Do Lasers Have Harmonics Like Sound Frequencies?

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SUMMARY

Lasers can exhibit harmonic frequencies similar to sound, but typically operate at a single fundamental frequency. For instance, a laser emitting at 500 nm can theoretically have harmonics, with the third harmonic being three times the frequency corresponding to 500 nm. However, most lasers, such as standard green laser pointers, primarily emit at their fundamental frequency, with the green light being the second harmonic of a near-infrared fundamental frequency. The conditions necessary for producing standing waves with light are not practically achievable.

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Homework Statement


Hi all.

When talking about sound, we tak about the fundamental frequency, the first harmonic, second, third etc.

Does this also work for lasers, i.e. for light? So if I have a laser at 500 nm, then the third harmonic is 3 times the frequency that corresponds to 500 nm?


Niles.
 
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Good question, and I'm not totally sure.

The one thing I would say is that the conditions in order to produce a standing wave would never ever happen with light, perhaps theoretically if you could somehow have a fixed beam of light and control it with a perfect mirror, I'm not sure but i'll go with ; practically - no! =P
 
Niles said:

Homework Statement


Hi all.

When talking about sound, we tak about the fundamental frequency, the first harmonic, second, third etc.

Does this also work for lasers, i.e. for light? So if I have a laser at 500 nm, then the third harmonic is 3 times the frequency that corresponds to 500 nm?


Niles.

Yes, that is true. Note however that most lasers operate at just one frequency, the fundamental, to a very good approximation. An exception to this is a typical green laser pointer; the green light is the 2nd harmonic of the fundamental, near-infrared frequency.
 
Thanks for that.
 

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