Introduction
Laser technology is an incredibly powerful tool used in numerous advanced research procedures. This technology is comprised of laser materials, which work together to create the light beam that is used to drive powerful laser applications. These different laser materials are created from a wide variety of compositions and all offer unique properties and capabilities.
Most commonly, laser materials come in three varieties - synthetic materials, natural materials and combinations of the two. However, there are many other laser materials, including those used for specific applications such as the rare elements gadolinium and erbium.
Synthetic Laser Materials
Synthetic laser materials are those whose elements and compounds are engineered in a laboratory and are not found naturally in the environment. Synthetic laser materials are typically made from non-metallic materials, such as quartz and ceramics. These materials are usually extremely heat resistant, allowing them to withstand the high-energy beams created by powerful lasers.
Synthetic laser materials are also capable of providing incredible spectral characteristics, making them highly useful for wavelength-specific procedures. In addition, this type of laser material is incredibly durable, which makes them very attractive for commercial applications. This durability is also beneficial for medical applications, where any stray radiation must be completely contained.
Natural Laser Materials
As the name implies, natural laser materials are those that are found and derived from the environment and are not artificially created. The most common natural laser materials are precious stones and crystals, as they tend to be incredibly pure. This makes them excellent optical sources, as they are able to produce perfect light beams with a very tight focus range.
These materials also tend to be extremely durable, as they are naturally forged in the depths of our planet. This makes them very valuable in medical applications, as implants made from natural laser materials are known to be incredibly reliable and reliable.
Combinations
In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of hybrid laser materials. Many of these hybrid materials are made by combining synthetic and natural laser materials in order to provide a combination of properties not found in either individually. For instance, hybrid laser materials such as gallium arsenide are great for producing both long and short pulses, as it can rapidly switch properties due to its different chemical composition.
These materials also provide increased spectral options and can be used for intense laser procedures, including laser ablation. Hybrids are extremely useful in medical applications, as they are able to offer a unique combination of thermal and optical properties not found in any single material.
Conclusion
Laser materials provide the backbone for laser technology, providing the necessary components for creating a powerful and controllable beam of light. These materials come in numerous varieties and are created from both synthetic and natural sources. Synthetic laser materials offer incredible durability, while natural laser materials bring perfect optical characteristics. Finally, hybrids provide a unique combination of properties, enabling them to be used in applications not achievable with either one alone. With all of these options, laser materials are an invaluable tool in the advancement of laser technology.
