Laser | Definition, Acronym, Principle, Applications, & Types | Britannica

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• Introduction
• History
• Fundamental principles
  • Energy levels and stimulated emissions
  • Laser elements
  • Laser beam characteristics
• Types of lasers
• Laser applications
  • Transmission and processing of information
    • Laser scanners
    • Optical discs
    • Fibre-optic communication systems
  • Precise delivery of energy
    • Industrial uses
    • Medical applications
    • High-energy lasers
  • Alignment, measurement, and imaging
    • Surveying
    • Interferometry and holography
    • Research tool

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External Websites

• APS Physics - December 1958: Invention of the Laser
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers - 7 Top Applications of Lasers in Manufacturing
• Nature - Introduction, history of lasers and laser light production
• Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research - Laser and Optics
• University of Central Florida Pressbooks - University Physics Volume 3 - Lasers
• IOPscience - Lasers in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy (PDF)
• National Center for Biotechnology Information - Laser Complications
• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory - National Ignition Facility and Photon Science - NIF's Guide to How Lasers Work
• Chemistry LibreTexts - Lasers

Britannica Websites Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

• laser - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• laser and maser - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Quick Summary Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation(Show More) Written by Jeff Hecht Science and technology writer. Author of City of Light: The Story of Fiber Optics. Jeff Hecht Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Dec. 4, 2025 •History Table of Contents Table of Contents Quick Summary Ask the Chatbot a Question Top Questions

• What is a laser?
• How does a laser produce light?
• What makes laser light different from other types of light?
• What are the main parts of a laser instrument?
• How are lasers used in everyday life?

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laser, a device that stimulates atoms or molecules to emit light at particular wavelengths and amplifies that light, typically producing a very narrow beam of radiation. The emission generally covers an extremely limited range of visible, infrared, or ultraviolet wavelengths. Many different types of lasers have been developed, with highly varied characteristics. Laser is an acronym for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation.”