What Is a Laser Beam?

The term laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser beam is a powerful, narrow, monochromatic and directional beam of electromagnetic radiation. Often, these beams are within the visible spectrum of light. A laser device excites the atoms in a lasing medium. The electrons of these atoms move to a higher orbit, then release photons, creating a laser beam.

History

In 1957, a Columbia University student named Gordon Gould designed the first laser device. His mentor, Charles Townes, had designed and built a device called the maser, which used microwaves, rather then light, to produce a coherent beam of electromagnetic radiation. Townes' had also designed an optical maser, and thus many people have credited him with the invention of the laser as well. Gould began a patent war, which lasted until 1977, when he finally won his first laser patent.

Types

Types of lasers include gas, liquid and solid. Gas lasers excite the electrons in gases, such as helium, neon, cadmium, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Liquid lasers include the dye laser, which uses organic dye molecules in liquid form to produce a wavelength of radiation that can be tuned. Solid lasers include the ruby laser, which uses a precious stone to produce a beam of red light.

Function

Laser beams are most commonly used in CD and DVD devices, optical scanners, computer mice, laser printers and pointers. They are also used to produce holograms. Laser beams are used in industry to cut and weld metal and to survey land and construct buildings. In scientific research, they're used in laser spectroscopy and chemical analysis. They are used in medical procedures such as eye, cancer and heart surgery, as well as in cosmetic procedures. Dental applications include cavity treatment, nerve regeneration and reshaping gum tissue.

Benefits

Laser beams can store and play back high-quality still pictures, video and audio, as well as to store computer data. They can measure distances with a high degree of accuracy. Laser scanners in grocery stores save time in pricing products and in processing the customer's purchase. In industry, laser cutting and welding are faster and more precise than other methods. In medical and dental procedures, lasers do less damage than scalpels and drills. Scientific research using lasers has led to real-world advances, such as the use of fiber optics in telephone communications and computer networking.

Effects

The advances in laser technology have resulted in laser beams becoming commonplace. We use lasers every day, often without realizing we're doing so. Future advances in laser technology will undoubtedly produce improvements in the areas of entertainment, medicine, dentistry, computing, defense and telecommunications. Lasers may also be used to produce energy in times to come.

Resources

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• Laser printers
• Laser mice
• DVD players