Laser in Today's World

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Laser in Today's World

This lesson aligns with NGSS PS4.C

Introduction

Laser stands for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiations," which is an unusual light source, unlike a flashlight or light bulb. A laser is a device that produces a narrow beam of light, which has many applications in several fields. But in this article, we will discuss laser lights and their significant role in the modern world.

What is a Laser?

Laser is produced from the visible light frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum. More specifically, visible and near-infrared light wavelengths are where lasers are most commonly employed. The wavelength of laser lights falls around 400–1,400 nanometers (nm).

Depending on the purpose of Laser usage, lasers can also be designed to emit light in other regions of the spectrum, such as the ultraviolet and mid-infrared. Because each wavelength range has distinct qualities and is helpful for particular tasks, lasers are an incredibly flexible device for modern science and industry.

Why Laser is like a narrow beam?

A laser is a device that uses optical amplification to produce a narrow beam of light. The process of such stimulation is based on the emission of electromagnetic radiation to make light. So, Laser light does not occur naturally, but it is a special light artificially created. The waves laser light consists of several waves of light with similar wavelengths. All the waves lined up and traveled parallel to all the peaks. For this reason, laser beams may be concentrated in a minimal area and are bright and narrow. They are also capable of focusing a great deal of energy on a tiny region.

Application Of Laser Technology in the Modern World

In 1960, with the laser invention, it got another name, "a solution looking for a problem." After that, they spread across the globe, being used in hundreds of wildly diverse applications in fields as varied as consumer electronics, information technology, research, health, industry, security, entertainment, and the military. A crucial component of modern communications is fiber-optic communication, which makes use of lasers to provide services like the Internet.

Fast Communication

Laser technology has a significant role in conducting high-speed communication by data transfer and networking. In optic fiber communication systems, the laser is used to deliver data to longer distances in the form of light. So, the laser is a backbone for The worldwide internet, which guarantees quick and easy data interchange.

Laser cutting & welding

In manufacturing and material processing industries, laser cutting and welding is the basic procedure in automobiles and aerospace manufacturing. Laser techniques are precise and non-contact, which minimizes waste, boosts productivity, and makes it possible to develop complex shapes.

Laser in Medical Science and Treatment

Laser has a paramount impact on medical sciences as it has many uses in the field of medicine. Laser eye surgery has allowed for both noninvasive procedures and the restoration of vision. With the invention of this laser, treating kidney stones and other conditions has become simpler and painless.

Laser therapy shows great promise in the treatment of cancer cells by dislodging or reducing tumor cells and stopping the proliferation of malignant cells. Lasers also have a number of advantages in dental treatment. However, these procedures are costly.

Barcode Scanner

The first and most widely used laser was introduced in 1974 in a supermarket. Lasers are used by the standard barcode scanners in stores to read barcodes rapidly and precisely, facilitating short checkout times and effective inventory control.

Entertainment

The visual allure of lasers revolutionizes the entertainment industry because of the captivating visuals they can display in light shows and concerts. Laser installations in art challenge the limits of imagination and interaction.

Laser In Lidar System

Lidar, which stands for “light detection and ranging,” is a device used to monitor the earth's surface by a remote sensing method. In this system, Laser technology is used. Lidar perceives the environment remotely and monitors atmospheric parameters. These applications are essential to the study of natural disasters, air quality monitoring, and weather forecasting.

Laser As Weapon

A laser that is used as a directed energy weapon is called a laser weapon. Applications pertaining to defense and security heavily rely on lasers. They are found in countermeasure systems that guard against heat-seeking missiles, laser rangefinders, and guiding systems for precise bombing.

Summary

A laser is a device that emits a narrow beam of light, which consists of several waves of light that have the same wavelength and travel parallel to each other.
Different laser devices have wavelengths ranging from 400 nanometers to 1400 nanometers.
Lasers are widely used; their benefits extend beyond medicine to include the shaping of materials for the aerospace and automotive industries.
The laser will surely continue to be the pioneer of changing technology as we continue to explore its possibilities, lighting the way to a better and more connected future.

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