How Do Laser Pointers Work?
There are a lot of different types of lasers and laser pointers available today. But how do they actually work? There are some major differences in how each type of laser produces light, although the laser light is very different than normal light.
There are a few properties that determine how the light is produced. First the lights release is monochromatic, meaning it contains one specific wavelength frequency within the visible light spectrum. This wavelength is what determines the color and amount of energy released. Secondly, the light is released coherently, meaning that each photon is organized in step with the others, so all the light launches in unison. Thirdly, the light is very directional in that the condensed beam is very tight and strong when concentrated.
These are not like your average flashlights, because in order to make all three of these properties function something called ‘stimulated emission’ is necessary. Another major key factor in the production of lasers is the use of lenses and mirrors. The photons produced by the energized crystal have a very specific wavelength that reflect off the mirrors and move back and forth throughout the entire lasing medium or body. While doing this other electrons become stimulated and make a bigger jump to the laser light energy being produced.
This creates a cascade effect where the light becomes more and more amplified until it reaches the final mirror which is designed to allow only the specific wavelength frequency desired to pass through, and that is the laser light. 532nm produces green light, 650nm red, 473nm blue, and others like 405nm purple are now all available, even infrared frequencies of 808nm or higher. The technology is becoming even more advanced as competition fuels better designs in more convenient compact shapes with higher output powers as well.
Think Lasers provides world class laser pointers with the latest in diodes and laser technology. If you are looking to buy green laser pointers or any other laser type, there is only one United States based source you can trust at Think Lasers. Take a look at the lowest prices online and the widest laser selection anywhere, lasers of all shapes and sizes.
laser pointer in action
