Laser

Laser

A Laser (an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation".

History

The first working laser was built in 1960 by Theodore H. Maiman at Hughes Research Laboratories, based on theoretical work by Charles Hard Townes and Arthur Leonard Schawlow.

Principle of operation

Lasers are distinguished from other light sources by their coherence. Spatial coherence is typically expressed through the output being a narrow beam, which is diffraction-limited. Lasers can also have high temporal coherence, which allows them to emit light with a very narrow spectrum.

Types of lasers

There are many types of lasers including gas lasers, chemical lasers, dye lasers, metal-vapor lasers, solid-state lasers, semiconductor lasers, dye lasers, and excimer lasers.

Applications

Lasers have many applications in areas such as medicine, the military, research, industry, and consumer electronics.

Safety

Due to the potential for physical harm, several standards exist for those who work with lasers.

See also

• List of laser types
• Laser safety
• Laser applications
• Laser construction

References

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