Back in 1958, Arthur L. Schawlow, a researcher at Bell Labs, invented the laser. This invention, which opened the way to a multibillion-dollar industry, was based on the use of infra-red light or the visible spectrum.
Laser, or ‘Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation’, is a light source of high energy emitted by atoms, which travels in a straight line in the form of a small beam. Unlike normal light, a laser does not spread. This is because it is made up of only one color. Building a laser is very expensive and difficult. In short, when electrons get energized, they release energy in the form of light of a particular color. Hence, energizing a number of electrons can lead to the formation of laser.
There are innumerable uses for lasers, which include retrieving and recording information, communication, and to measure distance accurately. Lasers are used in hospitals to perform laser surgery, and in supermarket stores for scanning. Music is saved on CDs as digital codes with the help of laser. Also, lasers are used in the process of soldering.
It has been proven that lasers can be very hazardous to people who are in close proximity to them. A laser beam can destroy the eye’s retina if looked at closely. If skin is exposed to a laser beam of high power, it can cause burns. High power laser beams directed on inflammable material can be the source of an ignition or fire. The dangers of lasers cannot be overlooked, and hence is it imperative to remember that safety counts first.
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