See You Laser: 3 Different Kinds of Lasers

Once a favorite subject in science fiction, lasers are just about everywhere in real life today. They can be found in CD players, barcode scanners, and security systems. These beams are designed according to their base material and purpose. Here are the 3 main types: 

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Lasers

This device features a plasma tube with ends that are covered by mirrors. It contains a combination of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, and helium. When electricity passes through this gas mixture, it creates an invisible light that bounces between the mirrors, resulting in a more powerful and intense beam. It can cut through hard objects such as plastic, metal, and wood, as well as soft materials like paper, textile, and leather. Since it generates a lot of heat, industrial laser chillers are needed to cool it down and keep it in good condition.
CO2 lasers are also used in medical procedures. One example is skin resurfacing, a treatment that removes damaged cells to reveal a fresher, clearer complexion.  

Fiber Lasers

The central medium of this laser is an optical fiber - a thin and flexible cable made of glass or plastic and coated with rare elements like erbium, neodymium, and thulium. This feature amplifies the light emitted by the device's seed laser, producing a strong beam with an extremely small focal diameter. And because it's contained within a cable's core, the ray stays stable, straight, and focused. This makes it the perfect tool for marking, engraving, or cutting plastics and metals.  
Fiber lasers are commonly used in manufacturing parts for gadgets, cars, airplanes, and medical equipment. Intricately detailed fabrics are also made with this device.  

Crystal Lasers

As its name implies, this tool makes use of a neodymium-coated crystal rod, which is typically yttrium aluminum garnet or yttrium ortho-vanadate. When activated, light is directed into the crystal, where it will bounce to reach its maximum brightness and pulse durations. The resulting beam has characteristics similar to that of a fiber laser's but is less stable.
Crystal lasers are widely used in the medical field. Ophthalmologists use them to correct eye diseases like acute angle-closure glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and eye floaters. Skin cancers, benign thyroid nodules, and malignant liver lesions may be reduced or removed with them. Dentists also use these for soft tissue surgery such as gingivectomy and periodontal sulcular debridement. After use, they're placed in medical or industrial laser chillers, which are crucial in ensuring their long-term performance.