Helium Neon Laser: Working, Characteristics, and Uses

What does a helium neon laser do?
The Laser as a Light Source. Helium-neon (He-Ne) lasers are widely used for interferometry because they are inexpensive and provide a continuous, visible output. They operate normally at a wavelength of 633 nm, but modified versions are available with useful outputs at other visible and infrared wavelengths.
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A gas laser that emits a reddish-orange light is known as a helium neon laser. It is a form of continuous-wave laser, which means that instead of producing a pulsed beam of light, it creates a continuous beam of light. It is a common kind of laser that is used in many different things, like holography, alignment tools, and barcode scanners.

A helium-neon laser’s operation depends on the interaction of two different atom types: helium and neon. An electrical discharge excites the helium atoms, causing them to produce photons. The neon atoms are then excited by these photons, which causes them to release more photons. The foundation of laser technology is a technique called as stimulated emission.

In a helium neon laser, Einstein’s A and B coefficients control the photon output. The rate at which atoms are stimulated is represented by the A coefficient, and the rate at which photons are released is represented by the B coefficient. The parameters of the laser beam, such as its wavelength and intensity, are determined by these coefficients.

Scuba is not an abbreviation; rather, it refers to a particular category of diving gear. The term “self-contained underwater breathing apparatus” is where the name “scuba” originates. A scuba diver breathes with a regulator that draws air from a tank of pressurized air they carry on their back.

The complete definition of maser in this context is “microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” A maser is a kind of laser that doesn’t produce visible light; instead, it emits microwave radiation. Since its initial development in the 1950s, it has been put to use in many other fields, such as radio astronomy, satellite communication, and atomic clocks.

Coherence, or the fact that every photon in the beam is in phase with one another, is what makes laser light unique. This makes it possible to concentrate the beam on a very small area, which is useful for precise cutting and welding. Additionally, laser light only comprises one wavelength and has a very small wavelength range. This makes it practical for spectroscopy and other uses where exact wavelength control is crucial.

In conclusion, a gas laser known as a helium neon laser emits a reddish-orange light. Its operation is based on the interaction of helium and neon atoms, and Einstein’s A and B coefficients govern the properties of its emission. Due to its coherence and narrow bandwidth, laser light is unique and suitable for a wide range of uses.