Introduction
Laser is a special device that produces a distinctive, highly directional beam of light - usually in a narrow wavelength range. Lasers can be used for various purposes and are often used for cutting and welding in manufacturing, communication, science and astronomy. Due to their exceptional properties, lasers are becoming increasingly important and have revolutionized many industries ranging from medical, to industrial, to consumer-related.
They have the ability to generate very precise and accurate measurement and can be used to cut through materials with extreme efficiency, used in surgery procedures and for communications. While lasers are most commonly associated with the visible light range, there are lasers that exist in the invisible range as well.
Theory of Laser Generation
Most lasers use an optical resonator, which is an arrangement of two or more mirrors, to create the effect. This is done by the lasers medium, which could be a solid, liquid, gas or a semiconductor material. Due to the design of the optical resonator and the properties of the laser medium, the light that is produced is not only highly directional and very concentrated in one direction but also in a very narrow wavelength range.
In a solid or liquid medium, the laser is usually generated by stimulated emission, which occurs when an electron that is excited within the medium releases energy as a photon. The energy of the emitted photons is mostly absorbed by other atoms within the medium and the energy is released in the form of light due to their photon’s properties.
In gases, the laser is created by the filling up of the gas with a medium that can lase, such as by sending in electrically charged particles. This in turn causes the true lasing action and the generation of the laser light. Some lasers even use combinations of the two methods, such as with ion lasers where a mix of both gas and electric particles are used to create the light.
Applications
Laser technology has numerous applications, extending from medical use to consumer goods. Most laser technologies today use the same fundamental things when it comes to producing laser light. However, the applications are diverse with many fabrication industries using different types to achieve the desired outcome.
In medical fields, lasers are used to cut and coagulate tissue, weld vessels, shape and sculpt bones and other related processes. Lasers are also used in cosmetic surgery due to their precision and accuracy. In various industrial arenas lasers are used for cutting, welding, machining and 3D printing. In communications lasers are used for optical fiber cables for data transmission, traffic signals and night lighting.
Conclusion
Lasers are very versatile and are used in conjunction with many other technologies to attain very precise outcomes. Thanks to their narrow wavelength range, directional beam, and other unique properties, laser technology is a marvel that has revolutionized many areas, from medical to industrial. Lasers are here to stay and will no doubt continue to be enhanced and used in many other fields in the future.
