Laser Terms Glossary

Scanning

Scanning laser beams using a Galvano motor or other such device.

Second-Harmonics

Click here for details
Two times the frequency of a laser fundamental wave or 1/2 the fundamental wavelength.
For a YAG laser 1/2 of 1064 nm indicates a wavelength of 532 nm.

Seed Light Source

The original light source.

Semiconductor Lasers

Click here for details
A laser created from semiconductor materials. Between a p-n junction, there is a layer that emits light, called the active layer. The p-side holes and n-side electrons are combined to create laser light.

Shutter

A light shielding plate used to block the laser beam.
Used for operations such as an emergency stop.

Side Pumping Method

Click here for details
A method where excitation light is irradiated and energized from the side of the laser medium.

Stimulated Emission

Click here for details
A phenomenon where excited atoms are hit with light, inducing the photons and causing a chain reaction resulting in light emission.

Single Mode

Click here for details
A laser beam that has been collected to a single point in its cross section and has the characteristics of transverse mode points.

Solid-State Laser

Click here for details
A laser oscillator that creates a laser beam by irradiating the laser medium with a lamp, LD or other such light source.

Space Mode

A mode where the optical axis of the resonator is in a vertical direction. The cross-section of laser beam power distribution is expressed in single points in single mode, and appears as multiple-peak points in multi-mode.

Stretcher

The structure or member that stretches the pulse width of a laser beam.