Category Scope

36 Lasers and Masers

Includes lasing theory, laser pumping techniques, maser amplifiers, laser materials, and the assessment of laser and maser outputs. For cases where the application of the laser or maser is emphasized see also the specific category where the application is treated. For related information see also 76 Solid-State Physics.

Definition

Lasers – Devices for producing light by emission of energy stored in a molecular or atomic system when stimulated by light or an electric discharge. (From Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.). Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use. Wm. H. Allen, ed., 1965. NASA SP-7.

Masers – Amplifiers or oscillators utilizing the principle of microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Adapted from the Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use. Wm. H. Allen, ed., 1965. NASA SP-7.

NASA Interest

Exhaustive Interest : Fundamental research, theory, and development of lasers and masers with particular or potential aerospace application to drilling and welding of materials, electronic devices, space communications, tracking, navigation, and optical radar.

Negative Interest : Laser medical and surgical use unless related to specific aerospace disorders.

Input Subjects of Specific Interest

• chemical lasers
• dye lasers
• gas lasers
• glass lasers
• ladar (design)
• laser amplifiers
• laser Applications
• laser beams
• laser cavities
• laser damage
• laser drilling (theory and techniques)
• laser materials
• laser modulators
• laser optics
• laser radiation effects
• laser radiation hazards
• laser research
• laser theory
• laser tracking systems (general)
• lasers
• lasertrons
• liquid lasers
• masers
• orotrons
• parametric amplifiers
• quantum generators
• semiconductor lasers
• short pulsed lasers
• solid state lasers
• tunable lasers