Lasers Harnessing the Atom's Light Author:James P. Harbison, Robert E. Nahory Almost four decades ago, lasers put the power of the photon in our grasp. Lasers allow us to gather light energy, focus it, and put it to work. In the space of less than a billionth of a second, a laser can emit a beam of light with a billion-watt intensity. By launching that beam at the moon and measuring the time it takes to return, scientists... more » can determine the distance between the Earth and moon to within an inch. Welcome to the Age of Optics.
In 'Lasers', physicists and laser researchers James P. Harbison and Robert E. Nahory explain the principles behind laser technology and the possibilities it presents. This technology is based on ideas from one of the most celebrated yet arcane aspects of twentieth-century physics, the theory of quantum mechanics. The authors draw us into this subatomic world, describing how atoms inside the lasers are stimulated to release photons in the form of a single, potent beam of light. These beams can repair a damaged retina, play a compact disc, or guide a commercial plane.
'Lasers' tells the story of insights and inspirations that have advanced laser technology. Following the creation of the first successful lasers in 1960-the ruby crystal laser and the gas laser-scientists and engineers have developed an astounding array of lasers for a myriad of uses. The most versatile of all is the semiconductor laser, the light source for the optical communications networks that send voice, data and video signals around the world. 'Lasers' also explores the workings of the semiconductor lasers, demonstrating how they exploit the properties of semiconductor solids to create light.
Laser technology is still the technology of the future. Researchers are building experimental lasers that emit ultra powerful beams of X-rays and ignite nuclear fusion. They are growing semiconductor crystals atom by atom to build lasers so small, a million of them would fit on the nail of your little finger. These lasers may one day revolutionize computer and imaging technology.
'Lasers' offers a crystalline view of the principles of physics, chemistry and materials science at play. It is a story of idea and innovation, of science and its contributions to daily life. Brief and engaging, this book is for anyone who has ever wanted to invent something, or who admires people who do.« less