Laser Technology and the 21st Century - Essay Example

Laser Technology As One of the most important innovations of 21st century Executive summary Scientific innovations become major facilitator of competitive advantage in businesses and widen the scope of businesses opportunities across the globe. In the recent times, laser technology has been one of the landmark innovations that has tremendously impacted the businesses and provided them with plethora of new ideas which have been commercially very successful. The laser is acronym for ‘light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation’. It is emission of high energy radiation beam that has huge capability and scope of application in various areas of human life. Its application is widely used in industries for cutting, welding and drilling. The laser technology has provided people with state of the art medical facilities including X-rays and microsurgeries of the delicate internal parts of human body. Its application has also endowed people with better lifestyle vis-à-vis variety of home comforts, fast and efficient transport, wide variety of communication channels like computers, high speed internet, cellphone, television etc. Hence, laser technology can be claimed as one of the best inventions of the century that has tremendously impacted the world. 1. Introduction Scientific innovations and discoveries greatly improve and improvise existing facilities and lifestyle comforts. They also become major facilitator of competitive advantage in businesses and widen the scope of businesses opportunities across the globe. Innovation is a very important aspect of human evolution because it defines the increasing knowledge base of the development of human civilization, in terms of individual growth and advancement of human society with relation to its surrounding. Some of the ways that has exposed people to innovative technology are television, cinema, telephone and easy and fast public transport system which have considerably reduced distances. The innovations in the area of communication have greatly enhanced the business opportunities, resulting in improved socio-economic dynamics and better work conditions. In the recent times, laser technology has been one of the landmark innovations that has tremendously impacted the businesses and provided them with plethora of new ideas which have been commercially very successful. 2. Description of the Innovation and the process of adoption Einstein was the first scientist who had first proposed the concept of stimulated emission of light rays that formed the principles of LASER technology. Though the work on this field was started by many scientists seriously in the post WWII period but officially Arthur Schawlow of Bell Laboratories and Charles Townes of Columbia University, jointly published a paper describing Laser (Connor, 2009). The laser is acronym for ‘light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation’. The light rays are composed of small energy packet called photons which can be stimulated to produce a coherent beam of light in a straight direction. Each photon is capable of producing same quantum of energy in one direction and therefore, the laser beam, comprising of energized photons, is emission of high energy radiation which has huge capability and scope of application in various area of human life. The laser can be of different type because the light rays of different colour can be modulated according to different wavelength to produce powerful pulses of high energy radiation. While some laser can be made to emit radiation continuously others can be used to give out short spurt of high energy radiation. The mechanism of controlling the intensity and wavelength of laser beams greatly provides the laser technology with the versatility of application in real life (ibid). The X-ray, microwave, infrared and ultraviolet rays are some of the applications of laser technology that have been exploited commercially to gain huge competitive advantage in business. 3. Factors contributing to the success of laser technology The research and development in the field of laser technology was one of the vital factors that ultimately led to its unmitigated success. R&D enabled the scientists to produce laser beams through different kinds of materials like gas, crystalline solid, polymers etc. thus powerful gas based laser, chemical laser and semiconductor laser came into being. The use of semiconductor laser at room temperature provided the biggest breakthrough in the area of communication vis-à-vis highly sophisticated computer technology and invention of high capacity storing devices like DVDs which helped redefine communication in the 21st century. Another major factor that significantly contributed towards the success was the principle of ‘stimulated energy’ that could be produced and controlled through scientifically developed methods. Its application in the business processes has greatly facilitated communication among various inter-related factors through the tacit manipulation of the informed choices by the organizational leadership. It has thus created a wider database of new opportunities in the real world and has become a necessary business tool with its wide range of applications in the ever expanding and competitive global environment. The myriad ways, the laser technology can be used in the various areas of human life and the way its applications can be exploited by businesses across the world has made it the most significant inventions of the century. 4. Impact of laser technology on individual businesses and the overall business environment The 21st century has become the epitome of scientific revolution that has significantly impacted business processes and their performances. Laser technology has been one of the most important inventions that has hugely facilitated the development processes of nations and increased their wealth manifold through cross-country strategic business partnerships. They have become vital part of research and development. They are used as research tools to discover ways and means they can be applied in the different areas of commerce. Thus, their application in some main areas of businesses where laser technology has made significant impact can be enumerated as below: 4.1 Manufacturing process (cutting and welding) The laser beams are packed with powerful energy that can produce huge amount of heat when directed at some particular point. This property is therefore, widely used in the manufacturing process of cutting and welding of metals, clothes, wood etc. with precision through the use of computers. In the contemporary times, most of the manufacturing units use machines that can produce powerful laser beam to cut heavy metal efficiently and significantly reducing time of efficient delivery. The laser beams are also capable of making micro holes and are extensively used in aeroplanes for drilling ‘cooling holes for aircraft engines’ (Phipps, 2003). The laser technology is also used in micro engineering for fabrication and using the technology to prototype ‘patterns of any complex shape, including embedded channels in glass ceramic materials (Fuqua, Tailor et al., 2000). It has thus provided individual businesses with vast scope of improvisation and cost cutting measures. Many laser based industrial equipments like CO2-Equipped Laser Cutting Machine provide highly accurate laser cutting, welding, engraving and marking capabilities for multiple materials (Laser Photonics). 4.2 Information technology The technology is extensively used in the development of optical storage devices like DVDs and CDs where huge amount of data can be stored (Hitz et al., 2001). Laser printers and pointers are also widely used in the print industry for fast and efficient printing. Barcode readers are daily used by the shopkeepers to generate prices of the goods. Companies like Hewlett Packard are producing laser printers and imaging devices that have redefined printing process. 4.3 Medicine This is one area where the impact of laser technology has given breakthrough relief to patients and provided the medical fraternity with invaluable means to detect and correct defects in the internal organs of the body. The X-rays are instruments based on laser technology to scan body parts and bone structure to detect damages. Surgeons also use laser beams for microsurgeries where defects in the internal organs are repaired without much blood loss, scars and at the same time, they require less time to recover from the operation. The correction of retinal vision and removal of cataract and other types of eye surgeries are major achievement in the area of ophthalmology. Indeed, through safe practice, it has provided huge opportunities of refining surgeries and detecting micro defects in the delicate part of the bodies like brain etc. (Carruth, 1997). Treatment of cancer through chemotherapy is also one of the applications of laser technology that has greatly revoloutionalized treatment of terminal diseases like cancer. 4.4 Telecommunication This has been one of the most widely used areas that has immensely impacted the communication across the globe (Hitz et al., 2001). Based on laser technology, the fibre optic communication (for internet and television) used in broadband utilizes transmission of light pulses to transfer data across cyber space. This the most widely used applications of laser technology. 4.5 Petroleum exploration and drilling The laser technology has become intrinsic part of petroleum exploration and is used to drill rocks through high powered laser beams. The state of the art technology hugely facilitates in improving, improvising expediting the exploration techniques for the petroleum industry. The research in the use of laser technology in the area of drilling and exploration by Gas Research Institute of America had showed huge potential for laser application in drilling (Graves, 1998). Saudi Aramco, one of the major oil and exploration company of Saudi Arabia uses the state of the art technology in its operations (Aramco) 4.6 Using laser technology in defence area The technology is used in the defence area and fighter planes to measure and identify the target for accurate deployment of warfare. Department of defence uses laser technology based weapons, especially ‘laser diode arrays that enables the possibility of higher average power solid-state laser weapons’ (DoD, 2004). 4.7 Use of laser beam as measuring unit The technology is also used in detecting and measuring atmospheric pollutants at remote areas through modulation that produces specific wavelength laser beam. Interferometry is the latest measuring device that works on the principle of laser technology which can detect and measure micro changes from remote distance (Monnier, 2003). 5. Role of government policy in the success of the innovation The role of government policy in the success of innovation is critical because the government policies are the main proponent of import and export of technology that have significant impact on the performance outcome of the industry or businesses. In the era of rapid globalization, liberalization in the government policies is the major factor that helps in its propagation and application in the desired area of business. Collaboration, partnership, licensing agreements and any other types of contract business relationship are the linkages that facilitate higher level of efficiency and organizational growth which would offset a competitive advantage over their rivals. In the contemporary era of competitive environment, the various business compulsions become the motivating factors that promote tactical business coalitions across the globe. Since the need for strategic partnership with global business entities has become essential to remain afloat in the highly competitive global business environment, it is imperative that one looks into the various proposals for partnership and strategic alliances with other firms. The liberalization policies of the government promote development and sharing of important linkages in trade and commerce amongst nations. Lall has emphasized that long term trend of liberalization needs to be looked from various perspectives of mutual benefit, especially vis-à-vis the interests of developing and under-developed nations. He says that the ‘scope and coverage of the rules are steadily increasing, and pressures for removal of policy controls are coming in many forms’ which may adversely impact their interests in the long run (Lall, 2004, p5). Innovation is key issue in technology arena and the decision on business relationship vis-à-vis collaboration, partnership or license agreement becomes highly critical factor for success. The chosen area of business relationship facilitates creative input to the products and services, thereby, providing the firms with competitive advantage. Hence, the dynamics of business relationship can be broadly divided into three areas that have significant impact on the outcome of the relationship: decision for the type of alliances; implementation; and exploitation (Malik, 2000). Hence, the role of government is intrinsic to effectively exploit innovative technology in diverse area of applications. 6. Effects of the innovation on society and the individual Barring inventions in the area of weapons and warfare, innovation largely promotes the cause of the society and individuals. While it provides the necessary tools of competitive advantages to the businesses, the society gains through socio-economic development of the region that is reflected through improved business outcomes. The innovation promotes industrial development that provides people with income generating avenues. The individuals in the contemporary society benefit in myriad ways through innovations. The improved lifestyle and better medical facilities are but few of the ways, individuals become the major benefactor. The state of the art technology greatly facilitates communication and provides individuals with luxury and comforts. Hence, innovations of all types have significant impact on the society and individuals. 7. Major beneficiaries and losers of this innovation The society and individuals have been both major beneficiaries and losers of this technology. The major benefits include that laser technology has provided people with state of the art medical facilities. Its application in different areas has also endowed them with better lifestyle vis-à-vis variety of home comforts, fast and efficient transport, wide variety of communication channels like computers, high speed internet, cellphone, television etc. The internet has de-constructed the concept of geographical boundary for the businesses and has made it one of the most promising instruments of advancing one’s business base and presented individuals with opportunities to exploit it for not only expanding one’s knowledge but for income generating purposes also. But at the same time, it has also adversely impacted the environment through emission of damaging pollutants that are disturbing the eco balance and promoting air pollution and water pollution. The harmful emissions from air-conditioners, refrigerators, cars have been one of the important contributors to the damage of ozone layer and climate change. The laser technology has also promoted production of sophisticated weapons that go against the welfare of the society. While internet has greatly facilitated development processes, it has also been used by the vested interests to incite ill will and promote terrorists activities across the globe. So unless, the technology is judiciously used with some sanctions and interventions from the state, the society can also become major loser. 8. My opinion and justification I think that laser technology has been the best invention of the century that has tremendously changed the world. The application of this technology has not only lowered the cost of medical expenses but it has also helped introduce highly effective and efficient way of performing complicated surgeries. Indeed micro surgeries are major breakthrough in the area of medical science. It has also become the major facilitator of competitive advantage in the business arena. The various elements of luxurious lifestyle are the result of myriad applications of this technology. In our daily life, each of us is using the technology in subtle manner and one cannot visualize life where its impact is less visible. It is also true that the laser technology is intrinsic part of advancing technology and is also accompanied by disadvantages which are proving highly detrimental to the environment. But the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Hence, if people make more efforts towards conservation and preservation of environment through carbon foot-printing, using bio-degradable products and ensuring reforestation through planting of new trees, we can overcome the menace of environment destruction. Our some efforts would indeed, help us to enjoy laser technology in its various applications. (2263 words) Reference C. Breck Hitz; Ewing, James J and Hecht, Jeff. (2001). Introduction to Laser Technology. John, Wiley and Sons. Carruth. (1997). Medical laser code of safe practice produced by the laser safety working party of the European Community concerted action programme on medical laser development. Technology and Healthcare, 5(5). Connor, Alex. (2009). Laser. Institute of Physics. Available from: [Accessed 23 May, 2010]. Department of Defense Laser Master Plan. (March, 2004). Report: High Energy Laser Executive Review Panel. Available from: [Accessed 23 May, 2010]. Graves, R M and Brian, D G. (27 September, 1998). StarWars Laser Technology Applied to Drilling and Completing Gas Wells. Paper prepared for Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc. Available from: [Accessed 23 May, 2010]. Lall, Sanjaya. (2004). Reinventing Industrial Strategy: The Role of Government Policy in Building Industrial Competitiveness. G-24 Discussion Paper Series. Available from: [Accessed 23 May, 2010]. Laser Photonics. Laser based Industrial products. Available from: [Accessed 23 May, 2010]. Malik, K. (2000). Managing the innovation of a corporate IT-based cable design system, Creativity and Innovation Management, Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 156-162. Monnier, John D. (2003). Optical interferometry in astronomy.Report on Progress in Physics, 66(5). Phipps, Claude. (2003) Laser applications overview: The state of the art and the future trend in the United States. RIKEN Review 50. Available from: [Accessed 23 May, 2010]. Saudi Aramco. Oil and Energy company. Available from: [Accessed 23 May, 2010]. Read More