Population inversion is a condition in which the number of particles in an excited energy state exceeds those in lower energy states, a necessary condition for laser operation. It enables stimulated emission, which is the fundamental process that amplifies light in lasers and masers, leading to coherent light production.

Population Inversion

Population inversion

condition in which the number of particles in an excited energy state exceeds those in lower energy states

necessary condition for laser operation

Stimulated emission is a process where an incoming photon induces an excited electron to drop to a lower energy level, emitting a second photon with the same phase, frequency, polarization, and direction as the incoming photon. This principle is fundamental to the operation of lasers, where it leads to the amplification of light.

stimulated emission

fundamental process that amplifies light

coherent light production

Lasers emit light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation, producing a coherent beam with a narrow spectrum of wavelengths. They have diverse applications ranging from medical procedures and telecommunications to manufacturing and scientific research.

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