What is power density?

Power density refers to the degree of concentration of power output, which is a crucial concept in laser therapy. It describes how much power is delivered over a specific area and is typically expressed in watts per square centimeter (W/cm²). A higher power density indicates that the energy from the laser is concentrated over a smaller surface area, which can enhance therapeutic effects in treatments such as tissue healing or pain relief.

Understanding power density is essential for appropriate application in clinical settings; it helps practitioners determine the optimal settings for achieving desired therapeutic outcomes while minimizing risks. The other choices do not accurately represent the specific focus on the concentration of output power, making them less relevant to the definition of power density.