Uses of Lasers

Lasers are an important technology used for many purposes whether you realize it or not. They are more than just a fun toy to shine long distances. Lasers are all around you - often being used in electronics, for medical and scientific purposes, industrial reasons, and by law enforcement and the military.

Lasers are able to deliver and read information. While checking out at the grocery store, you may notice that lasers are used to scan your groceries. Another common application of laser use is for reading/writing DVD's and CD's. Lasers are able to store data on removable media, and then retrieve it for use by reading the tiny reflections "burned" onto the disc.

Industrial Uses:

Lasers can be set to very high intensities for cutting, burning, and vaporizing materials. The precision of lasers make them ideal for laser cutting and welding. They are capable of cutting through different types of metal including steel. Laser welding, which allows for two different kinds of metals to be easily joined, is significantly stronger than other techniques.

Medical Uses:

Lasers are part of the ever-popular laser eye surgery. While lasers can actually cause damage to eyes if not used correctly, the medical use of laser correction can be very beneficial. Reattaching retinas and burning away ulcers in the stomach are just a few of the surgical uses of lasers. They can also be used to remove tattoos, birthmarks, and hair.

Communication Uses:

Laser technology allows for communication through fiber optics. Lasers are capable of transferring huge amounts of information in one of the fastest methods yet devised. The internet is a prime example of an information technology that uses laser fiber optics.

Unfortunately, law enforcement relies on lasers to detect the speed of cars. While many people, including myself, don't like to get tickets, always be aware that a laser may be lurking around the next turn.

While not creating many downfalls or disadvantages, lasers are used for many different beneficial purposes.