The wavelength of a laser varies depending on the type of laser, and can range from ultraviolet to infrared light. There isn't one single wavelength for "a laser."
Lasers emit light at specific wavelengths determined by the lasing medium used. These wavelengths fall within a broad spectrum, including:
- Ultraviolet (UV): 180 - 400 nanometers (nm)
- Visible: 400 - 700 nm
- Infrared (IR): 700 nm - 1 millimeter (mm)
Different types of lasers produce light at different points within these ranges. For example:
- Helium-Neon (HeNe) lasers commonly emit red light at 632.8 nm (visible range).
- Argon lasers can emit light at various wavelengths in the blue and green regions (e.g., 488 nm and 514.5 nm).
- CO2 lasers emit infrared light at around 10,600 nm (10.6 μm).
Therefore, to know the precise wavelength of a particular laser, you must refer to its specifications. Wavelength determines the color of visible light lasers and impacts how the laser interacts with different materials.
