LASERS

LASING ACTION
Types of Lasers
1 Solid State Laser ( Ruby Laser)
2 Gaseous Laser (He-Ne Laser)
3 Semiconductor Laser

Each Laser system has components are

 Active Medium
 Reflector Arrangement
 Source of energy
 Ruby Laser
 Ruby is an aluminum oxide crystal in which some of the aluminum atoms have
been replaced with chromium ions. Chromium gives ruby its characteristic red
color and is responsible for the lasing behavior of the crystal.
Chromium atoms absorb green and blue light and emit or reflect only red light.
For a ruby laser, a crystal of ruby is formed into a cylinder.
The green and blue wavelengths in the flash excite electrons in the chromium
atoms to a higher energy level. Upon returning to their normal state, the electrons
emit their characteristic ruby-red light
He- Ne Laser
 Semiconductor Laser
Current

Cleaved surface mirror

L
Electrode
p+ GaAs
L

n+ GaAs
Electrode

Active region
(stimulated emission region)

A schematic illustration of a GaAs homojunction laser

diode. The cleaved surfaces act as reflecting mirrors.
© 1999 S.O. Kasap, Optoelectronics (Prentice Hall)
APPLICATIONS OF LASERS
 Lasers in industry –1) welding
 2) Cutting
 3) Drilling
 4) Heat treatment

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 LASERS IN MEDICINE
1. Ophthalmologists using Argon ion lasers for welding retinal detachment
2.In dermatology , lasers are used to remove freckles, acne, birth marks
and tattoo.
3. Lasers are used in destroying kidney stones and gallstones.
4.Lasers are used in caner diagnosis and therapy.
5. Laser scapels are used for bloodless surgery.

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LASERS IN SCIENTFIC FIELDS
 Lasers in metrology
 Lasers in defence
 Lasers in nuclear energy
 Lasers in consumer electronic idustry
 Lasers in optical communications

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 THAN ’Q’ THAN ’Q’