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Science and Technology
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How Do Lasers Work, and What Are They Used For?


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Published in Science and Technology on by ExtremeTech   Print publication without navigation

There are many different types of lasers—almost as many as there are applications for the same—but what ties them all together as a class is that they depend on the same physical effect: stimulated emission. Lasers exploit particle physics to convert electrical power into a very tightly concentrated beam of light.


Lasers, an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, operate by amplifying light through a process where atoms or molecules are excited to higher energy levels and then release photons as they return to their ground state. This light is coherent, meaning all the photons are in phase, and can be focused into a very narrow beam. The article explains that lasers are used in a variety of applications due to their precision and power. They are integral in medical fields for surgeries, like eye surgery, where precision is crucial. In industry, lasers cut, weld, and engrave materials with high accuracy. They are also found in consumer products like barcode scanners, DVD players, and laser printers. Additionally, lasers play a role in scientific research, telecommunications for fiber optic data transmission, military applications for targeting and defense, and even in entertainment for light shows. The versatility of lasers stems from their ability to be tuned to different wavelengths, power levels, and beam characteristics, making them indispensable in modern technology.

Read the Full ExtremeTech Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/how-do-lasers-work-and-what-are-they-used-for/ar-AA1BZLX6 ]

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