What is the significance of having coherent light in a laser?

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SUMMARY

The coherence of photons produced by stimulated emissions in lasers is crucial for maintaining a highly collimated beam, which minimizes divergence and allows the laser to travel great distances. The perpendicular arrangement of mirrors within the laser cavity contributes to this collimation, ensuring that the beam remains focused over long distances. This property of coherence results in all photons in the front of the beam striking a surface simultaneously, enhancing the laser's effectiveness in applications requiring precision.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of stimulated emission in lasers
  • Knowledge of laser cavity design and mirror arrangement
  • Familiarity with the concept of beam collimation
  • Basic principles of photon coherence
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of stimulated emission in laser technology
  • Explore the design and function of laser cavities
  • Learn about beam collimation techniques in optics
  • Investigate the effects of photon coherence on laser applications
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of laser technology and its applications in precision tasks.

Jye
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I understand that stimulated emissions produce coherent photons. What happens as a result of their coherence? My guess is that the laser beam does not spread out as much allowing it to travel further. Also, what is the property of a laser that allows the beam to travel great distances?
 
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Jye said:
I understand that stimulated emissions produce coherent photons. What happens as a result of their coherence? My guess is that the laser beam does not spread out as much allowing it to travel further. Also, what is the property of a laser that allows the beam to travel great distances?

Welcome to the PF.

Can you try Hyperphysics or Wikipedia to read a bit more about lasers? You may find the answer there. After you have read some more about lasers, post here to tell us what you have learned, and you will be able to ask a much more specific question after doing that reading.
 
The laser beam is highly collimated as the mirrors in the laser are perpendicular. Therefore only diverges minimally. Is this what allows the laser to travel great distances?

If a laser beam is coherent does this mean that all the photons in the front of beam strike a surface at the same time?
 
Am I correct?
 

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