Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 10: Problem 37

What is the origin of the word laser?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The acronym "laser" stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". The term was first introduced by physicist Gordon Gould in 1957.

Step by step solution

01

Define the word laser

The word laser is an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". It is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. Lasers have various applications, such as in surgery, communication, industry, research, and even entertainment.
02

Explain the origin of the word laser

The term "laser" originated from the acronym that was first introduced by physicist Gordon Gould in 1957 when he was working on the development of a device based on the stimulated emission of photons. The concept of stimulated emission was originally theorized by Albert Einstein in 1917. The first working laser was built by Theodore H. Maiman in 1960 at Hughes Research Laboratories, based on the theoretical work of Charles Hard Townes and Arthur Leonard Schawlow.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

How might you explain the concept of quantization to a younger child (brother, sister, niece, ctc.), using money as the quantized entity?

Discuss what is meant by the term ionization. Give two ways by which an atom might acquire enough energy to become ionized.

If sunlight can be conceived of as a beam of photons, each of which carries a certain amount of energy and momentum, why don't we experience (or feel) any recoil as these particles collide with our bodies when, say, we're at the beach on a sunny day?

Distinguish laser light from the light emitted by an ordinary lightbulb in as many ways as you can.

What is a photon? How is its energy related to its frequency? To its wavelength?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Geometrical and Physical Optics

Read Explanation

Measurements

Read Explanation

Conservation of Energy and Momentum

Read Explanation

Electrostatics

Read Explanation

Circular Motion and Gravitation

Read Explanation

Physical Quantities And Units

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free