LASER: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
The full form of LASER is Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It is an electronic device that produces light, actually an electromagnetic radiation. This electromagnetic radiation is done through optical amplification. It is used to manufacture a wide range of electronic devices including CD ROMs, bar code readers, etc. The light emitted by these devices is thin and consistent.
Brief History
The first theoretical basis of the laser was given by Albert Einstein in 1917 but the first laser was made in 1960 by Theodore H Maiman in the Hughes laboratory. It was based on the theory given by Charles Hard Townes and Arthur Leonard Schawlow.
How is Laser Technology Used
Laser is also used in many surgical procedures such as LASIK eye surgery. In construction, lasers are used for cutting, engraving, drilling, and marking a wide range of materials. There are many applications for laser technology, including the following:
- Used in CD and DVD ROMs.
- Used in barcode scanners.
- Used in integral parts of nuclear fusion reactors.
- Used in a wide variety of equipment namely cutting, drilling, surface treatment, soldering, welding equipment.
- Used in medical devices i.e. dental, surgical, cosmetic Treatment equipment.
- Used in laser printing machines.
- Used in military equipment i.e. anti-missile devices.
- Holographic imaging
- Laser spectroscopy
Types of Lasers
- Gas lasers
- Chemical lasers
- Dye lasers
- Metal-vapor lasers
- Solid-state lasers
- Semiconductor laser
- Free electron laser
- Gas dynamic laser
- Gamma-ray laser
- Gravity laser