What does the acronym LASER stand for?
Select one:
a. Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
b. Light Alteration by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
c. Light Absorption by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
a. Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
Explanation:
LASER is an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. This term was coined in 1960 by Theodore Maiman, the inventor of the first working laser. The technology itself, however, was built upon the foundational principles of quantum mechanics and electromagnetic theory.
Here’s a breakdown of what each part of the acronym refers to:
- Light: The term refers to electromagnetic radiation, specifically in the visible spectrum, although lasers can also emit light in the ultraviolet or infrared ranges.
- Amplification: This refers to the process of increasing the intensity or power of light. In a laser, this amplification occurs through the use of a special medium (such as a gas, liquid, or solid) that can amplify light when energized.
- Stimulated Emission: This is a process in which an electron in an atom or molecule is excited to a higher energy level and then returns to a lower energy state by releasing a photon. This photon is identical to the initial photon, creating a process where light is “stimulated” and emitted in a coherent manner.
- Radiation: In this context, radiation refers to the emission of energy in the form of light or electromagnetic waves. Unlike ordinary light sources, such as bulbs or sunlight, lasers emit light that is highly coherent, meaning the light waves are all in phase with each other, leading to a highly focused and intense beam.
The unique properties of laser light—coherence, monochromaticity (single color), directionality, and brightness—make lasers essential in a wide variety of applications. These include communications, medicine (such as laser surgery and eye treatments), manufacturing, entertainment (like laser pointers and light shows), and scientific research.
In contrast, the other options (b and c) are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the process that makes lasers work.