Re: Could lasers replace tattoo ink?

Lasers than can penetrate skin to any appreciable amount (usually less than about 3 mm) are typically in the infrared range of wavelengths. These lasers can generate considerable heat deposition and can result in coagulation, then ablation, and then carbonization and vaporization of the tissues of the skin. The skin would then, over time, react as it would for any thermal injury, and a scar would result.

So, I suppose a "tattoo" of sorts could be created that would be enitrely composed of scar tissue - not a pretty thing!

Lasers of visible wavelengths (many colors are availabel) do not penetrate the skin to any appreciable depth. As well, the color of the laser is simple a function of its wavelength and not a means to deposit that "color" into the dermal layers of the skin.

Hope that helps.