The word laser is actually an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Calif. The key concept behind a laser is based on the way light interacts with electrons. Depending on a particular atom or molecule, electrons exist at specific energy levels or states. These energy levels can be imagined as rings around a nucleus. Electrons in inner rings are at lower levels than those in outer rings.
Electrons can achieve higher energy levels by injecting energy via a flash of light, for example.
When an electron drops from an outer to an inner level, excess energy is given off as light. The wavelength, or color, of the light given off is precisely related to the amount of energy released. The laser flash that escapes through the partially reflecting mirror lasts for only about 300 millionths of a second, but it s very intense. Early lasers could produce peak powers of nearly 10,000 watts. Hesse became TeraBeam s new CEO and five percent owner.