Sample interview questions: How does the laser gain medium affect the performance of a laser system?
Sample answer:
- Wavelength: The gain medium determines the wavelength of the laser light produced. Different gain media have different energy level structures, which result in different wavelengths of light being emitted. This is important for applications that require a specific wavelength of light, such as spectroscopy or laser marking.
- Power: The gain medium also affects the power of the laser. The higher the gain of the medium, the more light amplification can occur, leading to higher output power. This is important for applications that require high-power lasers, such as laser cutting or laser surgery.
- Efficiency: The efficiency of the laser is determined by the gain medium’s ability to convert pump energy into laser light. The higher the efficiency, the less pump energy is wasted and the more laser light is produced. This is important for applications where energy efficiency is a concern, such as battery-powered lasers or long-range laser communications.
- Beam quality: The beam quality of the laser is determine… Read full answer