Which of the following types of lasers has the ability to vaporize tissue selectively?

The CO2 laser is known for its ability to selectively vaporize tissue due to its specific wavelength and its interaction with water molecules found in biological tissues. At a wavelength of 10,600 nanometers, the CO2 laser is highly absorbed by water, leading to rapid heating and vaporization of cells in the target area. This property allows for precise cutting and ablation of tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding areas.

In contrast, while the other types of lasers listed can also perform tissue removal and have their own applications, they do not achieve the same level of selective vaporization as the CO2 laser. For instance, the diode laser might be effective for soft tissue procedures but is not as effective in vaporizing tissue quickly like the CO2 laser. The Erbium laser, on the other hand, can also vaporize tissue but is more commonly utilized for resurfacing due to its specific tissue interaction that is more suitable for less invasive procedures. The Nd:YAG laser can penetrate deeper into tissue but tends to coagulate rather than vaporize, making it less selective for superficial tissue vaporization.

Thus, the CO2 laser stands out for its exceptional ability to selectively vaporize tissue, making it the correct choice among the options provided.