What is a laser?

… (Show more) laser, a device that stimulates atoms or molecules to emit light at particular wavelengths and amplifies that light, typically producing a very narrow beam of radiation. The emission generally covers an extremely limited range of visible, infrared, or ultraviolet wavelengths.

What are the different types of lasers?

Types of lasers. Argon and krypton atoms that have been stripped of one or two electrons can generate milliwatts to watts of laser light at visible and ultraviolet wavelengths. The most powerful commercial gas laser is the carbon-dioxide laser, which can generate kilowatts of continuous power.

What is a laser light source?

Laser, a device that stimulates atoms or molecules to emit light at particular wavelengths and amplifies that light, typically producing a very narrow beam of radiation.

What are the characteristics of laser light?

Laser beam characteristics. Laser light generally differs from other light in being focused in a narrow beam, limited to a narrow range of wavelengths (often called “monochromatic”), and consisting of waves that are in phase with each other.