Types and Components of Laser

Encyclopedia
08/28/2024

LASER


The acronym LASER stands for Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. A laser is a device that produces a unique type of light not found naturally. This light is generated through optical amplification, which relies on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. It is different from conventional light in three ways. First, the lights from LASER contains only one color or wavelength that is why it is called ‘monochromatic’. Secondly, all the wavelengths are in phase- because of this, it is known as coherent. And thirdly, laser light beams are very narrow and can be concentrated on one tiny spot- this property makes it be known as ‘collimated’. These are also the characteristics of LASER.

 


For its operation, population inversion is much needed. When a group of atoms or molecules exist with more no electrons in an excited state than in lower energy states, population inversion takes place. Now, when an electron is in an excited state, it may decay to an empty lower energy state. If an electron decays without external influence, emitting a photon, that is known as spontaneous emission.


Stimulated emission occurs when a photon stimulates an electron, causing it to emit a second photon and return to a lower energy level. This process results in the production of two coherent photons. Now, if a significant population inversion exists, then stimulated emission can produce significant amplification of light. Photons which are produced in stimulated emission produce coherent light as they have definite phase relationship.


The principle of laser was first discovered by Einstein in 1917 but it was not until 1958 that laser was successfully developed.

 


Lasers have a wide range of applications. They are integral to consumer devices like CD and DVD players, and printers. In medicine, they are used for surgeries and skin treatments, while in industry, they assist in cutting and welding materials. They are used in military and law enforcement devices for marking targets and measuring range. Lasers also have many important applications in scientific research.

 


Components of LASER


  • Lasing material or active medium.

  • External energy source.

  • Optical resonator.

 

f91db25ff43b640a898c1cbddc44e268.jpeg

 

Types of LASER


  • Solid State LASER

  • Gas LASER

  • Dye or Liquid LASER

  • Excimer LASER

  • Chemical LASER

  • Semiconductor LASER


Encyclopedia

The Electricity Encyclopedia is dedicated to accelerating the dissemination and application of electricity knowledge and adding impetus to the development and innovation of the electricity industry.

Does a grid-connected inverter need a grid to operate?
Does a grid-connected inverter need a grid to operate?
Grid-connected inverters do need to be connected to the grid to function properly. These inverters are designed to convert direct current (DC) from renewable energy sources, such as solar photovoltaic panels or wind turbines, into alternating current (AC) that synchronizes with the grid in order to feed power into the public grid. Here are some of the key features and operating conditions of grid-connected inverters:The basic working principle of grid-connected inverterThe basic working principl
Encyclopedia
09/24/2024
Advantages of infrared generator
Advantages of infrared generator
Infrared generator is a kind of equipment that can produce infrared radiation, which is widely used in industry, scientific research, medical treatment, security and other fields. Infrared radiation is an invisible electromagnetic wave with a wavelength between visible light and microwave, which is usually divided into three bands: near infrared, middle infrared and far infrared. Here are some of the main advantages of infrared generators:Non-contact measurement No contact: The infrared generato
Encyclopedia
09/23/2024
What is a Thermocouple?
What is a Thermocouple?
What is a Thermocouple?Thermocouple DefinitionA thermocouple is a device that converts temperature differences into an electric voltage, based on the principle of the thermoelectric effect. It is a type of sensor that can measure temperature at a specific point or location. Thermocouples are widely used in industrial, domestic, commercial, and scientific applications due to their simplicity, durability, low cost, and wide temperature range.Thermoelectric EffectThe thermoelectric effect is the ph
Encyclopedia
09/03/2024
What is a Resistance Temperature Detector?
What is a Resistance Temperature Detector?
What is a Resistance Temperature Detector?Resistance Temperature Detector DefinitionA Resistance Temperature Detector (also known as a Resistance Thermometer or RTD) is an electronic device used to determine the temperature by measuring the resistance of an electrical wire. This wire is referred to as a temperature sensor. If we want to measure temperature with high accuracy, an RTD is the ideal solution, as it has good linear characteristics over a wide range of temperatures. Other common elect
Encyclopedia
09/03/2024
Inquiry
Download
IEE-Business is dedicated to serving the personnel in the global power industry.
Join IEE-Business, not only can you discover power equipment and power knowledge, but also canhnd like - minded friends!