A laser beam is a focused, coherent stream of light in a single wavelength. It was originally an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation”. Lasers are used in various technology applications, including surgery and welding, and are also depicted as powerful weapons in science fiction. Laser beams are created through stimulated emission and the use of mirrors. The first laser was developed in 1960 by Theodore Maiman, although there is controversy over who deserves credit for inventing it. Lasers have made their way into many devices, including barcode scanners and DVD disc drives, and have enabled doctors to perform delicate surgeries.
A laser beam is a stream of focused, coherent light in a single wavelength. Although the word laser is generally accepted in common parlance, it was originally an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation”. There are many different types of lasers used in a variety of technology applications, including welding and surgery. Lasers also play a role in science fiction, where they are typically depicted as powerful weapons.
When an atom is exposed to energy, the orbits of electrons within the atom can change. When this happens, particles of light called photons are released. In a normal beam of light, photons are released randomly; in a laser beam, photons are concentrated and more organized. This is usually achieved through a process called stimulated emission, which occurs when photons released from one atom stimulate other atoms to generate photons of the same wavelength. Most laser devices also contain mirrors that allow a beam of light to bounce around repeatedly, thus slowly building a large chain reaction until a laser beam is created.
The first reported laser was developed in 1960 by Theodore Maiman who used the combination of a high powered light and a silver coated ruby rod. His discovery was initially ignored because it looked too similar to previous experiments involving focused light. It took a while for scientists to realize the significance of Maiman’s discovery, and it took even longer for them to find uses for the technology.
Gordon Gould also has a claim to be the inventor of the laser, and there is some controversy as to which man deserves more credit. Gould says he developed a working laser in the late 1950s, but it took him too long to file for a patent. Whether or not Gould can be credited with developing the first actual laser beam, he is generally credited with being the first man to use the term laser.
In the beginning, laser beams were mainly used as a replacement for other concentrated light technologies available at the time. Scientists quickly developed some ideas for laser applications, but it took some time to iron out some technical difficulties. Over time, lasers have made their way into many devices that the average person may encounter on a daily basis. Some common applications of laser technology include barcode scanners, DVD disc drives, and security systems. The laser beam has also made an impact in the medical world by enabling doctors to perform delicate surgeries that would not be possible without the fine control and accuracy provided by lasers.
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