Have you ever seen a laser? They're powerful beams of
electromagnetic radiation. Laser beams can be made from visible
light, x-rays, ultraviolet light or infrared light.
Did you know? Laser stands for Light
Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
But how do lasers work? This video explains:
To get a laser you need to get some excited atoms! Excited atoms
emit photons. This in turn stimulates other atoms to emit
photons.
To make a powerful laser you can trap the atoms between two
mirrors. This bounces the photons back and forth, increasing the
stimulation of other atoms.
Unlike the light we see from the sun, light from a laser is made
up of just one colour. All the waves in light from a laser travel
in the same direction, making a concentrated beam.
So that's the theory....but it's more exciting to have a look at
a laser in action:
What do we need lasers for?
Lasers are one of the most important inventions of the 20th
Century. Here are just a few of the things we need lasers for:
- DVD players
- In medicine, such as eye surgery
- In space exploration. NASA have sent a laser to Mars on their
Curiosity Rover.
- To drill holes in diamonds! We can use tiny diamonds for
scientific research.
- Communication - internet and TV
Do you want to know more about lasers? Email planetscience@tinopolis.com with
your questions and we'll find an expert to answer them for you!