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

Stimulated emission

incoming photon

excited electron

lower energy level

second photon

same phase

Same frequency

Same polarization

Same direction

operation of lasers

Amplification of light refers to the process of increasing the intensity of light through stimulated emission, a principle central to the operation of lasers. This phenomenon allows for the generation of coherent, monochromatic light beams with high directionality and intensity, enabling applications ranging from medical surgeries to telecommunications.

amplification of light

Principles of Stimulated Emission

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