If you’ve ever shopped for a diode dental laser, you may have seen conflicting numbers on brochures or heard claims like “20 W.” It’s easy to get confused, especially if the label on the device says something different—like 2 W. Rest assured, nobody is usually trying to trick you. It’s simply a matter of tricky maths and average versus peak power, which can be very different when the laser is pulsed.
Average power is what you see on the laser’s nameplate. For example:
Gemini: 2 W
Picasso Lite+: 3 W
Picasso Plus: 7 W
This value is continuous wave (CW) output, which means the laser runs steadily at that power if you choose a CW mode. However, the peak power can be much higher when the laser is rapidly pulsed on and off, because the energy delivered in each short flash is concentrated into a smaller window of time.
In some treatment modes, the laser fires in rapid pulses. That means it delivers energy in short “on” bursts, then switches “off” before the next pulse, for a 50 Hz pulse this is 2 ms on, 18 ms off. The peak power during those bursts is much higher than the average, but only for a tiny fraction of the time.
In PBM, disinfecting, or comfort modes, the laser uses short pulses—on for a fraction of each cycle, off for the rest. The peak power is how much power is packed into the brief “on” period, while the average power remains at the nameplate level when you consider the full on+off cycle.
You might hear that the Gemini can reach 20 W, which seems to conflict with its 2 W label. In pulsed modes like PBM or comfort mode, the laser might only be on for 10 percent of each 50 Hz pulse cycle (e.g. 2 ms on, 18 ms off). During those 2 ms, the power could spike to 20 W. However, over the total 20 ms cycle, the average remains at 2 W.
The laser might indeed reach such a figure—briefly—when it pulses.
Duty Cycle (D): The fraction of time the laser is on.
Average Power (Pavg): The nameplate rating (e.g. 2 W).
Peak Power (Ppeak): The higher power level during the “on” time.
Relationship:
If Pavg is 2 W and D=0.1 (i.e. 10 percent), you get:
This explains the 20 W figure, but it’s not the device’s constant output—just a brief momentary spike. The important detail is: 2 W is your real operating power if you run continuously. The bigger number is only a split-second peak during pulsed operation. If you’re ever unsure, the nameplate clarifies the maximum continuous rating.
The Gemini is dual-wavelength, but even if both wavelengths fire, the total combined average is still 2 W in dual mode. as specified on the nameplate. It doesn’t magically become 40 W just because it can pulse its 2 diodes for a 20+20W peak, They're limited by firmware to 50% output in this function as not to exceed the 2W nameplate value.
The Picasso lasers follow the same rule:
Picasso Lite+
Nameplate (CW) Average: 3 W
Peak in Pulsed Mode: ~30 W if duty cycle is around 10 percent.
Picasso Plus
Nameplate (CW) Average: 7 W
Peak in Pulsed Mode: ~70 W under the same pulsing conditions.
Although “30 W” and “70 W” sound impressive, these high figures refer only to short bursts. The real practical power for continuous treatments remains 3 W and 7 W, respectively.
So, Why Buy on Peak Power?
The easy answer is, you wouldn’t. You choose a laser based on:
Average wattage (what you actually use in continuous procedures).
Ability to pulse for patient comfort.
Overall functionality, including user settings and safety.
Scope for custom procedure profiles (how flexible it is for different treatments).
Cost of consumables (tips, disposable fibres, maintenance, etc.).
Peak power helps with short bursts of energy, but it doesn’t change the true average output on which your day-to-day work relies. If you still have any doubts, read the nameplate: the Gemini laser is not 20 W—its genuine CW rating is 2 W, and the rest is just pulsing magic.
The nameplate states the average power (2 W for Gemini, 3 W and 7 W for Picasso Lite+ and Plus).
Peak power is a short burst during pulsed modes, not the continuous output.
Dual wavelength doesn’t push Gemini beyond 2 W total in dual mode.
The best buying factors revolve around average wattage, pulsing options, usability, profiles, and running costs.
As with many technical details, the maths is solid, even if it sounds surprising at first. Rely on the nameplate for the real continuous rating. Talking about peak power alone might give the wrong impression if someone expects that figure to be the laser’s normal output.
The maths doesn't lie–it does mislead
if you ever see an advertisement claiming a 2 W or 3 W device can “hit 20 W” or “30 W,” remember that those numbers are simply the peak. The laser might indeed reach such a figure—briefly—when it pulses, but the continuous output (the number you’ll rely on for most work) is still 2 W or 3 W.
No one is necessarily being dishonest. However, focusing on peak power can be misleading if it makes you believe you’re getting a 20 W or 30 W continuous laser. The nameplate rating is your true guide to average operating power.
Each device is perfectly suitable for its intended range of soft-tissue treatments, especially when used in a standard dental practice. Dual wavelength or pulsed output doesn’t magically multiply the average power—it just rearranges how that power is delivered.
Ultimately, you’ll want to pick a laser for its reliable continuous wattage, its pulsing versatility, and its overall value in your daily procedures. High peak power might look impressive on paper, but it’s the steady, real-world power (plus good technique and settings) that leads to positive treatment outcomes. If you’re ever unsure, just read the device’s label—it’ll show the genuine CW rating.
Why Feel Confident About Picasso?
Well-Established in Dentistry: Picasso lasers are widely used around the world and trusted for various soft-tissue applications. They’re known for reliability and ease of use.
Good Balance of Power and Affordability: The 3 W and 7 W models cover most everyday dental procedures without excessive operating costs. You’re not paying for an impractical 20 W or 30 W continuous output that you rarely (if ever) need.
Pulse Modes for Comfort: Both Picasso Lite+ and Picasso Plus have pulsing options that help reduce patient discomfort and improve healing time for certain treatments. The pulsed high-peak bursts can be beneficial in short “taps,” but again, the average remains at a safer, more controlled level.
Book an in-clinic demo
Want to see AMD Picasso lasers in action? Book an in-clinic today and experience how simple they are to use and powerful they are! Click HERE to book a demo and HERE to get the contact details of your local Osseo Group Account Rep.