Why are lasers used?
Lasers are most commonly employed in the medical industry for diagnostic and treatment purposes and many of these lasers emit UV radiation. Examples of the use of lasers in health care settings include:
• Argon fluoride laser: is a UV-C emitting laser, used for corneal refractive surgery; and
• Far ultraviolet laser: is a laser emitting UV rays 193 nanometres in length, which is commonly used for ablation (removing damaged tissue) surgery.
Lasers are also commonly used in the construction industry, and the purposes for which they might be used include:
• Helium-Neon Laser: is a non-UV emitting laser, which produces a pencil thin beam. It is commonly used in surveying and construction to assist in the precise alignment of objects; and
• Carbon dioxide Lasers: are commonly used for precise cutting of metal and steel.
Lasers may also be used in everyday environments for example:
• Supermarket scanners;
• Presentation pointers; and
• Devices which produce holograms.