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6.4 Laser applications in science, industry, and medicine

3 min readLast Updated on July 22, 2024

Lasers revolutionize scientific research, industry, and medicine. From spectroscopy to interferometry, they enable precise analysis and measurement. In manufacturing, lasers cut, weld, and 3D print with unparalleled accuracy, transforming production processes across industries.

Medical treatments benefit greatly from laser technology. Eye surgeries like LASIK and skin treatments such as laser resurfacing showcase the versatility of lasers in healthcare. Safety regulations ensure responsible use, with classifications and protective measures safeguarding users and patients alike.

Laser Applications in Science

Lasers in scientific research

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  • Spectroscopy involves using lasers to analyze the composition and structure of materials
    • Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) uses high-energy laser pulses to create plasma on a sample's surface and analyzes the emitted light to determine the sample's elemental composition (metals, ceramics, semiconductors)
    • Raman spectroscopy utilizes laser light to excite molecules and observe their unique vibrational and rotational energy states, enabling the identification of chemical compounds and structures (pharmaceuticals, polymers)
  • Interferometry employs lasers to measure tiny distances and displacements with high precision
    • Laser interferometers use coherent laser light to create interference patterns that can detect small displacements, vibrations, and surface irregularities (optical components, precision machining)
    • Applications in gravitational wave detection, such as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), use high-power lasers and long-baseline interferometers to detect gravitational waves from cosmic events (black hole mergers, neutron star collisions)

Industrial applications of lasers

  • Laser cutting uses a focused laser beam to melt, vaporize, or burn material along a predetermined path, enabling precise and efficient cutting of various materials (metals, plastics, textiles)
  • Laser welding employs a high-energy laser beam to melt and join materials together, creating strong, high-quality welds with minimal heat-affected zones in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics manufacturing
  • 3D printing techniques like selective laser sintering (SLS) and selective laser melting (SLM) use a laser beam to sinter or melt powdered materials layer by layer, creating complex 3D objects for rapid prototyping and production (medical implants, aerospace components)

Lasers in medical treatments

  • Ophthalmology utilizes lasers for various eye treatments
    1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) reshapes the cornea using an excimer laser to correct vision problems (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism)
    2. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) treats age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by activating light-sensitive drugs with lasers to destroy abnormal blood vessels
  • Dermatology employs lasers for skin treatments
    • Laser skin resurfacing removes damaged skin layers and stimulates collagen production using CO2 or erbium lasers to treat wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation issues
    • Laser hair removal selectively targets and destroys hair follicles using high-energy laser pulses, providing long-lasting hair reduction

Safety regulations for lasers

  • Laser classification system categorizes lasers based on their potential to cause harm (Class 1 to Class 4), with higher classes requiring more stringent safety measures
  • Eye and skin protection
    • Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when working with lasers, including safety goggles with specific optical density (OD) for the laser's wavelength and protective clothing and gloves to prevent skin damage
  • Controlled areas and access restrictions
    • Laser safety officers (LSOs) oversee the safe use of lasers in facilities
    • Designated laser-controlled areas with limited access to trained personnel
  • Regulations and standards
    • American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136 series provides guidelines for the safe use of lasers in various settings
    • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces workplace safety standards, including those related to laser use
    • Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the manufacture and use of medical laser devices to ensure patient safety


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© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.