Question

What is the most powerful and the most versatile line source of radiation? Explain.

Answer 1

Lasers are the most powerful and most versatile source of radiation. Lasers can produce radiation with wavelength ranging from mid UV to millimetre waves. The power of the lasers can range from nanowatt to megawatt. Lasers can provide continuous or pulsed radiation. The pulse width can go below femto-seconds. Going from one wavelength to another can be obtained through various crystals through the process of several non-linear processes. Even, one laser can be used to generate another laser. Also, the lasers have very high coherence lengths, both spatial and temporal coherence. Lasers are used in optical disk drives, laser printers, and barcode scanners; DNA sequencing instruments, fiber-optic and free-space optical communication; laser surgery and skin treatments; cutting and welding materials; military and law enforcement devices for marking targets and measuring range and speed; and laser lighting displays in entertainment. Detectors are avaible which can detect the laser radiations. All these properties makes the laser most powerful and versatile line source of radiation.