Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) is a narrow beam of low energy divergence of high intensity. Since its discovery in 1958, it has quickly found its way from the laboratory to the production floor. Laser applications are widely used in various industries.
Lasers are widely used in manufacturing because they allow the fabrication of high-quality structures. They avoid the mechanical stress that can be caused by normal drills and blades and are therefore used for high-precision work. They are used for cutting, welding, bending and even drilling.
The communications industry uses laser applications for long-distance optical data transmission. Remote sensing atmospheric satellites also use lasers. Laser projection screens, although very expensive, are far superior to ordinary projectors and are used in flight simulators. CD and DVD players use low power lasers.
Lasers are also used in geology and seismology and help increase our understanding of our planet.
There are many applications of lasers in the medical field. Lasers are now used for certain surgeries as they minimize the risk of bleeding and damage to surrounding tissues. Laser scalpels are used for surgeries in places that require a lot of precision, such as the eye and the prostate. LASIK has become very popular due to the ease with which it repairs the eye. Laser imaging and microscopy help doctors reach more accurate diagnoses.
The industry that uses the most laser applications is the military. Most of the applications in other industries originated as a product of military experiments. Laser applications in the military are used for target designation and ranging. They are also used for optical communications. Lasers are used to intercept, track, and destroy intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Laser-guided missiles find their targets with deadly precision. Even firearms have laser sights to guide the shooter. Field deployed lasers are used to destroy enemy artillery and mines. It is possible that lasers can also be used to blind enemy soldiers.
The most controversial application of lasers was the Strategic Defense Initiative, better known as Star Wars, the United States program to destroy enemy intercontinental ballistic missiles with well-aimed lasers from space. He was criticized for being unscientific.
Whatever its history, laser applications in industry are here to stay. With our fossil fuels depleted, scientists are working on using high-power lasers to generate electricity. This ‘clean’ energy source could bring respite to our planet.
