Argon laser

Argon Laser

The Argon Laser is a unique type of gas laser that is powered by the noble gas, argon. It was invented in 1962 by William Bridges at the Hughes Aircraft Company and has since found a wide range of applications in various fields such as medicine, industry, and research.

History

The Argon Laser was first developed in the early 1960s. The initial design was based on a simple concept: a tube filled with argon gas would be excited by an electrical current, causing the gas to emit light. This light would then be focused into a beam by a set of mirrors. The first argon lasers were large and cumbersome, but over time, they have been refined and miniaturized, making them more accessible for a variety of uses.

Design and Operation

The design of an Argon Laser is relatively straightforward. The laser consists of a sealed tube filled with pure argon gas. When an electrical current is applied to the gas, the argon atoms become excited and emit light. This light is then focused into a beam by a set of mirrors located at either end of the tube.

The wavelength of the light emitted by an Argon Laser is primarily in the blue and green regions of the spectrum, although it can also produce light in the ultraviolet and infrared regions. The specific wavelength of the light can be adjusted by changing the pressure of the argon gas and the current applied to it.

Applications

Argon Lasers have a wide range of applications. In the field of medicine, they are used in various types of surgery, including eye surgery and skin treatments. In industry, they are used for cutting, welding, and engraving. In research, they are used in spectroscopy and in the study of plasma physics.

Safety

Like all lasers, Argon Lasers can be dangerous if not used properly. They can cause eye and skin damage, and their electrical components can pose a risk of electric shock. Therefore, it is important to use them with appropriate safety measures, including protective eyewear and careful handling.

See Also

• Gas laser
• Laser safety
• Laser applications