kiinteäaineslaserit

Kiinteäaineslaserit, or solid-state lasers, are a type of laser that uses a solid gain medium rather than a gas or liquid. The gain medium is typically a crystal or glass doped with rare-earth elements or transition metals. These dopant ions are the active centers that absorb pump energy and then emit laser light. Common examples of solid-state laser gain media include Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG), Titanium-doped Sapphire (Ti:Sapphire), and Ytterbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Yb:YAG).

The operation of a solid-state laser involves pumping the gain medium with an external energy source, which can be another laser (often a diode laser), a flashlamp, or an electrical discharge. This pumping process excites the dopant ions to a higher energy level. When these excited ions transition back to a lower energy level, they emit photons. Within the laser cavity, formed by mirrors, these photons are amplified through stimulated emission, creating a coherent beam of laser light.

Solid-state lasers are known for their high power output, efficiency, and versatility. They are used in a wide range of applications, including industrial manufacturing (cutting, welding, marking), medical procedures (surgery, dermatology), scientific research (spectroscopy, material analysis), telecommunications, and entertainment (laser pointers, projectors). Their compact size and robustness also make them suitable for portable devices and demanding environments. The specific properties of the emitted laser light, such as wavelength and pulse duration, can be tailored by choosing different gain media and cavity configurations.