An IPL apparatus utilizing a Pulse Forming Network (PFN) for generating a plurality of light pulse sequences, comprising a treatment unit comprising one or more lamps adapted to emit a plurality of light pulses towards a treatment face of the IPL apparatus, a PFN and a control unit adapted to operate the PFN to generate a regulated energized pulse driven to the lamp(s). The regulated energized pulse having a desired multi-level voltage waveform with a maximum voltage level and a minimum voltage level which is in a range of 30-50 percent of the maximum voltage level. Rapidly varying heat is induced by a sequence of the plurality of light pulses emitted by the lamp(s) according to the multi-level voltage waveform.

An IPL apparatus utilizing a Pulse Forming Network (PFN) for generating a plurality of light pulse sequences, comprising a treatment unit comprising one or more lamps adapted to emit a plurality of light pulses towards a treatment face of the IPL apparatus, a PFN and a control unit adapted to operate the PFN to generate a regulated energized pulse driven to the lamp(s). The regulated energized pulse having a desired multi-level voltage waveform with a maximum voltage level and a minimum voltage level which is in a range of 30-50 percent of the maximum voltage level. Rapidly varying heat is induced by a sequence of the plurality of light pulses emitted by the lamp(s) according to the multi-level voltage waveform.

A flash irradiation apparatus is provided that suppresses output reduction when flash irradiation is repeated and achieves higher flash energy efficiency than conventional apparatuses. The apparatus includes: a flash lamp including a first and a second terminals; a capacitor including a first and a second electrodes; first and second switching elements connected in parallel to control connection between the flash lamp and the capacitor; and a controller that controls the first and second switching elements. The controller executes: a first control in which on-off control of the second switching element is repeatedly executed at high speed while the first switching element is off state to apply a charged voltage from the capacitor to the flash lamp; and a second control in which the first switching element is turned on during the first control to generate a main discharge based on the capacitor's residual voltage.

A flash irradiation apparatus is provided that suppresses output reduction when flash irradiation is repeated and achieves higher flash energy efficiency than conventional apparatuses. The apparatus includes: a flash lamp including a first and a second terminals; a capacitor including a first and a second electrodes; first and second switching elements connected in parallel to control connection between the flash lamp and the capacitor; and a controller that controls the first and second switching elements. The controller executes: a first control in which on-off control of the second switching element is repeatedly executed at high speed while the first switching element is off state to apply a charged voltage from the capacitor to the flash lamp; and a second control in which the first switching element is turned on during the first control to generate a main discharge based on the capacitor's residual voltage.