Is laser beam visible in vacuum?

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SUMMARY

The visibility of a laser beam in a vacuum is primarily determined by the presence of particles such as dust or fog. In a dark environment, like a room with a single light source, the beam becomes visible when it interacts with these particles. In vacuum conditions, the laser beam remains invisible due to the absence of matter to scatter the light. While theoretically possible for a powerful laser to interact with a vacuum, such scenarios are rare and primarily experimental.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic waves
  • Knowledge of light scattering principles
  • Familiarity with laser technology
  • Basic concepts of vacuum physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of light scattering in different mediums
  • Explore the characteristics of laser technology and its applications
  • Study vacuum physics and its implications on light behavior
  • Investigate experimental setups for observing laser interactions in vacuum
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Physicists, optical engineers, educators, and anyone interested in the behavior of light and lasers in various environments.

Rigel84
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This is what I understand about light.
Light is electromagnetic wave, it comes from the source, bounces from the objects and we see reflected light.
Let's imagine next situation. We are in a dark room and we got only one light source, a toy laser. When we turn it on, we can clearly see beam coming out of our toy and point on the wall where beam hits the wall.
My guess is that we see that beam only because it interacts with air and dust.
Is laser beam visible in vacuum?
 
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You are correct. Often, the laser beam is invisible as it passes through the air. When it is visible, it is because of dust and perhaps fog.

I believe that, in theory, it is possible for a laser to be so powerful that it interacts with a vacuum, but that would be a very exceptional experiment.
 

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