A laser is a device that emits light (electromagnetic radiation) through a process called stimulated emission.

MeaningEdit

The term "laser" is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

What it isEdit

Laser light is usually spatially coherent, which means that the light either is emitted in a narrow, low-divergence beam, or can be converted into one with the help of optical components such as lenses.

How it worksEdit

Typically, lasers are thought of as emitting light with a narrow wavelength spectrum ("monochromatic" light). This is not true of all lasers, however: some emit light with a broad spectrum, while others emit light at multiple distinct wavelengths simultaneously. The coherence of typical laser emission is distinctive. Most other light sources emit incoherent light, which has a phase that varies randomly with time and position.

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