Lasers: A Technology Offering Multiple Uses

When is the last time you benefited from laser technology? Perhaps more recently than you’d expect. From correcting eye-related conditions such as myopia and astigmatism to scanning groceries in the self-checkout line, lasers have a variety of applications that are becoming increasingly commonplace.

The word laser is actually an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. In addition to more everyday applications like barcode scanners, lasers play an important role in manufacturing processes that require extreme precision, such as cutting and marking. Welding is another area that benefits from the precision of lasers—including spot welding, a process involved in manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles. As a form of resistance welding, spot welding pushes workpieces together with heat generated by resistance to the flow of the welding current. Because it requires no additional materials to create the bond, the process is cost-effective and extremely valuable to the growing electric vehicle market.

One of the better-known applications of laser technology is in LASIK eye surgery, which uses a small laser to reshape the cornea and correct vision. However, the fact that they’re safe for use on skin means lasers also play a role in a range of non-invasive cosmetic procedures. When used for professional hair removal, lasers allow for pain-free application on various skin types and boast a longer time before regrowth or reapplication than any other hair removal method. Due to their ability to target problem areas and reduce discoloration, lasers are also commonly incorporated into equipment for tattoo removal, acne reduction and skin rejuvenation. These light sources are even used to treat psoriasis and dermatosis, in addition to performing skin tightening with the IR (infrared) spectra.

In addition to their industrial, medical and cosmetic uses, lasers are making headlines because of their applications in science—specifically, in the research of nuclear fusion. The world’s largest and highest-energy laser system, located at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, is currently being used for the study of controlled nuclear fusion, a process with the potential to provide an endlessly renewable energy source. In addition to revolutionizing our approach to environmental sustainability, nuclear fusion could also change the way we study the movements and surfaces of planetary bodies far beyond Earth.

APT is a proud designer and manufacturer of laser technologies used for all these applications and more. Since 2002, we’ve become a primary source of lamps for various uses in various markets, including medical, industrial, scientific and other fields that require a high degree of precision. With a management and design team that boasts over 100 combined years of experience in flash lamp production, we continue to achieve unprecedented levels of reliability and predictability by applying innovative approaches to production processes.

For more information about our laser technologies and other offerings, visit our online store or email us directly at info@appliedphoton.com.