Laser Module

Background Information

A laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is a device that emits a beam of a specific (monochromatic) wavelength. The emitted electromagnetic radiation may be visible light or invisible (infrared or ultraviolet) light. The laser beam is extremely intense and can transmit tremendous amounts of energy when focused at close range. Laser light is coherent (all of the waves are in phase) and nearly non-divergent (it remains a narrow beam over very large distances). These unique properties of laser light have contributed to the widespread use of lasers as surgical tools.

Activities in the Laser Module compare the properties of laser light and white light, introduce different types of surgical lasers, and explain some of the effects of lasers on the body.