Confirmation of spectral jitter: a measured shift in the spectral distribution of intense pulsed light systems using a time-resolved spectrometer during exposure and increased fluence.

High quality intense pulsed light (IPL) systems can offer simple, safe and effective treatments for long-term hair reduction, skin rejuvenation and removal of benign vascular and pigmented lesions. Considerable differences in clinical efficacy and adverse effects have been recorded amongst different IPL systems despite comparable display settings. This study examines the variation in pulse structures exhibited by several popular professional IPL systems that can cause a spectral change within the broadband output depending on the pulse structure chosen by the system designers. A fast spectrometer was used to capture IPL spectral outputs. A spectral distribution shift that occurs both within a pulse and between pulses is clearly demonstrated and is more prominent with uncontrolled free discharge systems than with square pulsed technology, which provides a constant spectral distribution throughout the pulse duration.