[ley-zer] 
| a device that produces a nearly parallel, nearly monochromatic, and coherent beam of light by exciting atoms to a higher energy level and causing them to radiate their energy in phase. |
la·ser (lā'zər)  (click for larger image in new window) n. Any of several devices that emit highly amplified and coherent radiation of one or more discrete frequencies. One of the most common lasers makes use of atoms in a metastable energy state that, as they decay to a lower energy level, stimulate others to decay, resulting in a cascade of emitted radiation. [l(ight) a(mplification by) s(timulated) e(mission of) r(adiation).] |
A device that produces a very narrow, highly concentrated beam of light. Lasers have a variety of uses in such areas as surgery, welding and metal cutting, and sound and video recording and reproduction. The name is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.
laser la·ser (lā'zər)
n.
Any of several devices that convert incident electromagnetic radiation of mixed frequencies to discrete frequencies of highly amplified and coherent ultraviolet, visible, or infrared radiation; used in surgery to cut and dissolve tissue.
laser hardware
(Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) The type of light source used in a laser printer.
(2003-05-08)
| laser light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation |
