LASER PUMPING Meaning and
Definition
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Laser pumping refers to the process of supplying energy to an active laser medium in order to excite its atoms or molecules and enable the production of coherent light. In simpler terms, it is the action of providing energy to a laser device to activate its internal components and generate a laser beam.
The process generally involves two main steps: absorption of energy and emission of light. To induce absorption, an external energy source, such as electrical discharge, optical absorption, or another laser, is used. The absorbed energy increases the energy level of the laser medium, causing its atoms or molecules to enter an excited state. In the next step, the excited atoms or molecules release the excess energy via a cascade of relaxation processes, resulting in the emission of photons. These photons, which are all of the same wavelength and in phase, then bounce between two mirrors in the laser cavity, producing coherent, concentrated light that is emitted as a laser beam.
The term "pumping" derives from the analogy with the function of a pump, which supplies energy to a system to cause a desired effect. In the case of a laser, the energy supplied during pumping enables the laser medium to produce light amplification via stimulated emission, leading to the creation of a laser beam. Laser pumping is an essential process in various fields such as telecommunications, medical procedures, manufacturing, scientific research, and many others that rely on laser technology.
Etymology of LASER PUMPING
The term "laser pumping" derives from the concept of "pumping" energy into a laser. The underlying etymology of "pumping" in this context can be traced back to the field of fluid dynamics.
"Pump" comes from the Late Latin word "pumpare", meaning "to draw water". It evolved from the Latin word "pumpa", which referred to a vessel used to draw water or liquids. Over time, "pump" came to represent various devices used to move or compress fluids.
In the early 20th century, with the development of atomic and molecular physics, the idea of "pumping" energy into atoms and molecules emerged. This involved exciting the electrons within these particles to higher energy levels through the use of external energy sources. The term "pumping" was chosen due to the analogy with fluid dynamics, where one can pump energy into a system.
