Gas Laser: Stimulated Emission and Positive Ions

AI Thread Summary
In a gas laser, stimulated emission occurs when an electron in the highest energy state absorbs a photon. However, the electron does not escape the atom because ionization only happens when the absorbed energy surpasses the ionization potential. Therefore, even with increased energy, the active medium does not solely consist of positive ions. The process of stimulated emission does not lead to ionization under normal operating conditions of a gas laser. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping the functioning of gas lasers.
vin300
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In a gas laser, an electron in the highest energy state absorbs photon for stimulated emission to occur, but now since it has more energy than its highest state, shouldn't it escape the atom and the active medium be left only with positive ions?
 
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vin300 said:
In a gas laser, an electron in the highest energy state absorbs photon for stimulated emission to occur, but now since it has more energy than its highest state, shouldn't it escape the atom and the active medium be left only with positive ions?

Nope. Atoms only become ionised when the absorbed energy exceeds the ionisation potential.

Claude.
 
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