Common Types of Lasers

Semiconductor Lasers

There are quite a few semiconductor lasers hidden in our homes! When you open your computer’s optical drive to watch an exciting movie or play a fun game, the semiconductor laser inside starts working. It acts like a super “eye,” quickly reading the information on the disc and presenting the wonderful music and exciting images to us. Also, when we check out at the supermarket, the cashier uses a barcode scanner, which also contains a semiconductor laser. 

It emits a laser that can quickly scan the barcode on the product, instantly revealing the price and information of the item. Additionally, you can find it in laser printers, where it can precisely “draw” the text and images from the computer onto paper, giving us clear and beautiful printed documents. Sometimes, we see people using laser pointers during presentations or explanations to point out key points on the screen. The “secret” inside these laser pointers is also a semiconductor laser.

Helium-Neon Lasers

Although helium-neon lasers may not seem as “fancy,” they have many uses. On construction sites, workers use helium-neon lasers to ensure buildings are constructed straight. The laser crystal it emits acts like a straight line, guiding everyone to position walls and columns correctly. In some scientific laboratories, scientists use helium-neon lasers to measure very small distances or conduct precise experiments. The light it emits is very stable, acting like a reliable little assistant, helping scientists obtain accurate experimental results. Additionally, in some science museums or school science exhibitions, we might see laser demonstrations using helium-neon lasers. The beautiful light patterns always attract everyone’s attention, making us more curious about the mysteries of light.

Carbon Dioxide Lasers

Carbon dioxide lasers are like "strongmen"! In factories, they act like super sharp light knives. When cutting thick metal plates, such as those used to manufacture large parts for cars or ships, the laser emitted by a carbon dioxide laser can easily cut the metal into various shapes, and the edges are very smooth. In tailor shops or places where crafts are made, if intricate patterns need to be engraved on leather, wood, or fabric, carbon dioxide lasers can also show their skills. 

They can engrave materials into artworks according to the designed patterns, much faster than manual engraving and capable of producing very fine details. In hospitals, they have an important task as laser surgical knives. When doctors need to perform surgery to remove tumors or other diseased tissues, the high-temperature beam of a carbon dioxide laser can quickly remove the diseased part with minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue, helping patients recover faster.

Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) Lasers

Nd YAG laser crystal is like versatile athletes. In factories, when processing metals, they can drill holes in metal quickly and accurately, which is often used in the production of precision instruments or jewelry. In the medical field, they are stars in eye surgeries. When there are issues like cataracts or retinal problems, they can emit suitable lasers to precisely repair the problems in the eyes, helping many patients regain clear vision. In dermatology, they can help remove blemishes or lesions on the skin, making our skin healthier and more beautiful. Additionally, in some scientific research laboratories, they can be used for various interesting experiments, helping scientists explore the fascinating relationship between light and matter.

Fiber Lasers

Fiber lasers are like “slender elves.” In electronics factories, they are great helpers in chip manufacturing. Since chips are extremely small and require very precise processing, the high-quality laser beam emitted by fiber lasers can perform microscopic cutting and welding on chips, allowing the chips in our phones, computers, and other electronic devices to be made smaller and more powerful. In dental clinics, when our teeth have cavities that need to be filled, fiber lasers can be used to remove the decayed tissue on the teeth. Their operation is very precise and does not harm the surrounding healthy parts of the teeth. In some large-scale performances or exhibitions, they can work with other lighting equipment to create stunning light and shadow effects, bringing us spectacular visual feasts.

Bena Optics manufactures various optical lenses used in different laser systems, which are widely applied in technology, medical, and everyday life fields.