Lasers were launched for the first time in 1960 by Charles Hard Townes. At that time, lasers were known as death rage because of their high power. Many of the applications of lasers were not even discovered at the time of their invention: Lasers were called ‘a solution looking for a problem’ (Townes). Today, after 50 years, the laser has found its usage in thousands of highly varied applications.
Invention of Laser
Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser light is emitted by the process of stimulated emission. Laser light is a spatially coherent, narrow low-divergence beam. It was invented by the photographer Theodore Maiman. When he placed a ruby stone on the lens of his camera, the red light emitted from the lens was different from normal light. Later, Theodore studied the light in Hughes Research Laboratories. (Townes).
He observed that when a ruby rod is charged with a flash of light, it emits energy. This energy is responsible of the emission of rays which are coherent i.e. light produced in-step waves of identical frequency, phase and polarization. Today, lasers with a power range of less than 1mW to 1.3 PW are available.
Application of LASER – A Revolutionary Technology
The invention of the laser caused a revolution in industry. Lasers caught the interest of industrialists and defense services. Lasers became famous through comics and movies. Today, every sector has an application for lasers. They are used in industries to manufacture sophisticated machines and for precision cutting. Lasers are also used to make thin optical fiber cables.
The application of lasers in medical technology is no less important. Today, lasers are used in the treatment of diseases like cancer and kidney stones. Lasers have found their application in defense; laser guided bombs and missiles, identification of land mines and marking of targets are well known applications of lasers. Lasers are also used in space technology, cosmetic skin treatments and entertainment like laser light shows.
Future Applications of LASER Technology
The future application of lasers will be found in communication at nano-scale and in medical technology. Due to development in holographic technology, there is the possibility of seeing realistic images in homes and offices just like 3-D movies. The large amount of information will be stored in laser based memory storage devices which will be faster than current memory storage devices. Lasers are optimistically seen as future sources of energy through solar based satellites to transfer energy on earth. Much dreamed nuclear fusion requires a high amount of energy which can be supplied by using high power lasers. (Scienceclarified.com)
The invention of lasers has not only revolutionized the present world but it promises to revolutionize the future of human society through its endless applications.
References:
"The Future of Lasers", Scienceclarified.com (retrieved on May 18, 2010)
"The First Laser", Charles H. Townes, press.uchigago.edu (retrieved on May 18, 2010)
"Light Warfare", Forbes.com (retrieved on May 18, 2010)
"Applications of Laser", GSU.edu (retrieved on May 18, 2010)
Manoj Yadav - A working professional and a freelance writer by interest, I enjoy studying and writing about diverse issues and topics. Being a student ...
Join the Conversation