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Calorimeter |
An
instrument which measures the energy, usually as heat generated
by absorption of the laser beam.
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Carbon
Dioxide
|
Molecule
used as a laser medium. Emits far infrared energy at 10,600
nm (10.6 micrometers).
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Cathode |
A
negatively charged electrical element providing electrons
for an electrical discharge.
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Closed
Installation
|
Any
location where lasers are used which will be closed to unprotected
personnel during laser operation.
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CO2
Laser |
A
widely used laser in which the primary lasing medium is carbon
dioxide gas. The output wavelength is 10.6 micrometers in
the far infrared spectrum. It can be operated in either CW
or pulsed.
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Coherence |
A
term describing light as waves which are in phase in both
time and space. Monochromaticity and low divergence are two
properties of coherent light.
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Collimated
Light |
Light rays that are parallel. Collimated light is emitted
by many lasers. Diverging light may be collimated by a lens
or other device.
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Collimation |
Ability
of the laser beam to not spread significantly (low divergence)
with distance.
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Combiner
Mirror |
The
mirror in a laser which combines two or more wavelengths into
a coaxial beam.
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Continuous
Mode |
The
duration of laser exposure is controlled by the user (by foot
or hand switch).
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Continuous
Wave (CW) |
Constant,
steady-state delivery of laser power.
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Convergence |
The
bending of light rays toward each other, as by a positive
(convex) lens.
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Corrected
Lens |
A
compound lens that is made measurably free of aberrations
through the careful selection of its dimensions and materials.
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Crystal |
A
solid with a regular array of atoms. Sapphire (Ruby Laser)
and YAG (Nd:YAG laser) are two crystalline materials used
as laser sources.
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