What Is a Laser Crystal?
A laser crystal is a synthetic crystal, such as ruby, sapphire, or YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet), that is instrumental in generating laser light.
The process of laser light generation involves excitation followed by radiation. External energy excites the electrons in the active material within the crystal, elevating them to a higher energy level. As these electrons return to their original state, they emit photons, which collectively produce the coherent light known as laser light.
Laser crystals have diverse applications: in medical fields, they are crucial for tools like laser scalpels and in various laser treatments; in industry, they are used for processes such as laser cutting and welding. Scientific research benefits from them in laser spectroscopy and microscopy, while in telecommunications, they are key to optical fiber communications, and in information technology, they are used in the manufacturing of optical disks.