengths
Find out which wavelengths the device provides and which target chromophores or treatment categories they are designed to address.
Pulse Duration
Check the actual pulse width rather than relying solely on the word “picosecond” in the product name.
Peak Power
Very short pulses can create high peak power, contributing to the photoacoustic interaction used in pigment fragmentation.
Spot Size
Adjustable spot sizes allow greater treatment flexibility and influence penetration, energy density and treatment speed.
Beam Profile
Consistent distribution of energy across the treatment spot is an important characteristic of professional laser equipment.
Handpieces
Standard, fractional, specialised wavelength and adjustable-spot handpieces can considerably expand the services available from one machine.
Energy Stability
A professional clinic needs predictable output across repeated pulses and high treatment volumes.
Practitioner Training
Advanced technology should be accompanied by comprehensive education and clinical guidance.
Laser specifications alone cannot compensate for inadequate practitioner knowledge.
Local Technical Support
Warranty coverage, servicing, replacement components and access to technical support should all be considered before investing.
Licensing and Regulatory Requirements
Requirements for laser use vary across Australia. Clinics should understand the regulations applicable to their state, practitioner and intended treatments.
BeautiMed provides training, laser-hours assistance, licensing guidance and ongoing clinical support alongside its equipment, helping clinics consider more than simply the initial machine purchase.
PicoMed vs PicoMed Pro: Two Different Pico Approaches
BeautiMed offers different professional Pico laser configurations to suit different clinic requirements.
The PicoMed is a Hybrid Nd:YAG Q-Switched Picosecond Laser designed for clinics looking for flexibility across tattoo removal, pigmentation breakdown and skin revitalisation.
It provides 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths as standard, with additional wavelength and handpiece options available.
The PicoMed Pro takes a pure-picosecond approach and combines ultra-short pulse delivery with multiple wavelength and handpiece options for clinics focusing on advanced tattoo removal, pigmentation correction and skin rejuvenation.
The better option is not determined by a single specification.
The right choice depends on the treatments the clinic intends to offer, its client base, expected treatment volume and long-term growth strategy.
How to Compare Different Pico Laser Types
When comparing different Pico laser types, use a structured approach.
First, identify the laser source.
Next, examine the available wavelengths.
Then compare the actual pulse duration and peak power.
After that, investigate the spot sizes, beam profile and handpieces available.
Finally, look beyond the hardware and examine training, warranty, servicing, regulatory support and ongoing clinical assistance.
This makes it much easier to compare systems based on their real clinical and business capabilities instead of marketing terminology.
A Pico laser should be assessed according to its underlying technology, including its laser source, wavelengths, pulse architecture, peak power, spot sizes, beam delivery and treatment handpieces.
Nd:YAG Pico systems commonly provide wavelengths such as 1064nm and 532nm. Alexandrite picosecond systems commonly operate around 755nm. Multi-wavelength systems can expand the range of tattoo pigments and treatment indications a clinic can address, while fractional delivery can broaden the role of picosecond technology into advanced skin treatments.
For clinic owners, however, technical specifications are only part of the decision.
Training, clinical guidance, equipment reliability, servicing, regulatory assistance and ongoing supplier support can have just as much impact on the long-term success of the investment.
If you are comparing professional Pico laser machines for your clinic, explore BeautiMed's range of aesthetic and laser equipment or contact BeautiMed to discuss the Pico technology and machine configuration that best matches your treatment goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pico Laser Types
How many types of Pico lasers are there?
There is no fixed number of Pico laser types because picosecond lasers can be classified according to laser medium, wavelength, pulse duration, operating mode and delivery system. Major categories include Nd:YAG Pico lasers, Alexandrite Pico lasers, multi-wavelength systems, hybrid laser systems and fractional Pico platforms.
What are the main Pico laser wavelengths?
Some of the most commonly discussed Pico laser wavelengths include 532nm, 755nm and 1064nm. Depending on the platform, additional wavelengths such as 585nm, 650nm, 694nm, 730nm or 785nm may also be available.
What is an Nd:YAG Pico laser?
An Nd:YAG Pico laser uses an Nd:YAG laser medium. Its fundamental wavelength is usually 1064nm, while many systems can also generate 532nm through frequency doubling. These wavelengths are commonly used in professional tattoo-removal and pigmentation applications.
Is PicoSure the same as a Pico laser?
No. PicoSure is the name of a specific commercial picosecond laser platform. Pico laser is the broader technology category referring to laser systems delivering pulses within the picosecond range.
What is a multi-wavelength Pico laser?
A multi-wavelength Pico laser provides more than one wavelength from the same platform. Different wavelengths interact differently with tattoo pigments, melanin and other chromophores, giving practitioners greater flexibility across different treatment indications.
Which Pico laser is best for tattoo removal?
There is no single best Pico laser for every tattoo. Tattoo colour, pigment chemistry, depth, skin type, pulse duration, wavelength, fluence and practitioner technique all influence treatment. Clinics treating multicoloured tattoos may benefit from systems with several wavelength options.
Is 1064nm or 532nm better?
Neither is universally better.
The 1064nm wavelength is commonly associated with darker tattoo pigments and deeper targeting, while 532nm interacts strongly with more superficial pigment and selected warmer tattoo colours.
Professional multi-wavelength systems commonly provide both because they serve different purposes.
What is a fractional Pico laser?
Fractional Pico technology uses specialised optical delivery to divide laser energy into microscopic treatment zones. Depending on the system and protocol, it can broaden the use of picosecond technology into treatments involving skin texture, acne scarring, revitalisation and collagen remodelling.
Are all Pico lasers the same?
No.
Pico laser machines can differ considerably in wavelength, pulse duration, peak power, fluence, spot size, beam profile, handpieces, operating modes and energy stability.
This is why clinics should compare the complete technical platform rather than simply looking for a machine labelled “Pico.”
Is a Pico laser better than a Q-switched laser?
Traditional Q-switched tattoo lasers generally deliver energy within the nanosecond range, while picosecond lasers use substantially shorter pulses and can generate a strong photoacoustic effect.
However, treatment performance depends on more than pulse duration alone. Wavelength, equipment engineering, treatment settings and practitioner expertise are also important factors.
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There is no universally accepted list containing a fixed number of Pico laser types.
Instead, types of Pico lasers can be differentiated according to several characteristics, including:
Laser source
Wavelength
Pulse duration
Peak power
Beam profile
Operating modes
Handpiece configuration
Fractional delivery capabilities
The most useful starting point is usually the laser source and wavelength.
Some of the major Pico laser categories include Nd:YAG picosecond lasers, Alexandrite picosecond lasers, multi-wavelength Pico lasers, hybrid laser systems and fractional Pico systems.
Let's look at each in more detail.
1. Nd:YAG Picosecond Lasers
Nd:YAG is one of the most established laser technologies used in professional tattoo-removal and pigment equipment.
Its fundamental wavelength is 1064nm. Through frequency doubling, many Nd:YAG laser platforms can also produce 532nm.
This gives a professional laser system access to two wavelengths with significantly different optical characteristics.
1064nm Pico Laser
The 1064nm Pico laser wavelength penetrates relatively deeply into the skin and has lower absorption by melanin than many shorter visible wavelengths.
For tattoo removal, 1064nm is commonly associated with targeting black and other darker tattoo pigments.
Its interaction with melanin also makes 1064nm an important wavelength when considering treatments across different Fitzpatrick skin types. Skin assessment, correct parameters and practitioner training remain essential regardless of the wavelength being used.
For clinics intending to provide tattoo-removal services, 1064nm is therefore one of the most important wavelengths to investigate when comparing Pico laser machines.
532nm Pico Laser
The 532nm Pico laser wavelength interacts more strongly with superficial pigment.
In tattoo removal, it is commonly associated with warmer colours such as red and orange pigments. Depending on the pigment and device configuration, it may also have applications involving selected superficial pigmentation concerns.
Because 532nm interacts more strongly with epidermal melanin than 1064nm, treatment planning needs to take skin type, pigment depth, energy settings and other clinical factors into account.
A professional system offering both 532nm and 1064nm wavelengths can therefore provide substantially greater flexibility than a device built around one wavelength alone.
2. Alexandrite Picosecond Lasers – 755nm
Another major Pico laser type uses an Alexandrite laser source operating at approximately 755nm.
The 755nm wavelength has relatively strong melanin absorption and sits between shorter visible wavelengths such as 532nm and the longer 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength.
Alexandrite picosecond technology has become well known for pigmentation applications and for targeting certain tattoo pigments, including some blue and green inks.
PicoSure is one example that helped popularise the 755nm picosecond laser category.
However, there is an important distinction between PicoSure and Pico laser technology.
PicoSure is the name of a particular commercial laser platform.
Pico laser is the broader category of technology.
The same principle applies to other commercial platforms. Two machines can both be described as picosecond lasers while using completely different wavelengths, pulse widths, laser media and handpiece systems.
That is why clinic owners should compare the underlying specifications rather than comparing brand names alone.
3. Ruby and 694nm Laser Systems
The 694nm Ruby laser wavelength has a long history in pigmentation and tattoo-removal treatments.
Ruby wavelengths interact strongly with certain pigments and have been incorporated into some multi-wavelength professional laser platforms.
However, a machine offering 694nm should not automatically be assumed to deliver that wavelength using the same picosecond pulse architecture as its other wavelengths.
This introduces an important principle when comparing Pico laser types:
A multi-wavelength laser can contain several wavelengths without every wavelength necessarily operating with exactly the same pulse duration or delivery mode.
When evaluating equipment, practitioners should therefore look at the technical specifications associated with each wavelength rather than only reviewing the wavelength list.
4. Multi-Wavelength Pico Lasers
Modern professional systems increasingly use multiple Pico laser wavelengths to increase treatment versatility.
The two core wavelengths commonly found on Nd:YAG systems are:
1064nm, commonly associated with black and dark tattoo pigments and deeper targeting.
532nm, commonly used with selected superficial pigments and warmer tattoo colours.
Depending on the laser platform, additional wavelength options may include wavelengths around:
585nm
650nm
670nm
694nm
730nm
755nm
785nm
Additional wavelengths can be particularly relevant for clinics offering laser tattoo removal, because tattoo ink does not consist of one universal pigment.
Professional tattoos can contain black, red, orange, blue, green, yellow and mixed pigments. Their chemical compositions, depth and density can also vary considerably.
One wavelength cannot necessarily interact optimally with every colour.
This is why a multi-wavelength Pico laser machine can provide a significant practical advantage for clinics treating complex or multicoloured tattoos.
It is also why asking, “What is the best Pico laser wavelength?” is not quite the right question.
A better question is:
Which wavelength is most appropriate for the pigment, depth, skin type and treatment indication in front of the practitioner?
Pico Laser Wavelength Comparison
Wavelength
Common Association
Common Professional Applications
532nm
Frequency-doubled Nd:YAG
Selected superficial pigmentation and warmer tattoo colours
585nm–670nm
Specialised or converted wavelengths
Selected tattoo ink colours depending on the platform
694nm
Ruby
Selected tattoo and pigmentation applications
730nm–785nm
Specialised laser systems
Selected resistant blue and green tattoo pigments and pigmentation applications
755nm
Alexandrite
Pigmentation and selected blue/green tattoo pigments
1064nm
Nd:YAG
Dark tattoo pigments, deeper targeting and broader skin-type applications
This comparison should be considered a general overview rather than a treatment protocol. Tattoo ink chemistry, skin type, pigment depth, fluence, spot size and other treatment parameters can all influence the clinical response.
5. Hybrid Picosecond Laser Systems
Another important category is the hybrid Pico laser system.
Instead of restricting the practitioner to one pulse architecture, a hybrid system can offer different operating modes or pulse-delivery approaches.
Why does that matter?
Because shorter is not automatically better for every treatment scenario.
Pulse duration changes how laser energy interacts with a target. Picosecond pulses can create an extremely strong photoacoustic effect, while other pulse structures may provide advantages for different treatment goals.
A system with greater control over its energy delivery can therefore give experienced practitioners more flexibility.
One example is BeautiMed's PicoMed picosecond laser machine, a Hybrid Nd:YAG Q-Switched Picosecond Laser designed for tattoo removal, pigmentation and skin revitalisation.
PicoMed incorporates 1064nm and 532nm as standard wavelengths, with additional wavelength options available, giving clinics greater scope when treating different tattoo pigments and aesthetic concerns.
For clinics that intend to offer several laser-based services, this type of versatility can be particularly valuable.
6. Pure Picosecond Laser Systems
At the other end of the spectrum are laser systems engineered specifically around extremely short pure picosecond pulse delivery.
These machines are designed to generate high peak power over very short pulse durations, creating a strong photoacoustic effect on targeted pigment.
When comparing systems in this category, practitioners should look beyond the word “Pico.”
For example, two machines may both technically operate within the picosecond range but have different:
Pulse widths
Peak power
Energy output
Wavelength combinations
Spot sizes
Handpiece options
Beam profiles
A 300ps machine and a 500ps machine can both be described as picosecond systems, but this does not mean their energy delivery or performance characteristics are identical.
BeautiMed's PicoMed Pro uses a pure picosecond approach with multiple wavelengths and specialised handpiece configurations for clinics focusing on advanced tattoo removal, pigmentation correction and skin rejuvenation.
The key lesson for clinic owners is simple:
Don't buy the category name. Compare the actual technology.
7. Fractional Pico Laser Delivery
Fractional Pico laser is another term commonly encountered when researching different Pico laser types.
Fractional Pico is generally a method of delivering picosecond energy, rather than an entirely separate laser source.
A fractional handpiece redistributes energy into multiple microscopic treatment zones.
Instead of using the laser only to directly target visible tattoo ink or pigmentation, fractional delivery can create controlled microscopic effects within the skin.
Depending on the device and treatment protocol, fractional picosecond technology may be used within treatment plans addressing concerns such as:
Skin texture
Acne scarring
Enlarged pore appearance
Skin revitalisation
Collagen remodelling
Some technologies use specialised lens arrays or optical systems to create these fractional treatment patterns.
This is particularly important when comparing equipment because two Pico laser machines might share similar wavelengths but offer very different treatment menus because of their available handpieces.
Pico Laser vs Q-Switched Laser: What Is the Difference?
This is one of the most frequently misunderstood areas of aesthetic laser technology.
Picosecond describes a unit of time and therefore refers to the approximate duration of the laser pulse.
Q-switching refers to a method of producing high-energy laser pulses.
They are not necessarily opposite categories.
Traditional Q-switched pigment lasers commonly operate in the nanosecond range, which is why Q-switched technology is frequently associated with older nanosecond tattoo-removal systems.
However, picosecond technology can also involve Q-switched laser architecture.
A more technically useful comparison is therefore often:
nanosecond pulse technology vs picosecond pulse technology
rather than assuming that every Q-switched laser and every Pico laser represents a completely separate technological family.
Pico Laser vs Nanosecond Laser
A nanosecond is one billionth of a second.
A picosecond is one trillionth of a second.
Because picosecond laser energy is delivered over a shorter period, the system can generate very high peak power and a pronounced photoacoustic effect.
This can help fragment targeted pigment and tattoo particles into smaller pieces while limiting unnecessary thermal diffusion into surrounding tissue.
However, this does not mean that every Pico laser automatically performs better than every nanosecond laser in every situation.
Treatment performance is influenced by a combination of:
Wavelength
Pulse duration
Peak power
Fluence
Spot size
Beam profile
Energy stability
Treatment technique
Practitioner experience
This distinction is important when clinic owners are assessing the real value of one laser platform against another.
Which Pico Laser Wavelength Is Best for Tattoo Removal?
There is no single Pico laser wavelength that is best for every tattoo.
The colour black absorbs laser energy differently from red, blue or green pigment.
Tattoo depth, pigment concentration, ink chemistry, previous treatment history and the client's skin type can also affect the response.
This is why modern tattoo-removal systems frequently include several wavelengths.
For example, a clinic specialising in tattoo removal may need to address:
Black and dark tattoos, red and orange pigments, resistant green or blue pigments, multicoloured tattoos, professional tattoos, amateur tattoos and cosmetic tattoo pigments.
This makes wavelength flexibility an important consideration for clinics intending to offer a comprehensive tattoo-removal service.
For a deeper explanation of tattoo colour, treatment sessions and laser technology, read BeautiMed's guide to laser tattoo removal.
What Type of Pico Laser Is Best for Pigmentation?
Choosing a Pico laser for pigmentation is more complicated than matching a wavelength to the visible colour of a skin concern.
Pigmentation may be epidermal, dermal or mixed.
Different conditions that look similar to the eye can also have very different causes.
Wavelength, diagnosis, pulse duration, fluence, spot size, skin type and treatment technique all influence the treatment approach.
Shorter wavelengths such as 532nm interact strongly with superficial melanin.
Longer wavelengths such as 1064nm penetrate more deeply and have lower absorption by epidermal melanin.
Other wavelengths, including those around 730nm and 755nm, may also be used by certain platforms for selected pigmentary applications.
The important point for practitioners is that a laser should not be selected according to a generic “Pico pigmentation” label.
Both the clinical indication and laser characteristics need to be considered.
Are Pico Lasers Used Only for Tattoo Removal?
No.
Tattoo removal is one of the applications most strongly associated with Pico laser technology, but modern picosecond devices can have a broader role within professional aesthetic clinics.
Depending on the device, handpiece and appropriate treatment protocols, a Pico laser may be used across treatment categories involving:
Tattoo removal
Pigmentation correction
Skin revitalisation
Acne-scarring treatments
Fractional skin treatments
Texture improvement
This versatility is important commercially as well as clinically.
A machine that can support multiple high-demand treatment categories can potentially be utilised more frequently than a device purchased for only one service.
For clinics comparing different technologies rather than only Pico devices, BeautiMed's aesthetic laser machine guide provides a useful overview of the wider laser landscape.
What Matters More Than the Word “Pico”?
One of the biggest mistakes a clinic can make is assuming that all picosecond systems are equal.
They are not.
When comparing Pico laser machines in Australia, consider the following factors.
Wavelengths
Find out which wavelengths the device provides and which target chromophores or treatment categories they are designed to address.
Pulse Duration
Check the actual pulse width rather than relying solely on the word “picosecond” in the product name.
Peak Power
Very short pulses can create high peak power, contributing to the photoacoustic interaction used in pigment fragmentation.
Spot Size
Adjustable spot sizes allow greater treatment flexibility and influence penetration, energy density and treatment speed.
Beam Profile
Consistent distribution of energy across the treatment spot is an important characteristic of professional laser equipment.
Handpieces
Standard, fractional, specialised wavelength and adjustable-spot handpieces can considerably expand the services available from one machine.
Energy Stability
A professional clinic needs predictable output across repeated pulses and high treatment volumes.
Practitioner Training
Advanced technology should be accompanied by comprehensive education and clinical guidance.
Laser specifications alone cannot compensate for inadequate practitioner knowledge.
Local Technical Support
Warranty coverage, servicing, replacement components and access to technical support should all be considered before investing.
Licensing and Regulatory Requirements
Requirements for laser use vary across Australia. Clinics should understand the regulations applicable to their state, practitioner and intended treatments.
BeautiMed provides training, laser-hours assistance, licensing guidance and ongoing clinical support alongside its equipment, helping clinics consider more than simply the initial machine purchase.
PicoMed vs PicoMed Pro: Two Different Pico Approaches
BeautiMed offers different professional Pico laser configurations to suit different clinic requirements.
The PicoMed is a Hybrid Nd:YAG Q-Switched Picosecond Laser designed for clinics looking for flexibility across tattoo removal, pigmentation breakdown and skin revitalisation.
It provides 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths as standard, with additional wavelength and handpiece options available.
The PicoMed Pro takes a pure-picosecond approach and combines ultra-short pulse delivery with multiple wavelength and handpiece options for clinics focusing on advanced tattoo removal, pigmentation correction and skin rejuvenation.
The better option is not determined by a single specification.
The right choice depends on the treatments the clinic intends to offer, its client base, expected treatment volume and long-term growth strategy.
How to Compare Different Pico Laser Types
When comparing different Pico laser types, use a structured approach.
First, identify the laser source.
Next, examine the available wavelengths.
Then compare the actual pulse duration and peak power.
After that, investigate the spot sizes, beam profile and handpieces available.
Finally, look beyond the hardware and examine training, warranty, servicing, regulatory support and ongoing clinical assistance.
This makes it much easier to compare systems based on their real clinical and business capabilities instead of marketing terminology.
A Pico laser should be assessed according to its underlying technology, including its laser source, wavelengths, pulse architecture, peak power, spot sizes, beam delivery and treatment handpieces.
Nd:YAG Pico systems commonly provide wavelengths such as 1064nm and 532nm. Alexandrite picosecond systems commonly operate around 755nm. Multi-wavelength systems can expand the range of tattoo pigments and treatment indications a clinic can address, while fractional delivery can broaden the role of picosecond technology into advanced skin treatments.
For clinic owners, however, technical specifications are only part of the decision.
Training, clinical guidance, equipment reliability, servicing, regulatory assistance and ongoing supplier support can have just as much impact on the long-term success of the investment.
If you are comparing professional Pico laser machines for your clinic, explore BeautiMed's range of aesthetic and laser equipment or contact BeautiMed to discuss the Pico technology and machine configuration that best matches your treatment goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pico Laser Types
How many types of Pico lasers are there?
There is no fixed number of Pico laser types because picosecond lasers can be classified according to laser medium, wavelength, pulse duration, operating mode and delivery system. Major categories include Nd:YAG Pico lasers, Alexandrite Pico lasers, multi-wavelength systems, hybrid laser systems and fractional Pico platforms.
What are the main Pico laser wavelengths?
Some of the most commonly discussed Pico laser wavelengths include 532nm, 755nm and 1064nm. Depending on the platform, additional wavelengths such as 585nm, 650nm, 694nm, 730nm or 785nm may also be available.
What is an Nd:YAG Pico laser?
An Nd:YAG Pico laser uses an Nd:YAG laser medium. Its fundamental wavelength is usually 1064nm, while many systems can also generate 532nm through frequency doubling. These wavelengths are commonly used in professional tattoo-removal and pigmentation applications.
Is PicoSure the same as a Pico laser?
No. PicoSure is the name of a specific commercial picosecond laser platform. Pico laser is the broader technology category referring to laser systems delivering pulses within the picosecond range.
What is a multi-wavelength Pico laser?
A multi-wavelength Pico laser provides more than one wavelength from the same platform. Different wavelengths interact differently with tattoo pigments, melanin and other chromophores, giving practitioners greater flexibility across different treatment indications.
Which Pico laser is best for tattoo removal?
There is no single best Pico laser for every tattoo. Tattoo colour, pigment chemistry, depth, skin type, pulse duration, wavelength, fluence and practitioner technique all influence treatment. Clinics treating multicoloured tattoos may benefit from systems with several wavelength options.
Is 1064nm or 532nm better?
Neither is universally better.
The 1064nm wavelength is commonly associated with darker tattoo pigments and deeper targeting, while 532nm interacts strongly with more superficial pigment and selected warmer tattoo colours.
Professional multi-wavelength systems commonly provide both because they serve different purposes.
What is a fractional Pico laser?
Fractional Pico technology uses specialised optical delivery to divide laser energy into microscopic treatment zones. Depending on the system and protocol, it can broaden the use of picosecond technology into treatments involving skin texture, acne scarring, revitalisation and collagen remodelling.
Are all Pico lasers the same?
No.
Pico laser machines can differ considerably in wavelength, pulse duration, peak power, fluence, spot size, beam profile, handpieces, operating modes and energy stability.
This is why clinics should compare the complete technical platform rather than simply looking for a machine labelled “Pico.”
Is a Pico laser better than a Q-switched laser?
Traditional Q-switched tattoo lasers generally deliver energy within the nanosecond range, while picosecond lasers use substantially shorter pulses and can generate a strong photoacoustic effect.
However, treatment performance depends on more than pulse duration alone. Wavelength, equipment engineering, treatment settings and practitioner expertise are also important factors.
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