VIB

f x h l e s n the gncble and 1e oo y YZS E R{

AS6 )/4 7/pcye

6 Laser

6.01. INTRODUCTION
he laser was introduced to the scientific world in early 1960s and by late 1960s it was viewed by
the world the most
as
important optical device and gift of 19605.
The term LASER is an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of
Radiations. The theoretical basis for the development of laser and its predecessor maser was provided
by Albert Einstein in 1917, when he predicted the possibility of stimulated emission of radiations. In
ns prediction of Einstein was put to practical use by C.H. Townes and his co-workers. They
discovered MASER,that is the Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiations. The
principle of maser was adapted for the radiations of visible region by A. Schawlow in collaboration
with C.H. Townes, in the year 1958. The first laser device was developed by T.H, Maiman in the year
l . It was Fabry Perot optical cavity resonatorin which ruby crystal was used as an amplifying
medium for light. It is often called Ruby Laser. It emits red light of wavelength 694 3 nm. Soon A.
Javen and his co-workers developed the first gas laser using helium and neon gases. It 15 called Helium-
Neon Laser. It emits visible light at wavelength 632 8 nm and also in the infra-red region at 1150 nm.
During the last 30 years, we have advanced much farther as compared to the development of the first
laser device. Coupled with fibre optics and semiconductor optoelectronic devices, laser is likely to
revolutionize the world of industry and technology in the next few years.

802 ABSORPTION AND EMISSION OF RADIATIONS

In 1916, Albert Einstein studied the interaction of matter with electromagnetic radiations. On the
basis of his study, he proposed that the interaction of radiations with matter could be explained in terms
of three basic processes termed as
1. Stimulated absorption.
2. Spontaneous absorption. enurasSran
3. Stinulated emission.
We, now explain each of the processes in detail
X. Stimulated absorption.
Suppose the radiations of frequendy v are hcident on the matter having atoms with the ground
energy level Eg and excited state energy leve E1,fhv = E7E, then the radiation photon is absorbed
and the clectrons jump from the level Eg to E,. Sec fig. 6.02.1.

PHOTON.E o
BEFORE AFTER
ABSORPTION ABSORPTION

Fig. 6.02.1

142
 LASER

This is called stimulated absorption or simply absorption. It requires

143
a definite
frequeney only incidence of photons of
2.
or
energy. Each atom absorbs one photon and is excited tó the higher energy level
Sponfaneous emission. DA hU% he ee MAyo intheorya
The excited atom ordinary does 6menot continue in the higher
hand;1t of1ts own, gives out a photon of energy hv E E and energy
=
state for long. On the otp
returns to the ground atate. (See
6.02This process does not require any stimulus from outside. That is Fig
taneaus. why it is termed as spon

E E

BEFORE PHOTON
EMISSION AFTER
EMISSION

Fig. 6.02.2
he
photons given out in spontaneous emission are in random
or external condition in
the matter or incident directed, unrelated to any internal
38timulated emission. radiations.
AS the name
state
implies, such an emission
requires extraneous stimulation. The excited atom in the
energy E may not be
of resonant
ready to come to the
ground state at the given instant. But, when a photon
energy hv E- E, passes
=
by the
in fig.
6.02.3. The pheton emitted goes, parallelatom, it immediately drops to the ground state as shown
to the incident
phase, hav1ng same frequency as well photon and both of the photons are in
as the state of polarisation.
coherent to each other. The two photons
are said tobe
F

PHOTON PHOTON
BEFORE
ABSORPTION AFTER
ABSORPTION
Fig. 6.02.3
6.03. EINSTEIN'S
Einstein, in his theory of radiation
THEORY OF RADIATIONS
equilibrium be ween the matter and absorption and emission, assumed
the existence of a state
the above mentioned state of radiations. He applied thermodyamic considerations
of
equilibrium,
Suppose a collection of atoms coñtainedexplained
as
below. to
analyse
in a
black body radiations. Let the given volume is in
enclosure be aLatëmperature T. Let E thermodynamic equilibrium with
of the atom. Let at
any instant, the nunber of atoms and E,be the two energy levels
in the per unit volume in the
energy state E in the dnclosure N2. In energy state E, be Ni, that
of photons be thç state of equilibrium,
N, N, as well as the number
will remain constant.Ther¢ will al[o continuous
equilibrium, any instant, the number of aloms
at be absorption and emission of photons. For
E E,to will be equal to that emitting the absorbing the radiations and
radiation and dropping from the statejumping from the state
E E, to E. That is
N
E
 WAVES AND OPTICS
VIBRATIONS,
144
of the radiations
Absorption. rate of absorplion
is p(v). Also i u
therefore, the
d u l a t c d process, radiation") that
the radiation the r e s o n a n t of radiations ((of
Coresponding to rate of absorption
leneu pupon
o n the number( N atoms in the encrgy
start E. If the
)Of
frequency ) be denoted by R, then:
R,p)
Ra a N
1)
R,ByNP®) or
om energy state E to E
where B2 is the coef+icient of absorption for transition time per unit
volume.

Here R, denotes the number stimulated emissions per unit

of
Emission stimulated. The rateof
and
As explained earlier, emission can be of two types: spontaneous
spontaneous emission Rn depends upon N, alone. Thereiore

RapeN2
or
RapeAa12 transition of atom the irom energy
the
coefficient of emission for the
Wnere
A21 15 spontaneous
unit time per unit volume.
dc2 to E1. Here
Rspe denotes the number of spontaneous emission per
If it be represented by Rste then
The rate of stimulated emission will depend both on N, and p(V).

Rste N2
Rgte py)
ReB NaPO) transition of the atom from energy state
where B21 is the coefficient of stimulated emission for the
emissions unit time per unit volume.
E2 to E. Here Rse denotes the number of stimulated per
Condition for Equilibrium
In the state of equilibrium number of absorptions should be equal to the total number of spon-
taneous and stimulated emissions per unit time per unit volume. That is:
Ra = Rpe t Re

or B2 N P) =AN^ + BaN2Ptv) .6.03.1)

Note. The coefficients A21, B2 and B, are also called Einstein's coefficients.
The state of equilibrium may be diagrammatically depicted as shown in fig. 6.03.1.
E N

spe R.ste

E N
Fig 6.03.1
Einstein's assumptions
Einstein made the following assumptions to further discuss the thermodynamic equilidrium ot

matter and radiations.

The radiations of frequency v, such that hy = b2 - E1 a r e c a l l e d y e s o n a n t r a d i a i o n s

LASER
1, As
explained earlier, the population
and E remain constant. "i densities N and N, of the atoms in 145
the energy states E1
2The radiation density p (v) has the
spectral distribution similar to that of
"

at the given temperature T.

black body radiations
That is p(v) =&thy2
hvT 1
where c is the
speed of light and k is .V)
3. The distribution of Boltzmann constant.
N,
T. And therefore, we can
and N, is
determined by the Boltzmann
ture
write distribution at the given tempera

, N2. =e-h»/kT
N1 .(V
where hv E2 E1. -

Now, from equation

(6.03.1), we find
A
P)N,B12- B21
(VI
From the equation (V), we find
N 1
N N/N hu/RT T
Substituting ir the equation (VI), we find .(VII)

PV)=-
A21
B12 7kT -B21
Comparing the equations (TV) and (VII), we find

A C Ba1 6.03.2)
And B12 B21 6.03.3)
This shows that the Einstein's coefficients arerelated to each other. From, the above discussion,
we find that the expression for p (v)
given by is Planck's law, only if we assume stimulated emission.
Einstein's assumption was later confirmed through rigorous quantum theory.
Discussion
1. Since B12= B21 therefore, we can conclude that stimulated emission (discovered by
Einstein) is an inverse process to the stimulated absorption. However, their rates, that is R, and Re
differ because where as R depends upon N, and Rse depends upon N2

2. From the equation (6.03.2), we find:

Ba
Az1
(8T h
That is B,m/A1 is inversely proportional to the frequency v of the resonant radiations. Therefore,
it is comparatively difficult to obtain the
gher the frequency v, smaller is the value of B21. That is,
stimulated emission of higher frequencies (or smaller wavelengths).
 VIBRATIONS, WAVES
AND OPTiCo
146
obtaincd for the state of ther
cocficicnts is
3. Although, the relation between the
Einstein's abscnce of the thermodynamjc
the
modynamic cquilibrium, yet it is found to rcmain valid even emission isaa characteristic of
that the
equilibriu The reason for this validity centres around the lact
ced.
the atom irrespective of the environment in which the atom 15 plae

6.04. POPULATION INVERSION 6 one censem/

The ratc of stimulated absorption of photons is given by
e abm in noin
R=B12NPp)
And the rate of stimulated emission of photons is given y hen a k ,
Rae=Bz N,P (0)
P be e cton denjty.
SinceB2 B1,therefore
Rste N
R N
Ihat is, if N, > Ni, the ráte of stimulated emission is morc than the
rate of stimulated absorption.
e simulated emission dominates the ahsorotion of photons. This results in the increase of p (v)
and hence amplification of light becomes nossihle. The state of the matterrydiation system in which
N2N called population inversion. It is an essentialrequirementfor lasoraCdon..
The population inversion can be obtained as follows
Ordinarily, an atom may remain in an excited state for About 16 x 10 second, after which it
emitsa photon and drops to some lower energlevel. The emission of photons from an excited atom is
governed by well establishedselection rules. These rulesdo not permit certain transitions from a higher
level to the ground state. Such energy levels are termed as metastable. Once the valence electron finds
itself in the metastable state, it continues to be therpfor long time (about 10s) and the atom is unable
to return to the ground state instantaneouslPhe existence metastable state is an essential
of require-
ment for obtaining population
inversion as kxplajned
below.
Suppose the atoms of the givez sanpe of matter are irradiated by radiations of a certain frequen-
cy. And this results in stimulated absorplon of photons raising the electron' to
from the ground state Eg to the energy level higher energy level, say
E. Fig. 6.04.1 (a) shows the stimulated absorption of
radiations. Suppose, in between E, and E2, there is an
energy level E, which is metastable. The atom
F F2
E
METASTABLE
hv

a)
(b)
Fig. 6.04.1.
may drop to the ground state by spontaneousiy emitting the
it. Or, it may drop to the state E1 by emiung a photon ofphoton of same energy as was absorbed by
occur through non-radiative processes. lt E 1S à
energy E, E. This transition
-

can also

for
metastable state, the
atom will continue in this state
long time. As time goes on, more and more atoms will
land up in the metastable
ultimately the number of atoms in the state E1 may be more state E1 and
than that in E. Thus,
can be obtained. population inversi0
 PH
-4
LASER
The bar graph for the 147
population of atoms in states Eo, E and E, under the
N conditions of thcrmal

N
N,
N2 N

THERMAL EQUILIBRIUM POPULATION INVERSION

(a Fig. 6.04.2.
(b)
equilibrium is shown in fig. 6.04.2 (a). The
fig. 6.04.2 (b) shows the bar graph for the
atoms when the
population inversion is obtained. population of
6.05. COMPONENTS OF THE LASER DEVICES
In laser, we obtain the
amplification of light using the principle of stimulated emission
tions.It has already been explained that the stimulated emission of radia
tions which on produces
superimposition on one another produce highly intense completely coherent radia-
consists of three components as detailed radiations. The laser devices
1. The Pump
below
The pump is an external source that
sion. The excitation of the atoms may supplies.energy and helps in obtaining the
be optical, electrical or thermal, In occur directly or through atom-atom collisions.population inver-
the Ruby laser, we use optical
electric discharge pumping. The energy The pumps can
and through
pumping rthe
supplied by the pump excites the atoms He-Ne laser, we use
spontaneous emission or to higher énergy levels
The life time is the
metastable-energy through.non-radiative processes the population inversion
compared to the normal life tinme of thestatelinlwhich popúlation inversion occurs must be very occurs,
2. The Laser Medium excited atomin any other energy large as
state.
It is the material in which the
Many lasers are named after the laser agtiøn is made to take place. It may be solid,
matetial úsed. For example, Ruby lasers, He-Ne
wavelength of the' laser light depends liquid or gas.
upon the material used. For example laser, CO, laser. The
at694-3-nm. That-of He-Ne the output of Ruby laser is
been observed in more than
laser is at 632:8 nm and of CO, laser is at 10-6 um. Laser
half of the known atoms action has
region to the infra-red region. and laser wavelength may extend from
ulira-violet
The most important characteristic
obtain the population inversion in it. requirement for the laser medium is that we should be able to
of atoms in the According the Boltzmann condition if N, and Na be the
to
energy states E and E2, then number,
2 - hv/kT
N2 e
N
wnere hv E2- E,Therefore, N, is in general less than
uay De N,. Because
Tequired for sustaining the population inversion and so of this reason vigorous put
appropriate lifetimes can be inverted. only certain pairs of cnergy
e ve
with
 148
ND OPTICS
VIBRATIONS, WAVES AND O
3. The Resonator.
N consists of a
pair of plane or spherical mirrors having common principal axis. The rel.
coefficient of of the mirrors is
one somewhat less than dion
very near to 1 and that of the other kept
is
enables, a part of the laser beam. The resonator is hae 1.t
than
internally reflecting escape out as a
a feed back tlecting beam to escap
device, that directs the photons back and
process, the number of or thro through
the laser medium and in
th
asically
photons is multiplied due to stimulauu nission.
6.06. LASER ACTION OR I ASER PROCESS|
The laser action
may be briefly described as follows
Creation photons of certain
of photons uith resonant energy
résonant energy n a space (cavity) containingthe laser medim
in
eraction
photons. The process can sptian inversion
n s oflaser medium-population inversion and stimulated
stimulated emissia-in-
emission
pnotons. The process can
be explained with the help of four steps as
described DeiOw
of
15 Fig.
the grOund
6.06.1 shows
level. Ta
thehfour energy levels E, E, E, and E of an atom of the laser medium. Her
E is the ground level. To obtain the medium. Here
llows.
Step 1. Pumping from Eg to laser, may proceed o
we as

By
Eg
supplying energy from an external source, the atoms are excited from the
level E3 ground level E to the

Or example, in optical pumping, the laser medium may be

"o Such that
hv, Eg Eg. So, the atoms are excited by stimulated
= irradiated by radiations of frequency
absorption.
E
STEP (2) SPONTANEOUS EMISSION
E -METASTABLEENERGY LEVEL
PuMPING| STEPSTIMULATEDÉMIS`ION
STEPO
STEPSPÖNTANEÕUS EMI`SION
o
E GROUND LEVEL

Fig. 6.06.1
Step 2. Population inversion
The atoms from the energy
levelF, may drop to the metastable level E, by
This occurs almost
instantaneonsly within about 108 second of excitatión. E, spontaneous emission.
level, the excited atoms stay in this for
being the metastable
a result, soon the state
number of atoms in the comparatively longer interval of time (say about 10° s). As
energy level E, becomes much
level E. So, the
population larger than that in the energy
Step 3. Stimulated emission
inversion
oceurs between the energy levels
E, and E
A photon energy hv=E2-E may be emitted due to the ever
The photon will pass through the laser medium and present spontaneous emissio
E Jo E may cause stimulated absorption from energy
or stimulated emission Irom energy level leve
stimulated emission is much
E, to E. However, as explained earlir the rate ot,
Two important cascs arise
greater than that of
stimulated absorption, so the emission
dominaic
| LASER
149
Case 1. If the photon so emitted happens to be traveling inclined to the optic axis of the system as
shown in lig. 6.06.2, it gets lost through the sides. Any other photon got emitted by it by stimulation is
also lost along with it.
M, M, M2

(a)
(b

Fig. 6.06.2
Case 2. If the photon is travelling parallel to the optic axis of the system, it acts as a seed photon.
The other photon got emitted by it due to stimulation also travels along with it as shown in fig. 6.06.3.
M M, V

a (D

M, M,

c (d)
Fig. 6.06.3
After reflection from the mirror
M2 they again pass through the laser medium and further multiplica-
tion of coherent photons occurs as shown in
the coherent photons through the laser medium fig. 6.06.3 (¢) and (4). Thus, due to repeated passage of
because of the multiple reflections at the mirrors
and M2, a large scale amplification of the coherent M
photons takes place. (Because, every time a
coherent photon passes by an excited atom in the
energy level E2, it causes the emission of one more
coherent photon).
One of the mirror, say
M, is made partially reflecting. So, everytime the beam of coherent photons
strikes the mirror M, a laser beam is transmitted out.
Step 4. Retum to the grOund state
From the energy levelE, the atoms
drop to the ground state by spontaneous emission from where
they can again be
pumped to the energy level E. Thus, the process repeats in a cycle. Note, the energy
level E can also be the ground level and in such a case the step 4 gets eliminated.
6.07 LASER TYPES
The lasers can be classified in a number
1.
of ways, as explained below:
Classification according to the state of laser medium. Thus we have gas, liquid and solid lasers.
2. Classification according to the aber of pumping. Thus, we have flash
clectric discharge lasers. light, chemical action or

3.
mehod
Classification according to the nature of output. Thus, we have pulsed (p) or continuous wave
(Cw) lasers.
4.
Classification
infra- red lasers.
on the basis of spectral region of the light. Thus, we have ultra-violet, Y
ble
 VIBRATIONS, WAVES AND OPTIC
150
ol lasers
The table below shos somc examples of different types
Table

Classification on the basis of

Sr. No. Name of laser Wavelength
State of laser Nature of Spectral
medium output reyon

1 Nitrogen laser 337 nm gas

pulsed ultra-violet
2. Dye laser 400-900 nm liquid pulsed or visible or
continuous infra-red
wave

He-Ne laser 632 8 nm gas pulsed visible

Ruby laser 694-3 nm solid continuous visible
wave

5. CO2-laser 10 6 um gas continuous infra-red

wave

6.08/ He-Ne LASER

As the name implies, the laser medium here is a mixture of helium and neon in the ratio 10:1.
Is enclosed ina long narrow
discharge tube as shown in the fig. 6.08.1. The pressure inside the tub>is
M M

LASER
He +Ne

DISCHARGE
ELECTRODES
Fig. 6.08.1.
about 1 mm of mercury. The plane (or concave) mirrors M and M, are placed on the two sides of the
tube to obtain a
system. One of the mirror say M, is highly reflecting whereas M,
resonator
reflecting and partialy transparent. Laser beam comes out through the mirror M,.
is partill
Working.
The first few energy levels of yand Ne are shown in the fig. 6.08.2. The levels E, and E, f
E Ne
E
3.39 t E
1.15 4m
6328 nmE
PUMPING. SPONTANEOUS
EMISSION

DE-XCITATION

Iig,G08.2
helium have nearly the same energy the levcls
as
E and E' of neon. However, the levels E, and
 LASER
e metastable. When discharge is passed through the mixture of
151
and excite the electrons collide with
oms metastable states E, and E This gas,,
them to the helium
may be termed as pumping. The helium
oms coninue in these states for long time. These
aising them (Ne-atoms) to the levels E' and E'. This helium atoms collide with unexcited neon
results in large number of neon atoms atoms
in the
nergy states E6 and E'o and this
population inversion occurs with respect to the levels E'3 and
So, the seed photons due to E5
ing three transitions spontaneous emission may trigger laser action resulting in the follow-

E Eproducing laser of 3-39 jum.

2. E'
E producing laser of 632-8 nm
3. E Es' producing laser of 1
To eliminate
15um.
the photons of
reflectivity for these wavelengths 1 15 um and 3 39 um, mirrors are designed to have low
wavelengths. From the level E' the neon atoms drop to level E'3 through
taneous emission and then are
de-excited spon
to go through the
to ground level through collisions. Thus, they are again ready
cycle. This is achieved
making
de-excited by collisions with the walls of the bytube. the tube narrow, so that the neon atoms are

The laser beam is obtained through the

partially reflecting mirror u2 as
explained earlier.
6.09 RUBY LASER
Ruby is synthetic sapphire, aluminium oxide
(41,0,) doped with 0 05% chromium
by weight. The ruby crystal is taken in the form of a oxide (CrO)
flat normal to the axis of the cylindrical rod and its ends are polished and made
cylinder. The polished ends act as the resonator or cavity mirrors.
The chromium atoms
ert. The chromium
play the active role for laser action and
aluminium and
doped ruby has three energy levels as shown in fig. 6.09.1. oxygen atom remain
PiNe Coane
(2 26 ev)
SPONTANEOUS EMISSION
E1-79 ev) META STABLE STATE
-

PUMPING STIMULATED
ÉMISSION
(694 3 nm)

Fig. 6.09.1.
Out of them, the level E is metastable. The
State
pumping of the chromium atoms from the ground
Eg to E2 is carried
optically with Xenon flash tube would around the
out
tube gives out yellowish ruby cylinder. The tlashn
green light of wavelength A 550
drop down to the metastable state E, where m. he chromium atoms spontaneousty
=

they get tfapped and ultimately population

OcCurs w.r.t. the ground state
Eg. The spontaneous transition from E, to E, produces incoheren inversi
radiations characteristic of the
ruby. For sustaining the population inversion, the pumping very
Vigorous. Because the atoms after the laser u
transition return to the ground state. So, morc t
S
atoms must be kept in the excited
state at any instant.
h e seed photon (A = 694.3 nm) hv = E, - E should be moving parallel to the axs the
Cylinder, which is also the
optic axis of the system. Due to the stimulated emission, mua
 VIBRATIONS, WAVES AND OPTICs
152 cnds of the rube
which is facihtatcd by the multiple reflections at the polished
coherent photon ocurs

the ruby cvlinder is partially transparent

out of which fhe lascr beam is ,!
cvinder. Onc of the end of
obtained. The devicc for ruby laser is diagrammatically shown in fig. 6.09.
XENON FLASH TURE

RUBY LASER
CYLINDER BEAM
LIQUID
N
LIOUID
N

ELECTRIC SOURCE
Fig. 6.09.2.

6.10. LASER APPLICATIONS

Lasers are being put to a number of uscs in the different fields. A few examples af these applic.
tions are isted below:
1. Communication.
Modulated laser beams are being used for transmitting messages. Due to high degree of
cohercnce, the loss of transmitted energy is comparatively much less.
2. Surgery.
Laser beam has been used successfully for bloodless surgery. For example, they can be used to
weld the detached retinas. The laser beams can be used for drilling the tecth, removal of tumours, and
removal of infected cell etc. It can also be used for preventing the Jooth decay by depositing hard
materials on the surface of the tooth.
3. Industry.
Lasers can be focussed into a very very fine beaa, resuling in raising of temperature to about
1000 K and can be used for drilling holes and fusing of melting of metals.
4. Measurement of long distances.
During Apollo flight No. 11, on July 20, 1969, Armstrohg and Aldrin planted a previously designed
array of triple prisms on the mpõn. The laser beam sent ffom the earth was reflected from these prisms
and was received on the earth It enabled us to determine the distance of the moon from the earth with
an error within 6 m. Later, experiments lowered the error to within 30 cm.
5. Nuclear fusion.
The laser beams can be ysed to induce the nuclear fusion. By conçentrating the laser beam lo a
Very very narrow spot emperalur may rise to about 10° K and nuclear luson can occur at this

temperaturc.
6. Scientific researcb
A modified version of the Michelson Morley experiment W.as conducted to test for the ether drilt
Here the beams of two intra-red lasers of slightly dilferent irequencies were combined by means of
beam splitter and the beat irequency was determined. No change in beat trequency was observed on
rotating the apparatus through 99" Thus, the null resull ul Michebun Morley caperiment could be

conlirmed.
LASER

7. Weather forecasting. -
153

Pictures of the clouds, wind movements etc. can be obtained with laser beams and
btaincd can be used in weather the data so

8. National defence.
forecasting.
Laser beams be used for
can
guiding the rockets and satellites. Also they can be used for
enemy planes. The laser beams can
also be used as weapons to detecting
9. Other uses. destroy enemy tanks, acroplanes etc.
The other of
lasers are in
uses holography, the production of three dimensional images, cutting
of micro electronic cireuits,
cutting
the temperature ot localised area of
and sealing nerves,
physiotheropy -that is using the laser to raise
tissue, laser can also be used for unblocking the heart valves etc.

SHORT ANSWER AND OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

Q.6.01. The light emitted from a
conventional source is said to be incoherent. why?
Q.6.02. A parallel beam of
lens. If the focal
aperture 'a' and of perfectly coherent light is focusse! with a convex
length of the lens be f and the wavelength of light be 2, then
dimensions af the spot on which the focussed beam lies ? wha
order of the linear is the
Q.6.03. Can we obtain light amplification in the absence of
stimulated émission ? (P.U. 1999)
Q.6.04. What is
meant by resonant radiation?
Q.6.05. The laser beams are
highly parallel. Explain.
Q.6.06. A laser is
essentially a converto of energy. Explain.
Q.6.07. In what ways does the laser
light diffe m the light from a filament lam ?
Q.6.08. A laser beam can be used to
obtain a sustained interference with a
many metres. This is not possible with the conventional patB difference of
sources of light. E
plain
HINTS FOR THE ANSWERS TO THE
SHORT ANSWER
AND OBJECTIVE TYPE
QUESTIONS
A. 6.01. The radiations emitted from different atoms in the
conventional source do bear a
definitephase relationship to each other. Also, the radiations emitted fromnotdifferent
atoms are not parallel to each other. Such radiations are said to be incoherent and so is
their source.
A. 6.02. The linear dimensions
(diameter) of the spot to which the beam is
focussed is of the
order of f/a.
A. 6.03. No. Only in case of the stimulated
emission, we obtain each other.
frequency state of polarization and travelling parallel to photons
of same phase, ener
They constitute the
coherent radiations, which superimpose to produce radiations of very
A. 6.04. If
high intensity.
on
absorbing the radiation, the atom is cxcited from the energy state E, to the eaetg
state E2, then the radiations of frequency v, such that hy = E, - E are callcu
resonant radiations.
A. 6.05. The extent ol
parallelism of the laser beam can be judged from the fact that il a
laser
Deam ot Cm diamcter is sent to moon, then at the moon its diameter may mot enlarge
to more than 500 m. Thus, the angle between the two sides of the beam is of the order
of 500 m/385,000,000 m 1:3 x 10 rad.