Fundamental Characteristics of Lasers

Fundamental Characteristics of Lasers

LASER = Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

Laser technology is one of the most rapidly developing areas in modern technology. When the laser was invented, in 1960, it was classified as a solution in search of a problem , and today laser technology is applied in many different areas such as: medicine, communication, daily use, military, and industry. To explain how the laser can be applied in such diverse areas, we need to understand the basic physical principles of the operation of a laser.

In principle, the laser is a device which transforms s energy from other forms into electromagnetic radiation. This is a very general definition, but it helps to understand the basic physics of the laser. The energy put into the laser can be in any form such as: electromagnetic radiation, electrical energy, chemical energy, etc.Energy is always emitted from the laser as electromagnetic radiation (which includes light beams).