Glossary of Laser Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Absorb To transform radiant
energy into a different form, with a resultant ise in temperature.
Absorbtion Transformation of radiant energy
to a different form of energy by the interaction of matter, depending
on temperature and wavelength.
Absorbtion Coefficient Factor describing light's
ability to be absorbed per unit of path length.
Accessible Emission Level The magnitude of accessible
laser (or collateral) radiation of a specific wavelength or emission
duration at a particular point as measured by appropriate methods
and devices. Also means radiation to which human access is possible
in accordance with the definitions of the laser's hazard classification.
Accessible Emission Limit (AEL) The maximum accessible
emission level permitted within a particularly class. In ANSI
Z- 136.1, AEL is determined as the product of Accessible Emission
Maximum Permissible Exposure limit (MPE) and the area of the limiting
aperture (7mm for visible and near infrared lasers).
Active Medium Collection of atoms or molecules
capable of undergoing stimulated emission at a given wavelength.
Afocal Literally, "without a focal length";
an optical system with its object and image point at infinity.
Aiming Beam A laser (or other light source)
used as a guide light. Used coaxially with infrared or other invisible
light may also be a reduced level of the actual laser used for
surgery or for other applications.
Amplification The growth of the radiation field
in the laser resonator cavity. As the light wave bounces back
and forth between the cavity mirrors, it is amplified by stimulated
emission on each pass through the active medium.
Amplitude The maximum value of the electro-magnetic
wave, measured from the mean to the extreme; simply stated: the
height of the wave.
Angle of Incidence See Incident Ray
Angstrom Unit A unit of measure of wavelength
dual to 10(-10) meter, 0.1 nanometer, or 10(-4) micrometer, no
longer widely used nor recognized in the SI system of units.
Anode An electrical element in laser excitation
which attracts electrons from a cathode.
Aperture An opening through which radiation
can pass.
Apparent Visual Angle The angular subtense of
the source as calculated from the source size and distance from
the eye. It is not the beam divergence of the source.
AR Coatings Antireflection coatings used on
optical components to suppress unwanted reflections.
Argon A gas used as a laser medium. It emits
blue/green light primarily at 448 and 515 nm.
Articulated Arm CO(2) laser beam delivery device
consisting of a series of hollow tubes and mirrors interconnected
in such a manner as to maintain alignment of the laser beam along
the path of the arm.
Attenuation The decrease in energy (or power)
as a beam passes through an absorbing or scattering medium.
Autocollimator A single instrument combining
the functions of a telescope and a collimator to detect small
angular displacements of a mirror by means of its own collimated
light.
Average Power The total energy imparted during
exposure divided by the exposure duration.
Aversion Response Movement of the eyelid or
the head to avoid an exposure to a noxious stimulant, bright light.
It can occur within 0.25 seconds, and it includes the blink reflex
time.
Axial-Flow Laser A laser in which an axial flow
of gas is maintained through the tube to replace those gas molecules
depleted by the electrical discharge used to excite the gas molecules
to the lasing. See gas discharge laser.
Axicon Lens A conical lens which, when followed
by a conventional lens, can focus laser light to a ring shape.
Axis, Optical Axis The optical centerline for
a lens system; the line passing through the centers of curvature
of the optical surfaces of a lens.
Beam A collection of rays that
may be parallel, convergent, or divergent.
Beam Bender A hardware assembly containing an
optical device, such as a mirror, capable of changing the direction
of a laser beam; used to repoint the beam, and in "folded,"
compact laser systems.
Beam Diameter The distance between diametrically
opposed points in the cross section of a circular beam where the
intensity is reduced by a factor of e(-1) (0.368) of the level
(for safety standards). The value is normally chosen at e(-2)
(0.135) of the peak level for manufacturing specifications.
Beam Divergence Angle of beam spread measured
in radians more milliradians (1 milliradian = 3.4 minutes-of-arc
or approximately 1 mil). For small angles where the cord is approximately
equal to the arc, the beam divergence can be closely approximated
by the ratio of the cord length (beam diameter) divided by the
distance (range) from the laser aperture.
Beam Expander An optical device that increases
beam diameter while decreasing beam divergence (spread). In its
simplest form consists of two lenses, the first to diverge the
beam and the second to re-collimate it. Also called an upcollimator.
Beam Splitter An optical device using controlled
reflection to produce two beams from a single incident beam.
Blink Reflex See aversion response.
Brewster Windows The transmissive end (or both
ends) of the laser tube, made of transparent optical material
and set at Brewster's angle in gas lasers to achieve zero reflective
loss for one axis of plane polarized light. They are non-standard
on industrial lasers, but a must if polarization is desired.
Brightness The visual sensation of the luminous
intensity of a light source. The brightness of a laser beam is
most closely associated with the radio-metric concept of radiance.
C.I.E. Abbreviation for Commission
International de l'Eclairage, the French translation for: International
Commission on Illumination.
Calorimeter An instrument which measures the
energy, usually as heat generated by absorption of the laser beam.
Carbon Dioxide Molecule used as a laser medium.
Emits far energy at 10,600 nm (10.6 µm).
Cathode A negatively charged electrical element
providing electrons for an electrical discharge.
Closed Installation Any location where lasers
are used which will be closed to unprotected personnel during
laser operation.
CO(2) LASER A widely used laser in which the
primary lasing medium is carbon dioxide gas. The output wavelength
is 10.6 µm (10600 nm) in the far infrared spectrum. It can
be operated in either CW or pulsed.
Coaxial Gas A shield of inert gas flowing over
the target material to prevent plasma oxidation and absorption,
blow away debris, and control heat reaction. The gas jet has the
same axis as the beam,so the two can be aimed together.
Coherence A term describing light as waves which
are in phase in both time and space. Monochromaticity and low
divergence are two properties of coherent light.
Collimated Light Light rays that are parallel.
Collimated light is emitted by many lasers. Diverging light may
be collimated by a lens or other device.
Collimation Ability of the laser beam to not
spread significantly (low divergence) with distance.
Combiner Mirror The mirror in a laser which
combines two or more wavelengths into a coaxial beam.
Continuours Mode The duration of laser exposure
is controlled by the user (by foot or hand switch).
Continuous Wave (CW) Constant, steady-state
delivery of laser power.
Controlled Area A locale where the activity
of those within are subject to control and supervision for the
purpose of laser radiation hazard protection.
Convergence The bending of light rays toward
each other, as by a positive (convex) lens.
Corrected Lens A compound lens that is made
measurably free of aberrations through the careful selection of
its dimensions and materials.
Crystal A solid with a regular array of atoms.
Sapphire (Ruby Laser) and YAG (Nd:YAG laser) are two crystalline
materials used as laser sources.
Current Regulation Laser system regulation in
which discharge current is kept constant.
Current Saturation The maximum flow of electric
current in a conductor; in a laser, the point at which further
electrical input will not increase laser output.
CW Abbreviation for continuous wave; the continuous-emission
mode of a laser as opposed to pulsed operation.
Depth of Field The working range
of the beam in or near the focal plane of a lens; a function of
wavelength, diameter of the unfocused beam, and focal length of
the lens.
Depth of Focus The distance over which the focused
laser spot has a constant diameter and thus constant irradiance.
Dichroic Filter Filter that allows selective
transmission of colors desired wavelengths.
Diffraction Deviation of part of a beam, determined
by the wave nature of radiation and occurring when the radiation
passes the edge of an opaque obstacle.
Diffuse Reflection Takes place when different
parts of a beam incident on a surface are reflected over a wide
range of angles in accordance with Lambert's Law. The intensity
will fall-off as the inverse of the square of the distance away
from the surface and also obey a Cosine Law of reflection.
Diffuser An optical device or material that
homogenizes the output of light causing a very smooth, scattered,
even distribution over the area affected. The intensity will obey
Lambert's law (see Diffuse Reflection).
Divergence The increase in the diameter of the
laser beam with distance from the exit aperture. The value gives
the full angle at the point where the laser radiant exposure or
irradiance is e(-1) or e(-2) of the maximum value, depending upon
which criteria is used.
Dosimetry Measurement of the power, energy,
irradiance or radiant exposure of light delivered are two crystalline
materials used as laser to tissue.
Drift All undesirable variations in output either
amplitude or frequency).
Angular Drift Any unintended change in
direction of the beam before, during, and after warmup; measured
in mrad.
Duty Cycle Ratio of total "on" duration
to total exposure duration for a repetitively pulsed laser.
Electric Vector The electric
field associated with a light wave which has both direction and
amplitude.
Electromagnetic Radiation The propagation of
varying electric and magnetic fields through space at the velocity
of light.
Electromagnetic Spectrum The range of frequencies
and wavelengths emitted by atomic systems. The total spectrum
includes radiowaves as well as short cosmic rays. Wavelengths
cover a range from 1 hz to perhaps as high as 1020 hz.
Electromagnetic Wave A disturbance which propagates
outward from an electric charge that oscillates or is accelerated.
Includes radio waves; X-rays; gamma rays; and infrared, ultraviolet,
and visible light.
Electron Negatively charged particle of an atom.
Embedded Laser A laser with an assigned class
number higher than the inherent capability of the laser system
in which it is incorporated, where the systems lower classification
is appropriate to the engineering features limiting accessible
emission.
Emergent Beam Diameter Diameter of the laser
beam at the exit aperture of the system in centimeters (cm) defined
at e(-1) or e(-2) irradiance points.
Emission Act of giving off radiant energy by
an atom or molecule.
Emissivity The ratio of the radiant energy emitted
by a any source to that emitted by a blackbody at the same temperature.
Emittance The rate at which emission occurs.
Enclosed Laser Device Any laser or laser system
located within an enclosure which does not permit hazardous optical
radiation emission from the enclosure. The laser inside is termed
an "embedded laser."
Energy The product of power (watts) and duration
(seconds). One watt second = one Joule.
Energy (Q) The capacity for doing work. Energy
is commonly used to express the output from pulsed lasers and
it is generally measured in Joules (J). The product of power (watts)
and duration (seconds). One watt second = one Joule.
Energy Source High voltage electricity, radiowaves,
flashes of light, or another laser used to excite the laser medium.
Enhanced Pulsing Electronic modulation of a
laser beam to produce high peak power at the initial stage of
the pulse. This allows rapid vaporization of the material without
heating the surrounding area. Such pulses are many times the peak
power of the CW mode (also called "Superpulse").
Etalon A Fabry-Perot interferometer with a fixed
air gap separation. Such a device also serves as a basic laser
resonant cavity.
Eximer "Excited Dimmer" A gas mixture
used as the active medium in a family of lasers emitting ultraviolet
light.
Excitation Energizing a material into a state
of population inversion.
Excited State Atom with an electron in a higher
energy level than it normally occupies.
Exempted Laser Product In the U.S., a laser
device exempted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from
all or some of the requirements of 21 CFR 1040.
Extended Source An extended source of radiation
can be resolved into a geometrical image in contrast with a point
source of radiation, which cannot be resolved into a geometrical
image. A light source whose diameter subtends a relatively large
angle from an observer.
F-Number The focal length of
lens divided by its usable diameter. In the case of a laser the
usable diameter is the diameter of the laser beam or a smaller
aperture which restricts a laser beam.
Fabry-Perot Interferometer Two plane, parallel
partially reflective optically flat mirrors placed with a small
air gap separation (1-20 mm) so as to produce interference between
the light waves (interference fringes) transmitted with multiple
reflections through the plate.
Failsafe Interlock An interlock where the failure
of a single mechanical or electrical component of the interlock
will cause the system to go into, or remain in, a safe mode.
Femtoseconds 10-15 seconds.
Fiberoptics A system of flexible quartz or glass
fibers with internal reflective surfaces that pass light through
thousands of glancing (total internal) reflections.
Flashlamp A tube typically filled with Krypton
or Xenon. Produces a high intensity white light in short duration
pulses.
Fluoresence The emission of light of a particular
wavelength resulting from absorption of energy typically from
light of shorter wavelengths.
Flux The radiant, or luminous, power of a light
beam; the time rate of the flow of radiant energy across a given
surface.
Focal Length Distance between the center of
a lens and the point on the optical axis to which parallel rays
of light are converged by the laser.
Focal Point That distance from the focusing
lens where the laser beam has the smallest diameter.
Focus As a noun, the point where rays of light
meet which have been reflected by a mirror or refracted by a lens,
giving rise to an image of the source. As a verb, to adjust focal
length for the clearest image and smallest spot size.
Folded Resonator Construction in which the interior
optical path is bent by mirrors; permit compact packaging of a
long laser cavity.
Frequency The number of light waves passing
a fixed point in a given unit of time, or the number of complete
vibrations in that period.
Gain Another term for amplification.
Gas Discharge Laser A laser containing a gaseous
lasing medium in a glass tube in which a constant flow of gas
replenishes the molecules depleted by the electricity or chemicals
used for excitation.
Gas Laser A type of laser in which the laser
action takes place in a gas medium.
Gated Pulse A discontinuous burst of laser light,
made by timing (gating) a continuous wave output - usually in
fractions of a second.
Gaussian Curve Normal Statistical curve showing
a peak with even distribution on either side. May either be a
sharp peak with steep sides, or a blunt peak with shallower sides.
Used to show power distribution in a beam. The concept is important
in controlling the geometry of the laser impact.
Ground State Lowest energy level of an atom.
Half-Power Point The value on
either the leading or trailing edge of a laser pulse at which
the power is one-half of its maximum value.
Heat Sink A substance or device used to dissipate
or absorb unwanted heat energy.
Helium Neon(HeNe) Laser A laser in which the
active medium is a mixture of helium and neon. Its wavelength
is usually in the visible range. Used widely for alignment, recording,
printing, and measuring.
Hertz (Hz) Unit of frequency in the International
System of Units (SI), abbreviated Hz; replaces cps for cycles
per second.
Hologram A photographic film or plate containing
interference patterns created by the coherence of laser light.
A three dimensional image may be reconstructed from a hologram.
Here are transmission, reflection or integral holograms.
Image The optical reproduction
of an object, produced by a lens or mirror. A typical positive
lens converges rays to form a "real" image which can
be photographed. A negative lens spreads rays to form a "virtual"
image which can't be projected.
Incident Light A ray of light that falls on
the surface of a lens or any other object. The "angle of
incidence" is the angle made by the ray with a perpendicular
to the surface.
Infrared Radiation (IR) Invisible Electromagnetic
radiation with wavelengths which lie within the range of 0.70
to 1000 µm. These wavelengths are often broken up into regions:
IR-A (0.7-1.4 µm), IR-B (1.4-3.0 µm) and IR-C (3.0-1000
µm).
Integrated Radiance Product of the exposure
duration times the radiance. Also known as pulsed radiance.
Intensity The magnitude of radiant energy.
Intrabeam Viewing The viewing condition whereby
the eye is exposed to all or part of a direct laser beam or a
specular reflection.
Ion Laser A type of laser employing a very high
discharge current, passing down a small bore to ionize a noble
gas such as argon or krypton.
Ionizing Radiation Radiation commonly associated
with X-Ray or other high energy electro-magnetic radiation which
will cause DNA damage with no direct, immediate thermal effect.
Contrasts with non-ionizing radiation of lasers.
Irradiance (E) Radiant flux (radiant power)
per unit area incident upon a given surface. Units: Watts per
square centimeter. (Sometimes referred to as power density, although
not exactly correct).
Irradiation Exposure to radiant energy, such
as heat, X-rays, or light.
Joule (J) A unit of energy (1
watt-second) used to describe the rate of energy delivery. It
is equal to one watt-second or 0.239 calorie.
Joule/cm(2) A unit of radiant exposure used
in measuring the amount of energy incident upon a unit area.
KTP Potassium Titanyl Phosphate. A crystal used to change the wavelength of a Nd:YAG laser from
1060 nm (infrared) to nm (green).
Lambertian Surface An ideal
diffuse surface whose emitted or reflected radiance (brightness)
is dependent on the viewing angle.
Laser An acronym for light amplification by
stimulated emission of radiation. A laser is a cavity, with mirrors
at the ends, filled with material such as crystal, glass, liquid,
gas or dye. A device which produces an intense beam of light with
the unique properties of coherency, collimation and monochromaticity.
Laser Accessories The hardware and options available
for lasers, such as secondary gases, Brewster windows, Q-switches
and electronic shutters.
Laser Controlled Area See Controlled Area.
Laser Device Either a laser or a laser system.
Laser Medium (Active Medium) material used to
emit the laser light and for which the laser is named.
Laser Oscillation The buildup of the coherent
wave between laser cavity end mirrors producing standing waves.
Laser Product A legal term in the U.S. See 21
CFR 1040.10, a laser or laser system or any other product that
incorporates or is intended to incorporate a laser or a laser
system.
Laser Rod A solid-state, rod-shaped lasing medium
in which ion excitation is caused by a source of intense light,
such as a flashlamp. Various materials are used for the rod, the
earliest of which was synthetic ruby crystal.
Laser Safety Officer (LSO) One who has authority
to monitor and enforce measure to the control of laser hazards
and effect the knowledgeable evaluation and control of laser hazards.
Laser System An assembly of electrical, mechanical
and optical components which includes a laser. Under the Federal
Standard, a laser in combination with its power supply (energy
source).
Leading Edge Spike The initial pulse in a series
of pulsed laser emissions, often useful in starting a reaction
at the target surface. The trailing edge of the laser power is
used to maintain the reaction after the initial burst of energy.
Lens A curved piece of optically transparent
material which depending on its shape is used to either converge
or diverge light.
Light The range of electromagnetic radiation
frequencies detected by the eye, or the wavelength range from
about 400 to 760 nanometers. The term is sometimes used loosely
to include radiation beyond visible limits.
Light Regulation A form of power regulation
in which output power is monitored and maintained at a constant
level by controlling discharge current.
Limiting Angular Subtense The apparent visual
angle which divides intrabeam viewing from extended-source viewing.
Limiting Aperture The maximum circular area
over which radiance and radiant exposure can be averaged when
determining safety hazards.
Limiting Exposure Duration An exposure duration
which is specifically limited by the design or intended use(s).
Longitudinal or Axial Mode Determines the wavelength
bandwidth produced by a given laser system controlled by the distance
between the two mirrors of the laser cavity. Individual longitudinal
mode standing waves within a laser cavity.
Lossy Medium A medium which absorbs or scatters
radiation passing through it.
Maintenance Performance of those
adjustments or procedures specified in user information provided
by the manufacturer with the laser or laser system, which are
to be performed by the user to ensure the intended performance
of the product. It does not include operation or service as defined
in this glossary.
Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) The level
of laser radiation to which person may be exposed without hazardous
effect or adverse biological changes in the eye or skin.
Meniscus Lens A lens which has one side convex,
the other concave.
Metastable State The state of an atom, just
below a higher excited state, which an electron occupies momentarily
before destabilizing and emitting light. The upper of the two
lasing levels.
Micrometer A unit of length in the International
System of Units (SI) equal to one-millionth of a meter. Often
referred to as a "micron".
Micron An abbreviated expression for micrometer
which is the unit of length equal to 1 millionth of a meter. See
Micrometer.
Microprocessor A digital chip (computer) that
operates, controls and monitors some lasers.
Mode A term used to describe how the power of
a laser beam is geometrically distributed across the cross-section
of the beam. Also used to describe the operating mode of a laser
such as continuous or pulsed laser.
Mode Locked A method of producing laser pulses
in which short pulses (approximately 10-12 second) are produced
and emitted in bursts or a continuous train.
Modulation The ability to superimpose an external
signal on the output beam of the laser as a control.
Monochromatic Light Theoretically, light consisting
of just one wavelength. No light is absolutely single frequency
since it will have some bandwidth. Lasers provide the narrowest
of bandwidths that can be achieved.
Multimode Laser emission at several closely-spaced
frequencies.
Nanometer (nm) A unit of length
in the International System of Units (SI) equal to one-billionth
of a meter. Abbreviated nm - a measure of length. One nm equals
10(-9) meter, and is the usual measure of light wavelengths. Visible
light ranges from about 400 nm in the purple to about 760 nm in
the deep red.
Nanosecond One billionth (10-9) of a second.
Longer than a picosecond or femto-second, but shorter than a micro-second.
Associated with Q-switched lasers.
Nd:Glass Laser A solid-state laser of neodymium:
glass offering high power in short pulses. A Nd doped glass rod
used as a laser medium to produce 1064 nm light.
Nd:YAG Laser Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet.
A synthetic crystal used as a laser medium to produce 1064 nm
light.
Near Field Imaging A solid-state laser imaging
technique offering control of spot size and hole geometry, adjustable
working distance, uniform energy distribution, and a wide range
of spot sizes.
NEMA Abbreviation for National Electrical Manufactures'
Association, a group which defines and recommends safety standards
for electrical equipment.
Neodymium (Nd) The rare earth element that is
the active element in Nd:YAG laser and Nd:Glass lasers.
Noise Unwanted minor currents or voltages in
an electrical system.
Nominal Hazard Zone (NHZ) The nominal hazard
zone describes the space within which the level of the direct,
reflected or scattered radiation during normal operation exceeds
the applicable MPE. Exposure levels beyond the boundary of the
NHZ are below the appropriate MPE level.
Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD) The axial
beam distance from the laser where the exposure or irradiance
falls below the applicable exposure limit.
Object The subject matter or
figure imaged by, or seen through, an optical system.
Opacity The condition of being non-transparent.
Open Installation Any location where lasers
are used which will be open to operating personnel during laser
operation and may or may not specifically restrict entry to observers.
Operation The performance of the laser or laser
system over the full range of its intended functions (normal operation).
It does not include maintenance or services as defined in this
glossary.
Optic Disk The portion of the optic nerve within
the eye which is formed by the meeting of all the retinal nerve
fibers at the level of the retina.
Optical Cavity (Resonator) Space between the
laser mirrors where lasing action occurs.
Optical Density A logarithmic expression for
the attenuation produced by an attenuating medium, such as an
eye protection filter.
Optical Fiber A filament of quartz or other
optical material capable of transmitting light along its length
by multiple internal reflection and emitting it at the end.
Optical Pumping The excitation of the lasing
medium by the application of light rather than electrical discharge.
Optical Radiation Ultraviolet, visible and infrared
radiation (0.35-1.4 µm) that falls in the region of transmittance
of the human eye.
Optical Resonator See Resonator.
Optically Pumped Lasers A type of laser that
derives energy from another light source such as a xenon or krypton
flashlamp or other laser source.
Output Coupler Partially reflective mirror in
laser cavity which allows emission of laser light.
Output Power The energy per second measured
in watts emitted from the laser in the form of coherent light.
Phase Waves are in phase with
each other when all the troughs and peaks coincide and are "locked"
together. The result is a reinforced wave in increased amplitude
(brightness).
Photocoagulation Use of the laser beam to heat
tissue below vaporization temperatures with the principal objective
being to stop bleeding and coagulate tissue.
Photometer An instrument which measures luminous
intensity.
Photon In quantum theory, the elemental unit
of light, having both wave and particle behavior. It has motion,
but no mass or charge. The photon energy (E) is proportional to
the EM wave frequency (v) by the relationship: E=hv; where h is
Planck's constant (6.63 x l0(-34) Joule-sec).
Photosensitizers Chemical substances or medications
which increase the sensitivity of the skin or eye to irradiation
by optical radiation, usually to UV.
Picosecond A period of time equal to 10-12 seconds.
Pigment Epithelium A layer of cells at the back
of the retina containing pigment granules.
Plasma Shield The ability of plasma to shop
transmission of laser light.
Pockel's Cell An electro-optical crystal used
as a Q-switch.
Point Source Ideally, a source with infinitesimal
dimensions. Practically, a source of radiation whose dimensions
are small compared with the viewing distance.
Pointing Errors Beam movement and divergence,
due to instability within the laser or other optical distortion.
Polarization Restriction of the vibrations of
the electromagnetic field to a single plane, rather that the innumerable
planes rotating about the vector axis. Various forms of polarization
include random, linear, vertical, horizontal, elliptical and circular.
Population Inversion A state in which a substance
has been energized, or excited, so that more atoms or molecules
are in a higher excited state than in a lower resting state. This
is necessary prerequisite for laser action.
Power The rate of energy delivery expressed
in watts (joules per second). Thus: 1 Watt = 1 Joule x 1 Sec.
Power Meter An accessory used to measure laser
beam power.
PRF Pulse Repetition Frequency. The number of
pulses produced per second by a laser.
Protective Housing A protective housing is a
device designed to prevent access to radiant power or energy.
Pulse A discontinuous burst of laser, light
or energy, as opposed to a continuous beam. A true pulse achieves
higher peak powers than that attainable in a CW output.
Pulse Duration The "on" time of a
pulsed laser, it may be measured in terms of milliseconds, microsecond,
or nanosecond as defined by half-peak-power points on the leading
and trailing edges of the pulse.
Pulse Mode Operation of a laser when the beam
is intermittently on in fractions of a second.
Pulsed Laser A laser which delivers energy in
the form of a single or train of pulses.
Pump To excite the lasing medium. See Optical
Pumping or Pumping.
Pumped Medium Energized laser medium.
Pumping Addition of energy (thermal, electrical,
or optical) into the atomic population of the laser medium, necessary
to produce a state of population inversion.
Q-Switch A device that has the
effect of a shutter to control the laser resonator's ability to
oscillate. Control allows one to spoil the resonator's "Q-factor",
keeping it low to prevent lasing action. When a high level of
energy is stored, the laser can emit a very high-peak-power pulse.
Q-Switched Laser A laser which stores energy
in the laser media to produce extremely short, extremely high
intensity bursts of energy.
Radian A unit of angular measure
equal to the angle subtended at the center of a circle by a chord
whose length is equal to the radius of the circle.
Radiance Brightness; the radiant power per unit
solid angle and per unit area of a radiating surface.
Radiant Energy (Q) Energy in the form of electromagnetic
waves usually expressed in units of Joules (watt-seconds).
Radiant Exposure (H) The total energy per unit
area incident upon a given surface. It is used to express exposure
to pulsed laser radiation in units of J/cm(2).
Radiant Flux The time rate of flow of radiant
energy. Units-watts. (One [1] watt = 1 Joule-per-second). The
rate of emission of transmission of radiant energy.
Radiant Intensity The radiant power expressed
per unit solid angle about the direction of the light.
Radiant Power See Radiant flux.
Radiation In the context of optics, electromagnetic
energy is released; the process of releasing electromagnetic energy.
Radiometry A branch of science which deals with
the measurement of radiation.
Rayleigh Scattering Scattering of radiation
in the course of its passage through a medium containing particles,
the sizes of which are small compared with the wavelength of the
radiation.
Reflectance or Reflectivity The ratio of the
reflected radiant power to the incident radiant power.
Reflection The return of radiant energy (incident
light) by a surface, with no change in wavelength.
Refraction The change of direction of propagation
of any wave, such as an electromagnetic wave, when it passes from
one medium to another in which the wave velocity is different.
The bending of incident rays as they pass from one medium to another
(eg.: air to glass).
Repetitively Pulsed Laser A laser with multiple
pulses of radiant energy occurring in sequence with a PRF greater
than or equal to 1 Hz.
Resonator The mirrors (or reflectors) making
up the laser cavity including the laser rod or tube. The mirrors
reflect light back and forth to build up amplification.
Rotating Lens A beam delivery lens designed
to move in a circle and thus rotate the laser beam around a circle.
Ruby The first laser type; a crystal of sapphire
(aluminum oxide) containing trace amounts of chromium oxide.
Scanning Laser A laser having
a time-varying direction, origin or pattern of propagation with
respect to a stationary frame of reference.
Scintillation This term is used to describe
the rapid changes in irradiance levels in a cross section of a
laser beam produced by atmospheric turbulence.
Secured Enclosure An enclosure. to which casual
access is impeded by an appropriate means (e.g., door secured
by lock, magnetically or electrically operated, latch, or by screws).
Semiconductor Laser A type of laser which produces
its output from semiconductor materials such as GaAs.
Service Performance of adjustments, repair or
procedures on a non routine basis, required to return the equipment
to its intended state.
Solid Angle The ratio of the area on the surface
of a sphere to the square of the radius of that sphere. It is
expressed in steradians (sr).
Source The term source means either laser or
laser-illuminated reflecting surface, i.e., source of light.
Spectral Response The response of a device or
material to monochromatic light as a function of wavelength.
Specular Reflection A mirror-like reflection.
Spontaneous Emission Decay of an excited atom
to a ground or resting state by the random emission of one photon.
The decay is determined by the lifetime of the excited state.
Spot Size The mathematical measurement of the
diameter of the laser beam.
Stability The ability of a laser system to resist
changes in its operating characteristics. Temperature, electrical,
dimensional and power stability are included.
Steradian (sr) The unit of measure for a solid
angle.
Stimulated Emission When an atom, ion or molecule
capable of lasing is excited to a higher energy level by an electric
charge or other means, it will spontaneously emit a photon as
it decays to the normal ground state. If that photon passes near
another atom of the same frequency, the second atom will be stimulated
to emit a photon.
Superpulse Electronic pulsing of the laser driving
circuit to produce a pulsed output (250-1000 times per second),
with peak powers per pulse higher than the maximum attainable
in the continuous wave mode. Average powers of superpulse are
always lower than the maximum in continuous wave. Process often
used on CO(2) surgical lasers.
TEM Abbreviation for: Transverse
Electro-Magnetic modes. Used to designate the cross-sectional
shape of the beam.
TEM(oo) The lowest order mode possible with
a bell-shaped (Gaussian) distribution of light across the laser
beam.
Thermal Relaxation Time The time to dissipate
the heat absorbed during a laser pulse.
Threshold The input level at which lasing begins
during excitation of the laser medium.
Transmission Passage of electromagnetic radiation
through a medium.
Transmittance The ratio of transmitted radiant
energy to incident radiant energy, or the fraction of light that
passes through a medium.
Transverse Electromagnetic Mode The radial distribution
of intensity across a beam as it exits the optical cavity. See
TEM.
Tunable Laser A laser system that can be "tuned"
to emit laser light over a continuous range of wavelengths or
frequencies.
Tunable Dye Laser A laser whose active medium
is a liquid dye, pumped by another laser or flashlamps, to produce
various colors of light. The color of light may be tuned by adjusting
optical tuning elements and-or changing the dye used.
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation Electromagnetic
radiation with wavelengths between soft X-rays and visible violet
light, often broken down into UV-A (315-400 nm), UV-B (280-315
nm), and UV-C (100-280 nm).
Vaporization Conversion of a
solid or liquid into a vapor.
Vignetting The loss of light through an optical
element when the entire bundle of light rays does not pass through;
an image or picture that shades off gradually into the background.
Visible Radiation (Light) Electromagnetic radiation
which can be detected by the human eye. It is commonly used to
describe wavelengths which lie in the range between 400 nm and
700-780 nm.
Watt A unit of power (equivalent
to one Joule per second) used to express laser power.
Watt/cm(2) A unit of irradiance used in measuring
the amount of power per area of absorbing surface, or per area
of CW laser beam.
Wave An sinusoidal undulation or vibration;
a form of movement by which all radiant electromagnetic energy
travels.
Wavelength The length of the light wave, usually
measured from crest to crest, which determines its color. Common
units of measurement are the micrometer (micron), the nanometer,
and (earlier) the Angstrom unit.
Window A piece of glass with plane parallel
sides which admits light into or through an optical system and
excludes dirt and moisture.
YAG Yttrium Aluminum Garnet;
a widely used solid-state crystal which is composed of yttrium
and aluminum oxides which is doped with a small amount of the
rare-earth neodymium.
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