Lasers are used in numerous technologies we rely on every day, with CD players, tattoo applicators, hair removal and eye surgery to name a few. They are incredibly different from normal light rays and are much more powerful.

Monochromatic

Lasers do not use a spectrum of colors like normal light does. Instead, a laser light is a concentrated beam of only one color which is determined by the energy released.

Organization and direction

A laser beam has an organized pattern of photons (particles) which move in waves in unison with each other. Normal light waves do not move in unison with each other and the rays of light from a normal light source – such as a flashlight – beam off in different directions. Lasers, on the other hand, beam in one direction.

Process

In a laser, the photons are amplified to make a bright and compact beam. They are then stimulated to produce more photons which is done by first exciting then relaxing the atoms. Once relaxed to a normal state, atoms produce photons which bounce about until enough have been produced that they bounce through a semi-silvered mirror at the end of the tube. The expelled photons are seen as the beam of light coming from the end of a laser casing.

One impressive use of lasers was during one of the Apollo missions. NASA placed a mirror on the moon and bounced off a laser to see measure precisely how far away the moon is to the earth.

Due to their straight beam of light, lasers are used in industry to cut steel, measure floors in construction and can even smooth hard steel.
Many people have discussed the damage laser pointers can do to our eyes. Generally, laser pointers cannot cause permanent damage UNLESS directly pointed at the eye for long periods of time. The part of the eye that could be damaged by a laser is the retina and exposure to laser beams can cause temporary spots on the eye, which usually fade. However, if you are unsure about a symptom following exposure to lasers you must see a medical professional as soon as possible, to rule out the possibility of permanent damage.

Laser eye surgery is a common use for lasers, where the cornea is lasered to reduce it in size. This can correct eyesight problems and is becoming a common procedure for people across the world.

Amy is a keen blogger for Direct Sight, a leading provider of glasses and designer sunglasses online

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