In gas lasers, stimulated emission occurs when an electron in the highest energy state absorbs a photon. Contrary to the assumption that excess energy would cause the electron to escape, ionization only occurs when the absorbed energy surpasses the ionization potential of the atom. Therefore, the active medium remains intact with electrons in excited states rather than being left with only positive ions.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, laser technology engineers, and students studying quantum mechanics and atomic physics will benefit from this discussion.
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?