These applications include manufacturing processes such as contact, proximity and sense, cutting, and welding. In this article, we will explore the basic principles of laser transmitters, their operation, and their various types and applications.
Basics of laser transmission:
Laser rays are based on the stimulated emission process that Albert Einstein first proposed in 1917. This process involves the interaction of a photon with an excited atom, causing the emission of another photon with the same wavelength and phase. and direction to the original photon.
The heart of the laser transmitter is the laser cavity, a closed optical resonator consisting of two mirrors that mirror each other. One of these mirrors is fully reflective and the other partially reflective, allowing a small amount of light to escape through the gap and form a laser beam. The input medium can be gaseous, liquid, or solid, and its properties determine the wavelength and power of the laser.
The operation of the laser transmitter begins with the excitation of the gain medium, which can be achieved using various methods such as electric current flow, optical pumping, or chemical reactions. As the intensity of light increases, some of it escapes through space through partial mirrors, forming a laser beam.
Types of laser transmitters:
There are several types of laser transmitters, each with its own characteristics and applications. Some of the most common types are:
The gas laser uses a gaseous medium such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or helium-neon (HeNe).
Commonly used in telecommunications, optical storage, and barcode scanners.