LASERS The Light of the Twenty-first Century {Asclentife principle is often understood long betore someone is able to put to use, For example, people knew of the power of steam before there were any steam engines. But sometimes they take place at the same time anew scientific principle anda new invention. This was the case a litte more than twenty years ago with a device called the laser. To many people, lasers were very, mysterious ‘The word laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. More simply, a laser isa device that pro: duces avery strong light, The light rom alaseris called coherent Tight. The light we are most familiar with is incoherent ligt. Inco- herent ight comes tromeelectrc light Bulbs and the sun. Ths light ‘roves In all directions. The light from a laser, however, moves in ‘only one direction and is much stronger. Laser light is created by a process called stimulated emission. In this process, the atoms of certain substance, such asa crys: or gas, are excited in such a way that they produce an ex- tremely strong light that travels in one direction. A person ‘working with laser can alm thislightin any direction. This lights ‘called 3 laser beam. ‘Once laser light was developed, scientists immediately started to think about its applications. One of the laser's earliest uses twas to measure distances and speeds. twas discovered that this Could be done with amazing accuracy. For example, the distance {othe moon was measured towithinafoot, and the exact speed of light was determined to be 186,282.97 miles per second. nits early days, the military also thought about using the laser. ‘The laser was capable of "selective" destruction as opposed to {otal nuclear war, which would have disastrous results, ul research into constructive (positive) uses of the laser has taken place just as quickly. The laser can be used in surgery. This taney hous device ean open and close an incision without the Ganger of infection. A laser beam can be used in delicate eye oper stlous, For example, it can be used to reattach a retina, anditcan create ines wee eee ate Sarena nese enters begining, The laser coud truly become the ight of he two9 Figure it out Before starting to read, look at the photos and the title of the article. What do you think the article is about? When you have finished reading, correct your answer if necessary. ote Read the first three paragraphs. Then explain in your own words what a Jaser beam is. ia As you read, pay attention to the different ways lasers are used. When you have finished, give at least three uses of lasers. Then look back at the article and explain in more detail what the laser can do in each case. ‘arratack patients, 4. Match. 1, produce a. send 2. application b. cut 3. device c. use 4. transmit d. instrument 5. incision e. create 53 The suffix -ous means “possessing or having” and changes a noun into an adjective, as in cancerous— “possessing or having cancer,” Complete the paragraph, filling in each blank with an appropriate word from the list. cancerous humfous mysterious dangerous marvelous numerous About twenty years ago, a laser was Mystere device, Now itis clear that laser | Tybee applications. For example, itcan growth and prevent its Mong Parts of the bod RONI IESE °