PHY110

LASER
POINTER NAME: M SIDHANTH ASOK
SECTION: K23KS
ROLL NO.: 17
REGISTRATION NO.: 12306348

21 OCT 2023
INTRODUCTION

A laser pointer is a small handheld device that

emits a narrow beam of light. It uses a laser diode
to produce a concentrated, coherent beam of light
that is visible even at great distances. Laser
pointers are commonly used in presentations,
lectures, and demonstrations to highlight specific
points or objects. They are also popular among pet
owners as a toy for cats and dogs. Laser pointers
come in a variety of colors, with green being the
most popular due to its brightness and visibility.
 The actual inventor of the laser is debatable, but all can agree
HISTORY the concept originally came from Albert Einstein, who was
OF interested in light waves but didn’t go as far as to invent it. In
1958 at Bell Labs, the first theory to produce lasers was
LASER created. A race began to invent it, with several contenders
battling for the laser throne. . In 1960, Theodore Maiman at
Hughes Aircraft used a ruby as a lasing medium to create “the
first laser.” However, Gordon Gould (first person to even use
the word laser), patented “the first laser” in 1977. Many labs,
many kinds of lasers, a lot of inventors, and total chaos.

Theodore Maiman
1960
 WORKING PRINCIPLE

The working principle of a laser pointer is based on the

process of stimulated emission. A laser diode inside the
pointer produces light by passing an electric current
through a semiconductor material. This light is then
focused and amplified by a series of mirrors and lenses
before it exits the pointer as a narrow, coherent beam of
light.

The laser diode produces light of a specific wavelength,

which determines the color of the laser beam. Green laser
pointers, for example, typically use a diode that emits
light at a wavelength of 532 nanometers, while red laser
pointers use a diode that emits light at a wavelength of
650 nanometers.
 POINTING
APPLICATION Laser pointers are often used in educational and business presentations and visual

OF demonstrations as an eye-catching pointing device.

LASER INDUSTRIAL AND RESEARCH USE

POINTER Laser pointers are used in industry. For instance, construction companies may use high
quality laser pointers to enhance the accuracy of showing specific distances, while working
on large-scale projects.

Weapons systems
Accurately aligned laser pointers are used as laser gunsights to aim a firearm.
Some militaries use lasers to mark targets at night for aircraft. This is done to ensure that
"friendly" and "enemy" targets are not mistaken. A friendly target may wear an IR emitting
device that is only visible to those utilizing night vision (such as pilots). To pinpoint the exact
location of an enemy combatant, they would simply illuminate the target with a laser beam
detectable by the attacking aircraft. This can be one of the most accurate ways of marking
targets.
 1. Semiconductor material preparation: The semiconductor material, typically made of

MAKING gallium arsenide or indium phosphide, is prepared in a clean room environment.

2. Epitaxy: A thin layer of material is grown on top of the semiconductor wafer using a

OF process called epitaxy. This layer is designed to emit light when an electric current is
passed through it.

LASER 3. Wafer processing: The wafer is then processed to create individual laser diodes. This
involves etching the wafer with precise patterns using photolithography and then using

POINTER chemical and physical processes to remove unwanted material.

4. Assembly: The laser diode is mounted onto a metal heat sink and connected to
electrical leads. A lens is also attached to the diode to focus the light into a narrow
beam.
5. Testing: The laser pointer is then tested to ensure that it emits light at the correct
wavelength and has the desired output power.
6. Packaging: The laser pointer is packaged in a plastic or metal casing with a power
source, typically batteries.
7. Quality control: The final product undergoes quality control checks to ensure that it
meets safety and performance standards.
CHRONOLOGICAL 1. 1960s - First laser pointers developed using
DEVELOPMENT helium-neon lasers.
IN 2. 1980s - Introduction of diode laser pointers,
LASER POINTER which are smaller and more efficient than gas
lasers.
3. 1990s - Development of green laser pointers
using frequency-doubled diode lasers.
4. 2000s - Introduction of blue laser pointers using
frequency-tripled diode lasers.
5. 2010s - Advancements in semiconductor
technology lead to development of more powerful
and efficient laser pointers.
HAZARDS AND RISKS
Incorrect power rating
National Institute of Standards and Technology tests conducted on laser pointers labeled as Class IIIa or 3R in 2013 showed that about half of
them emitted power at twice the Class limit, making their correct designation Class IIIb – more hazardous than Class IIIa. The highest
measured power output was 66.5 milliwatts; more than 10 times the limit. Green laser light is generated from an infrared laser beam, which
should be confined within the laser housing; however, more than 75% of the devices tested were found to emit infrared light in excess of the
limit.

Malicious use
Laser pointers, with their very long range, are often maliciously shone at people to distract or annoy them, or for fun. This is considered
particularly hazardous in the case of aircraft pilots, who may be dazzled or distracted at critical times.

Eye injury
The output of laser pointers available to the general public is limited (and varies by country) in order to prevent accidental damage to the retina
of human eyes . The U.K. Health Protection Agency recommended that "laser pointers generally available to the public should be restricted to
less than 1 milliwatt as no injuries [like the one reported below to have caused retinal damage] have been reported at this power". In the U.S.,
regulatory authorities allow lasers up to 5 mW.
 Laser pointers have undergone
significant technological
advancements since their
development in the 1960s. From the
initial helium-neon lasers to the more
efficient diode laser pointers in the

CONCLUSIO 1980s, green laser pointers in the

1990s, blue laser pointers in the
2000s, and more powerful and
N efficient laser pointers in the 2010s,
these devices have become more
widely available and useful in various
fields.
PHY110

Thank you

K23KS M SIDHANTH ASOK