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Laser beams are normally characterized as focused (the beam size enlarges slowly with distance), intense (don't look into a laser beam), and mono-energetic (single-color light).

What is laser? -- laser stands for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation."

What is being stimulated in laser? -- gas, solid-state, semiconductor, dye, chemical etc. Each type of laser has its own characteristics and pros and cons.

The origin of laser radiation in a gas laser -- take a gas laser, for example. Argon gas is trapped inside a pressurized tube (low pressure to be exact). The tube's curved wall is coated with metal for reflection. Two flat mirrors are situated at each end of the long cylinder. Energy, in the order of kilowatts, is supplied to ionize the Argon gas. The excited Argon atoms will relax to release light in a very narrow spectrum, in the order of Watts -- very inefficient indeed. The mirrors and shiny curved wall are to keep the light generated to be trapped inside the tube intentionally, so that the lasing action can be amplified. The mirror at the "business" end has a small opening to allow light to escape. Hence the exiting laser beam is more or less uni-directional (focused). The light coming out of an Argon gas ranges from red to UV, but a filter at the exit can narrow the spectrum further to mono-chromatic. The filtered single-frequency light has little dispersion (photons will be traveling at about the same speed and few interference). The light is so intense and concentrated (~ 1 W over a beam size of 0.1 cm^2) that looking into a laser beam is detrimental to your eyes. Looking into a key-chain laser is not advisable either.

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What does laser beam mean?

A laser beam is a narrow, focused, and intense beam of light produced by a device called a laser. Laser beams are used in various applications such as cutting, welding, medical procedures, and communication systems due to their ability to deliver high energy in a precise manner.


What are the characteristics of laser beam?

Laser beams are typically coherent, monochromatic, and highly directional. They can propagate over long distances without significant divergence, allowing for precise focusing of the beam. Laser beams also have high intensity and can be easily manipulated using optical components.


What is caution laser beam?

A caution laser beam is a warning sign used to indicate the presence of a laser that may be harmful to the eyes or skin. It alerts individuals to use proper protection and avoid direct exposure to the laser beam.


How can one see an invisible laser beam?

One can see an invisible laser beam by using special equipment like a laser beam detector or by observing the beam's reflection off of particles in the air.


Can a mirror effectively reflect a laser beam?

Yes, a mirror can effectively reflect a laser beam.


How can one see a laser beam?

To see a laser beam, you can use special materials like smoke or fog to make the beam visible. The light from the laser reflects off these particles, allowing you to see the beam.


What is the intensity of the laser beam?

The intensity of a laser beam refers to the amount of power per unit area that the beam carries. It is a measure of how concentrated the energy is in the beam.


What unit is the power of a laser beam?

The power of a laser beam is typically measured in watts (W). This measurement indicates how much energy the laser beam is emitting per unit of time.


In a laser printer the beam detect mirror detects the laser beam by reflecting it to a blank?

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What is a laser modulator used for?

A laser modulator is used to change modulate a beam of light (or laser). The easiest way that they modulate the laser, or light beam, is by changing the rate at which the laser is emitted from the source.


How do you deflect a laser beam?

You can deflect a laser beam by using reflective surfaces such as mirrors or specialized optics designed to redirect the laser beam's path. The angle at which the laser beam hits the surface will determine the angle at which it is deflected. It is important to ensure that the material used for deflection can handle the intensity of the laser to avoid damage or scattering.