Everything that is concentrated increases its energy, a principle that Albert Einstein began to study in 1917. This concept was later developed by physicists Charles H. Townes, Nicolay Basov and Aleksandr Prokhorov, who won the Nobel Prize in 1964 for creating the first laser prototypes. However, already in 1950, French physicist Alfred Kastler introduced the concept of "optical pumping", laying the foundations for these extraordinary innovations.
LASER is the acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, or amplification of light through stimulated emission of radiation.
Premise
My research on the principles and applications of the laser beam, consulting authoritative sources such as The sciences e greenane.com, have highlighted the revolutionary impact of this invention. The laser has transformed numerous sectors, from medicine to telecommunications, from industry to defense, with applications that deserve an entire volume to be explored in depth. It represents one of the most significant discoveries of modern science, fundamental to contemporary technological innovation.
The laser in pills
A laser works by creating a beam of light where all the photons move in perfect synchronization. This is done through a process called stimulated emission, which amplifies the light through a cycle of reflections between two mirrors. The result is a coherent and highly focused beam.
The laser works by using light to "excite" electrons in a special material, the means of earning. Thanks to optical pumping, electrons reach a higher energy state. When they return to a lower energy state, they release photons that, when reflected between two mirrors, stimulate the emission of other identical photons, thus amplifying the beam.
A hole in one of the mirrors allows coherent light to escape: the laser beam travels at the same speed as light, which in a vacuum is about 299.792.458 meters per second (about 300.000 km/s).
Not only visible
Laser is not limited to a visible range; it can generate radiation in different wavelengths. For example, the maser is a type of laser that emits microwaves and preceded the visible laser, initially called the "optical maser". Similar technologies led to the creation of devices such as the "atomic laser", which emits particles in coherent states, broadening the applications of laser science.
Military applications
Directed-energy weapons, such as lasers, have become a research focus for the Pentagon, which has stepped up efforts to develop these technologies in recent years. The intent is to equip naval vessels and ground vehicles with laser weapons, thereby amplifying their defensive and offensive capabilities.
Lasers are prized in the military for their precision, speed, and versatility. High-energy laser (HEL) weapon systems are designed to neutralize threats such as drones, missiles, vehicles, and to destroy enemy sensors.
The advantages include speed of action and "unlimited ammunition", while the limitations include high energy consumption (heat) and sensitivity to dust and atmospheric conditions. Other applications include temporarily blinding enemies and jamming sensors. In the future, lasers could be used to neutralize enemy satellites, intercept meteors or develop particle technologies, further expanding their strategic role.
Communication
Laser is taking on a crucial role in military communications due to its speed, security and ability to transmit data over long distances. It is used for secure, high-speed communications that are difficult to intercept. Long-distance laser technologies, such as Free Space Optics, enable transmissions between satellites and ground stations, reducing interference and improving reliability.
In hostile scenarios, lasers are reportedly less vulnerable to atmospheric disturbances and electronic interference, making them ideal for electronic warfare operations.
Electronic shielding
It is possible to create a "jamming bubble" of laser beams, which works by interfering with or blinding enemy optical sensors, such as cameras, radar, or infrared sights. Some low-power lasers are already operational. However, creating a large-scale jamming bubble is still a technological challenge, due to power limitations, atmospheric conditions, and the need for high precision.
Since its invention, the laser has revolutionized countless industries, pushing the boundaries of innovation. Whether saving lives in the operating room or defending strategic spaces, this technology is a shining example of how concentrated energy can transform our world.
Photo: US Air Force / US Navy / NASA
