Which laser wavelength has the highest absorption in water?

The correct answer is based on the principle of how different wavelengths of light interact with water. The absorption of laser light in water is significantly influenced by the wavelength of the laser.

The wavelength of 2940 nm falls into the infrared range, where water has a strong absorption peak. This means that at this wavelength, the energy from the laser is readily absorbed by water molecules, leading to an increase in temperature and effective thermal interactions. This characteristic makes the 2940 nm wavelength particularly useful in medical and cosmetic laser applications, such as skin resurfacing and surgical procedures, where the moisture content in tissues is crucial for the efficiency of the laser treatment.

In contrast, other wavelengths mentioned either have lower absorption values in water or are less effective in producing the desired thermal effects in applications that rely on water as a medium. For example, while 980 nm and 1340 nm wavelengths can also be absorbed by water, they do not have the same level of peak absorption as 2940 nm. Likewise, the 10,600 nm wavelength, while having significant absorption characteristics in certain contexts, is more effective in applications concerned with cutting or ablation of tissues, where the heat generation from its absorption does not target water specifically as efficiently as 2940