what is laser

A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The word laser is an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers produce a narrow beam of light in which all of the light waves have very similar wavelengths, and the lasers light waves travel together with their peaks all lined up, or in phase. This is why laser beams are very narrow, very bright, and can be focused into a very tiny spot. Lasers have many uses, including precision tools that can cut through diamonds or thick metal, delicate surgeries, recording and retrieving information, communications, carrying TV and internet signals, laser printers, bar code scanners, and DVD players. Lasers are also used in manufacturing for cutting, engraving, drilling, and marking a broad range of materials. Lasers can be found in many sizes, shapes, colors, and levels of power, and are used for everything from surgery in hospitals to playing music, movies, and video games at home.