The Meaning of the Word Laser Succinctly: Characteristics of Laser - Research Paper Example

 Attempting to explain the many characteristics of laser and visible light and compare their mutual strengths in a small article is as difficult as trying to empty the water in a big lake with a bucket. Astounding developments have taken place since Thomas Alva Edison (USA) in 1879, first invented the electric bulb. Today, laser beams have penetrated everywhere in the commercial world. Without knowing that it is the miracle of laser, human beings are making extensive use of it. Collins dictionary explains the meaning of the word laser succinctly. “A laser is a narrow beam of concentrated light produced by a special machine. It is used for cutting very hard materials, in surgery, for telecommunications etc.” (811)To say more about the lasers, laser weapons are now developed; laser technology is used to trap solar energy. “Laser light is monochromatic, that is, it only has one wavelength beams in it. In the case of normal light, it consists of various wavelengths and this is evident when normal light splits, it shows a spectrum of seven colors.” (What is….) Introduction: The full form of the word laser is its description. Laser is an acronym, a word constructed of the initial syllables. The full form is: light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Laser is different from normal light. Each ray from the beam follows one path whereas in normal light the directions of some of the rays are different. More rays following the same path, the beam becomes highly concentrated, with the same small diameter. When immense energy is concentrated in one beam, it can be used for hard jobs like drilling and cutting. This one wavelength beam is known as monochromatic. The normal light, when it splits, it exhibits a spectrum of seven colors. This is the fundamental point in comparison between Laser and Visible Light. Laser and Visible Light The scope of the visible light is limited. Its domain is a small fraction of the entire electromagnetic radiation spectrum. “The wavelengths that humans are typically able to visualize lie in a very narrow range between approximately 400 and 700 nanometers. Humans can observe and respond to stimuli created by visible light because the eyes contain specialized nerve endings that are sensitive to this range of frequencies. The remainder of the electromagnetic spectrum is invisible to humans.”(Molecular….) Visible Light Sources – “A wide variety of sources is responsible for emission of electromagnetic radiation, and is categorized according to the spectrum of wavelengths generated by the source. Relatively long radio waves are produced by electrical current flowing through huge broadcast antennas, while much shorter visible light waves are produced by the energy state fluctuations of negatively charged electrons within atoms.” (Molecular…) Lasers - Lasers are designed to produce and amplify this stimulated form of light into intense and focused beams. This special capacity has made laser technology a great tool for many aspects of human life, like entertainment, communication, manufacturing activities and medicine. For example, the traffic policemen use laser while measuring speed of the vehicles. This beam is the enemy of those drivers who drive the vehicles with reckless speed. The most commonly used CD players, and the daily office utilities like laser printers, are the products of laser technology. The fascinating and frightening power contained in laser beams is used in stunt movies and they pose the challenging situations in artificially created dangerous situations, which baffle the viewers. The listing of application of laser technology is long and it is growing with the advancement of technology. Some of the areas of its dominance are, Optical Microscopy, Compact Disk Lasers, Light Emitting Diodes, Argon-Ion Lasers, Diode Lasers, Ti: Sapphire Mode-Locked Lasers, Nd: YLF Mode-Locked Pulsed Lasers, etc. “Light is really an electromagnetic wave. Each wave has brightness and color, and vibrates at a certain angle, so-called polarization. This is also true for laser light but it is more parallel than any other light source. Every part of the beam has (almost) the exact same direction and the beam will therefore diverge very little. With a good laser an object at a distance of 1 km (0.6 mile) can be illuminated with a dot about 60 mm (2.3 inches) in radius.” (Laser facts, 2002) Laser: As regards energy content, laser emissions are not much strong. For example, a very powerful laser is used in entertainment shows, does not produce more light than an average streetlight. The only difference is how parallel it is. Light: “Light is normally emitted from atoms or molecules that meet with two conditions. - They have stored energy originating from heat or previous absorption of light - A time has passed since the energy was stored Light emitted in this way goes in random directions, with random phases and at random times.”(Welcher, 2000) “The light released is coherent. It is “organized” -- each photon moves in step with the others. This means that all of the photons have wave fronts that launch in unison. The light is very directional. A laser light has a very tight beam and is strong and concentrated. A flashlight, on the other hand, releases light in many directions, and the light is very weak and diffuse.” (Weschler, 2000) When a comparison is made between visible light and laser as for the commercial use, the outreach of the laser is staggering. Visible light is nowhere in sight! In Medicine, “Lasers are used in microsurgical procedures such as making small, precise incisions, liver operations, and capillary surgery, causing little loss of blood. Lasers are also used to drill eyes in surgical needles. Ophthalmology - removal of cataracts and correcting vision. Dermatology - removal of tattoos and skin lesions. Dentistry - filling cavities. Oncology - treatment of skin cancer.” (Visible….) In industry, though the initial use began with cutting and welding procedures, its present scope is astounding. The damaged wire inside and welding wires into microcircuits are done with laser beams. The laser interferometer controls the operations of the machinery by proper alignment of the heavy machinery equipment. Laser is used in precision work. Application in experimental nuclear fission devices; creation of holograms; create plasma which are super hot gases; and the mighty job to monitor shifts in the Earth; atmospheric turbulence. Visible Light applications are less dangerous in comparison to laser. Laser uses must be controlled by skilled technicians. The poisonous vapors of laser using gases are an environmental hazard. High concentration lasers are harmful for the skin. In medical practices, the laser is absolutely dangerous, if not handled by highly skilled surgeons. Atmospheric pollution is already a big problem. Further complications may arise on account of bright visible light or direct sunlight. Sunglasses and other light reducing devices need to be used to address this problem. Conclusion: When it comes to the final tally, the race has been won by the laser as compared to the visible light as for uses. Though its light giving capacity is less, it runs parallel, and it pierces its path very strongly. It cuts through anything that comes before it. The first laser was built by Theodore H. Maiman In 1960. Since then, laser technology has swept through the commercial world like an avalanche. Every great scientific discovery brings along with it certain tremendous disadvantages that seriously affect the human health and psyche. Take for example the nuclear energy. Whereas it is a great source of electricity for industrial and domestic use, the same energy in a different form has been used to make and stock atom/hydrogen bombs that have permanently damaged the peace of mind of the politicians and people, all over the world. References: Laser Facts: What's the difference between ordinary light and laser and what does laser really ... Published 19 December 2002 .- Cached – Retrieved on September 17, 2009 Molecular Expressions Microscopy Primer: Physics of Light and... - Cached – Retrieved on September 17, 2009 Sinclair, John (Editor in Chief): Collins Cobuild English Language Dictionary, 1989, Collins Publishing, London. Visible Light and Lasers . Weschler, Matthew: HowStuffWorks "How Lasers Work “Laser light is very different from normal light. science.howstuffworks.com/laser4.htm - Cached - Weschler, Matthew. "How Lasers Work." 01 April 2000. HowStuffWorks.com. Retrieved on September 17, 2009 What Is The Difference Between Laser And Visible Light? - - Retrieved on September 17, 2009 Read More