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Difference between MASER and LASER
MASER and LASER technologies are based on the concept of stimulated emission of radiation. In the process of stimulated emission, an electron goes to a lower energy level due to an interaction with the electromagnetic waves.
In this article, we will highlight the key differences between MASER and LASER by considering various parameters. Let's start with a basic overview of MASER and LASER.
What is MASER?
MASER stands for Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The MASER is a device that emits coherent electromagnetic waves through amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation.
The first MASER was invented by three physicists named Charles Hard Townes, James P. Gordon and Herbert J. Zeiger in 1953. The MASER uses stimulated emission in a stream of energized ammonia molecules to amplify the microwaves. The working of MASER is based on the principle of stimulated emission introduced by Albert Einstein.
MASER can be of following four types −
- Atomic Beam MASER
- Gas MASER
- Solid State MASER
- Dual Noble Gas MASER
The MASER is used in atomic clocks, spacecraft communication system, very low noise microwave amplifiers, etc.
What is LASER?
LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The LASER is a device which emits light by a process of amplification based on the stimulated emission of radiation.
The first LASER was introduced by Theodore H. Maiman in 1960. A LASER emits light which is coherent, and the spatial coherence allows the LASER to be focused to a tiny spot. A typical LASER consists of a gain medium (a material that can amplify light by stimulated emission). When light of a specific wavelength is passed through this gain medium, it amplifies the light.
Depending on the medium used, the LASER is classified into six major types as −
- Solid LASER
- Gas LASER
- Liquid LASER
- Chemical LASER
- Metal Vapor LASER
- Semiconductor LASER
LASER is used in many applications such as in welding and cutting, surveying and ranging, medical, garment industry, communication system, heat treatment, computing devices, etc.
Difference between MASER and LASER
Both MASER and LASER are based on the concept of stimulated emission. However, there are many differences between LASER and MASER that are highlighted in the following table −
| Basis of Difference | MASER | LASER |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | MASER stands for Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. | LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. |
| Definition | A MASER is a device that emits coherent electromagnetic waves through amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation. | A LASER is a device which emits light by a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of radiation. |
| Invention | The first MASER was invented by Charles Hard Townes, James P. Gordon and Herbert J. Zeiger in 1953. | The first LASER was invented by Theodore H. Maiman in 1960. |
| Photon | In case of MASER, a photon comes in the form of a microwave. | In the LASER, a photon comes in the form of visible light. |
| Electromagnetic spectrum | MASER uses microwave potion of the electromagnetic spectrum. | LASER uses ultraviolet, visible and infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. |
| Types | The common types of MASER are −
|
The common types of LASER are −
|
| Piercing power | The piercing power of MASER is high. Consequently, it can pierce through cloud cover, other solid materials and living tissue. | The piercing power of LASER is comparatively less than MASER. |
| Production condition | MASER involves relative easier production conditions. | LASER uses comparatively difficult production conditions. |
| Applications | MASER is used in atomic clocks, spacecraft communication system, very low noise microwave amplifiers, satellite communication, radar technology, etc. | LASER is used in welding, cutting, sensing, holography, communication, computing, spectroscopy, etc. |
Conclusion
The most significant difference between MASER and LASER is that MASER produces amplified microwaves, whereas LASER produces amplified light. Both use the same concept of stimulated emission.
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