Introduction to Lasers
1. What does LASER stand for?
2. Define each of the following terms:
a. metastable stateb. population inversion
c. spontaneous emission
d. stimulated emission
3. What are the four characteristics of laser light?
4. State the required elements of a laser.
5. For each of the following laser types listed, give the most common operating wavelength(s) and one use of the laser. If you need more information, try the "laser adventure", http://www.phys.ksu.edu/perg/vqm/laserweb/Preface/Toc.htm
a. CO2b. Excimer
c. Nd:YAG
d. semiconductor