© 1990-2002J.Paul Robinson,
Purdue University BMS 631 –
LECTURE005.PPT
Laser Power & Noise
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
•Laser light is coherent and monochromatic (same frequency and wavelength)
•this means the emitted radiation is in phase with and propagating in the same direction as the stimulating radiation
•ION lasers use electromagnetic energy to produce and confine the ionized gas plasma which serves as the
lasing medium.
•Lasers can be continuous wave (CW) or pulsed
(where flashlamps provide the
pulse)
•Laser efficiency is variable - argon ion lasers are about 0.01% efficient (1 W needs 10KW power)
3rd Ed. Shapiro p 106