An Introduction to laser source

3. What is a Laser Light Source?

The term “laser” is an acronym for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” In other words, a laser light source is a light source that amplifies and emits light using the special physical phenomenon of stimulated emission.

3-1. Characteristics of Laser Beams

Laser beams play an extremely important role in our lives and in science and technology due to their unique characteristics and the complex mechanisms that generate them.

・Monochromaticity

They consist of light of nearly a single wavelength (color). For example, the light from a red laser pointer is pure red, containing almost no other colors.

・Directivity

Travels straight and far with minimal spread. Unlike a flashlight beam that widens with distance, a laser beam maintains an extremely narrow beam.

・Coherence

The timing (phase) of the peaks and troughs of light waves is neatly aligned both temporally and spatially.

・High energy density

Capable of concentrating an extremely large amount of energy within a small area.

3-2. Mechanism of Laser Light Sources

Laser light sources are technologies that generate powerful beams by amplifying light. The fundamental mechanism involves exciting an active medium and repeatedly reflecting light within a resonator to amplify light of a specific wavelength. This results in laser light being highly directional and possessing a much higher energy density compared to conventional light sources. These characteristics enable laser light sources to be applied in a wide range of fields, including high-precision processing, measurement, and communications. Furthermore, laser light sources have driven innovation across numerous fields, with their applications expanding daily.

4. Types and Applications of Laser Light Sources

Laser light sources possess distinct characteristics based on their oscillation medium and are utilized across diverse fields.

These laser light sources contribute to innovative technologies and product development that leverage their unique properties in a wide range of fields, including medicine, industry, entertainment, and education, enriching our lives.

4-1. Characteristics of Various Laser Light Sources

Laser light sources come in various types, including solid-state lasers, semiconductor lasers, gas lasers, and fiber lasers. Solid-state lasers are characterized by high output power, while semiconductor lasers are easily miniaturized. Gas lasers provide stable wavelengths, and fiber lasers offer high efficiency. It is crucial to select the optimal laser light source by leveraging these characteristics according to the application. Specifically, in the medical field, they are used for tissue incision and treatment; in industry, for precision machining and material analysis; and in entertainment, for creating visual effects. Furthermore, these laser light sources demonstrate their effectiveness in education. For example, students using lasers in science experiments enhances learning quality and helps bridge theory and practice. Leveraging laser characteristics, their application continues to expand across diverse fields.

4-2. Laser Light Source Application Examples by Industry

Laser light sources are utilized in manufacturing for cutting and welding, in the medical field for surgery and treatment, and in communications for data transmission. They are also employed in the entertainment industry for shows and display technologies. The adoption of laser light sources across these industries maximizes their unique properties, contributing to improved efficiency and precision. Furthermore, the high energy density of laser light sources is driving significant innovation in new material development and space exploration technology, making them indispensable for future technological advancements. Moreover, laser light sources are beginning to be utilized in food processing and agriculture, opening new avenues for quality improvement and efficient production. This contributes to future food supply as a sustainable production technology. The evolution of laser technology continues to offer new possibilities across all industries.

With the advancement of laser light source technology, laser light sources have become smaller and more portable. This enables their use in various field settings, meeting a wide range of needs. The latest technologies utilizing laser light sources are advancing the precision of medical equipment and enabling efficient production processes in industrial machinery, making them indispensable for future technological innovation.