Laser is an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation''. It can be defined as a device that releases light through a procedure of optical amplification, which is established on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation.
As we have described, laser and its acronym, and when we observe the present scenario, we can say that laser is spread in a broad range of applications. However, the advent of lasers is not that far when we look at history. The first laser was built in 1960 by Theodore H. Maiman when he was working at Hughes Research Laboratories.
Characteristics of Laser
1. Spectral Purity:
Laser is hoped that all the light wavelengths in the beam are proportional, which in a way enhances the power of the laser.
2. Uniformity:
The wavelength tends to appear in the same colour only because of its uniformity.
3. Illumination:
Laser light is more powerful and dominant when compared to any other ordinary light because it is a combination of radiations.
4. Highly Rational:
It does not stretch out in the surrounding atmosphere, for example - a light bulb. It is capable enough to travel long distances without even getting disrupted or affected, and also, it doesn't become less intense.
Applications of Laser
The application of Laser technology is not limited, and it serves several types of fields. If you observe deeply, you will find the presence of laser technology in almost every science department. Here is a list of applications of laser technology, explained in detail for you to understand it in a better way:
Robotics, particularly in image processing and calculating distances
Toys
Laser Welding
Fiber Optics
Optical Storage
Laser Cutting
Medical Field
Nuclear Energy
1. Robotics:
In robots, you may also find out the applications of lasers. Here, sensors are used to detect the laser beams and this way, and one can measure the distance. Robots are able to point out a laser beam from where it is being transmitted, and through the use of an image processor, the receiver can ascertain the diameter of laser beams. Also, it can measure the distance between the robot and the other objects.
2. Toys:
Lasers are very intriguing and delightful subjects, and therefore, they are used in numerous toys for small kids.
3. Laser Welding:
Welding has been an important industrial method for so many years, but in the 20th century, welding went beyond the hammering of molten metal pieces into a single structure.
With the commencement of the laser welding technique, precise and controlled joints can be made with various metals that were physically difficult to do in the previous days and were instrumental in formulating automated assembly lines that have revolutionised production all over the globe.
4. Fiber Optics:
With the advent of fiber optic cables created the Internet that we have today and has made our lives way too easy. Lasers provide quick dissemination of information & knowledge with the help of fiber optic cables and enable for high-speed download and upload process, which would have been appreciated by anyone alive at the time of the dial-up era of the Internet and make content that is streaming, feasible. If you consider the fact that this alone is disrupting the entire industry, it is proof in itself of how powerful and influential lasers can be in the future.
5. Optical Storage:
DVDs, CDs, and Blu-ray discs had improved the single-unit storage capability by orders of magnitude when in the 1970s, the first Compact Disc was launched.
Designed on age-old gramophones and vinyl records, the optical disc successfully provides a higher amount of storage capacity that we utilize in computer devices in the present world because of its low price, outstanding capabilities, and long-term dependability.
6. Laser Cutting:
Metal cutting has been an essential part of the industrial sector since metal was used for the first time in the history of mankind. Lasers have improved and enhanced the accuracy of these cuts & splits broadly. They have been able to establish an industry-standard way of cutting complicated shapes, sizes, and elements from metal sheets in a way that grinders or any other mechanical cutters can't live up to the expectations desired.
7. Medical Field:
Laser technologies are employed in various departments of medical science. The laser beam, which is of high intensity, is favorable for cutting tissue and hence, the traditional scalpel can be replaced by a large surgical instrument. There are a lot of advantages of lasers, such as they help prevent excessive bleeding, discourage any damage to the neighboring cells, and are likely to reduce pain & injury.
The laser is regularly utilized for developing the detached retina into the choroid. Many other serious eye diseases can be treated, such as macular degeneration, diabetic rehabilitation, and bleeding. For the treatment of these particular eye conditions, an argon laser or krypton ion laser is used.
The accuracy & preciseness of laser surgery are significant precision characteristics of operations such as neurological intervention and cardiac surgery. Moreover, it is possible to defeat hemorrhagic ulcers without even making an opening in the body by using a fiber-optic endoscope with a laser.
8. Nuclear Energy:
Nuclear power plants can also be classified as steam thermal power plants, where they generate heat vapour in the reactor furnace. An atomic furnace requires an atomic radiation guard and an insulating wall. Laser technology is useful for the workers as it helps them in performing tasks skillfully & easily. It also protects the workers inside the plant and the workplace from getting contaminated with atomic radiation.
One of the easiest economical paths to enhance natural uranium is - Laser isotope separation. In order to track down the power of fusion, lasers play a significant role in achieving this particular task.
Laser applications are wide enough for us even to imagine it. Beginning from industrial applications such as welding, cutting and marking their way to the medical industry for precision tool manufacturing, scanning to the luxury business for imprinting, finishing, and eventually to many other industries that we can think of.
Conclusion
The objective of this article was to develop a basic understanding of laser technology and its applications in different industries. Laser technology has made progress, and its applications have made our lives easier. However, this technology is still open to new improvements.
