Most of us are aware that lasers play an important part in our lives. There are probably several lasers at work in your own home that you know about. They are necessary in modern video game systems, CD and DVD players, computers, and some people even have laser systems for their do it yourself projects. What you might not know is that not all lasers are the same type. Lasers are classified by power source; what makes them function. The source allows lasers to operate in different capacities, as guidance for the placement of EAF cable cover protection and other places. Let's take a look at the different types of lasers.
Gas Lasers
Gas lasers were one of the first laser systems beyond an electromagnetic force, and they weren't even discovered until 1992! As the classification suggests, these lasers are produced through reactions in different types of gases. Examples include nitrogen, argon, and krypton lasers. Perhaps the most familiar is the helium-neon laser. This laser is what is used to scan the bar code on that weld-seal joint strap when you purchase it at the store, as well as for holographic 3D imaging.
Chemical lasers
These lasers get their power through a specific chemical reaction. You might say that chemical lasers are what generations of teenage boys and comic book designers had in mind when they got all worked up over the possibilities of laser use in the past. Chemical lasers are used almost exclusively for weaponry, although most are still in the experimental phases. They include hydrogen fluoride models as well as oxygen iodine models. They have applications for NASA as well as within the air force. Gauge and other comic book super heroes were probably fitted with this type of laser before they were even conceived!
Metal-vapor lasers
Using the reaction between metal and vapour, these lasers also have widespread applications. They are used in cheap online printing and other typesetting devices; specifically, the helium cadmium laser has proven to be effective in these applications. A laser powered by copper vapour is also used for high speed photography.
Solid state lasers
These lasers come from metals, gems, and other solid materials and generate the most stable laser forces. They are what are found in the range finders and measurement devices used to map out the optimal distance between cable glands and other structurally important features.
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