×

Tiny semiconductor lasers in the form of laser diodes are key components of printers/copiers/scanners and optical disc drives that read and write CDs and DVDs. A laser mouse allows high-precision tracking on almost any surface.

×

Optical fiber technologies, such as fiber lasers, cables and optical amplifiers are the groundbreaking inventions that made the fiber-optic telecommunication revolution possible (see slides).

×

UV lasers, in particular excimer lasers, are key to the astounding nano-resolution achieved in microchip manufacture.

×

Lasers play a key role in industrial manufacturing, particularly for fast and precise cutting and welding of metal and plastic. Lasers also mark products and are used in 3D printing (particularly in Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Melting (SLM)).

×

Laser surgery includes LASIK, a popular vision correction, and other surgical procedures.

×

Lasers are often used for scientific research work that involves interferometry, spectroscopy, and microscopy. Lasers are also used to produce extremely short pulses (femto- or attoseconds) during which light travels only micro- or nanometers (see ultrafast laser spectroscopy and chirped pulse amplification).