Although lasers range from quantum-dot to football-field size and utilize materials from free electrons to solids, the underlying operating principles are always the same. This article provides the basic information about how and why lasers work. Over 60 years have passed since the first demonstration of a laser in 1960.

Lasers are used in fiber-optic and free-space optical communications, optical disc drives, laser printers, barcode scanners, semiconductor chip manufacturing (photolithography, etching), laser surgery and skin treatments, cutting and welding materials, military and law enforcement devices for marking targets and measuring range and speed, and in...

Lasers are designed to produce and amplify this stimulated form of light into intense and focused beams. The word laser was coined as an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

After discussing the laser concept briefly we will investigate various types of gain media, gas, liquid and solid-state, that can be used to construct lasers and amplifiers. Then the dynamics of lasers, threshold behavior, steady state behavior and relaxation oscillations are discussed.

Dec 13, 2024 · Laser, a device that stimulates atoms or molecules to emit light at particular wavelengths and amplifies that light, typically producing a very narrow beam of radiation. The emission generally covers an extremely limited range …

Many scientific, military, medical and commercial laser applications have been developed since the invention of the laser in 1958. The coherency, high monochromaticity, and ability to reach extremely high powers are all properties which allow for these specialized applications. In science, lasers are used in many ways, including:

We offer a wide range of lasers spanning from pulsed diode lasers and single-frequency fiber lasers over ultrafast fiber lasers and femtosecond lasers to supercontinuum white light lasers. Whatever your laser needs, we have a system for you!

Oct 5, 2023 · The basic components of a laser system are the optical resonator with the laser medium, the laser pump, the cooling unit, and the beam guiding and shaping units (Fig. 2.1). Schematic of a laser system. The individual components of the laser determine the characteristics of the emitted laser radiation.

Aug 14, 2024 · Lasers (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) amplify electromagnetic waves at wavelengths ranging from radio to ultraviolet and x-rays. They were originally called masers because the first units amplified only microwaves. Lasers can also oscillate when the amplified waves are reflected back into the device.

Describe key performance requirements and high-level functions of laser systems. Identify laser performance parameters and develop performance models of a laser system based on rate equations. Analyze a complex laser system and deduce the functions and purpose of each major optical and mechanical element. Describe the process of designing a ...