Lasers are used for many different purposes and come in many different types. From our everyday lives to medical procedures and scientific experiments, the uses of lasers never seem to stop growing. Let's explore some of the most common types of lasers and their applications!
What Are Lasers?
Lasers are a type of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted in a straight line. They have many different uses, from medical procedures to everyday activities like using the barcode scanner at the grocery store. Each type has its source laser components, but the one thing that is in common with all types is the beam of light that is emitted.
There are many different types of lasers, and each one has its unique applications. Some of the most common types of lasers include Dye lasers, Solid-state lasers, Carbon dioxide lasers, and Excimer lasers.
Dye Lasers
A Dye laser is a type of tunable laser that can be used for many different applications. Dye lasers, also known as liquid lasers, work by pumping an organic dye with a high-powered pump diode.
The dye is what causes the color of the laser beam, and it usually emits a range of different colors. These types of lasers are commonly used in medical procedures because they can be tuned to the specific wavelength that is needed.
Solid-State Lasers
A Solid-state laser is a type of laser that uses a solid medium to amplify light. This type of laser is usually more compact and efficient than other types, and it can be used for many different applications. Solid-state lasers are commonly used in industrial applications and for cutting and welding metals.
Carbon Dioxide Lasers
A Carbon dioxide laser is a type of gas laser that emits a beam of infrared light. These lasers are commonly used in medical procedures because infrared light can be easily absorbed by water and other tissues. This makes them ideal for surgeries and other medical procedures.
Excimer Lasers
An Excimer laser is a type of gas laser that emits ultraviolet light. These lasers are commonly used in medical procedures because ultraviolet light can be easily absorbed by water and other tissues. This makes them ideal for surgeries and other medical procedures.
How To Know If A Laser Is Safe?
When working with lasers, it is important to make sure that you are using a safe laser. All lasers have a classification that tells you how safe they are to use. The classification is usually marked with a label on the laser that looks like this:
- Class 1 Lasers are the safest to use and can be used without any special precautions.
- Class 2 Lasers are safe to use if they are avoided directly in the eyes.
- Class 3 Lasers are safe to use if they are avoided directly in the eyes and if special safety precautions are taken.
- Class 4 Lasers are the least safe and should only be used by qualified personnel.
How Are They Used?
Each type of laser has its unique applications, but some applications are common to all types. Some of the most common applications for lasers include Medical Procedures, Industrial Applications, Cutting and Welding Metals, Communication, Entertainment and Media, and Science and Research.
Medical Procedures
One of the most common applications for lasers is in medical procedures. Lasers can be tuned to the specific wavelength that is needed, which makes them perfect for surgeries and other medical procedures. They are also used in diagnostics and to treat various medical conditions.
Industrial Applications
Lasers are also commonly used in industrial applications. Solid-state lasers are often used for cutting and welding metals because they are more compact and efficient than other types of lasers. Carbon dioxide lasers are also commonly used in industrial applications because they emit a beam of infrared light that is easy to absorb.
Cutting and Welding Metals
Lasers are also often used for cutting and welding metals. Solid-state lasers are commonly used for this because they can be focused to a very small point, which allows them to cut through metal easily. Carbon dioxide lasers are also commonly used for welding metals because the infrared light they emit is easy to absorb.
Communication
Lasers are also used in communication applications. Lasers are used to send information through optical fibers, and they are also used in telecommunications and data transmission.
Entertainment and Media
Lasers are also used in entertainment and media applications. They are often used in laser shows, and they are also used in holography. Specifically, in entertainment and media, the laser type that is most used in concerts isn't an actual laser because, but rather a laser lighting display that reflects laser beams as it emits a color that is very attractive to the human eye.
Science and Research
Lasers are also commonly used for research purposes. They are often used in various scientific experiments, including atomic physics, quantum optics, condensed matter physics, nuclear fusion physics, plasma physics, accelerator physics, fiber optics materials science, chemical biology, and chemistry labs.
Laser Printers
One of the most common applications for lasers in the home is in laser printers. Laser printers use a laser to etch an image onto a photosensitive drum, and the image is then transferred to the paper. This process allows for high-quality printing with sharp images and vivid colors.
How Lasers Are Made
Lasers are made by passing light through a medium that has been specially designed to amplify the light. The most common types of lasers use a crystal or a gas as the amplification medium. A crystal laser is a type of laser that uses a crystal to amplify light. The most common types of crystal lasers use a solid-state laser as the amplification medium.
Whereas, a gas laser is a type of laser that uses a gas to amplify light. The most common types of gas lasers use either an infrared gas laser or an ultraviolet gas laser as the amplification medium.
Lasers are used in many different ways. Each type of laser has its unique applications, but some applications are shared among all types of lasers. Some common uses for lasers include medical procedures, industrial applications, cutting and welding metals, communication, entertainment and media, and scientific research. With this laser guide, it will be much easier to decide which is best for you!
