Monthly Archives: June 2016

Throwback Thursday: The Origin of the Word “Laser”

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“What’s in a name?” It is difficult to imagine a laser called by any other name. The word itself sounds a bit futuristic in nature. While the unaware may imagine that the laser was simply named upon discovery, the history of the word has an intriguing depth and history to it.

Before the 20th century, “laser” had a very different meaning. In ancient civilizations, specifically Egyptian and Mediterranean cultures, “laser” referred to the resin of the silphium plant. The silphium plant, now considered an extinct species, was used as a food seasoning and for a variety of medicinal properties. While this has little bearing on the lasers of today, the shared namesake is an interesting historical coincidence.

Instead, the naming of the laser took after its predecessor, the maser. The maser, at its origin, was not actually its own word, but rather an acronym standing for “Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation” Laser, differing only in its energy source, is “Light Amplification by Stimulate Emission of Radiation” Both acronyms eventually evolved into their own accepted singular word over the course of a few decades.

Gordon Gould, one of a handful who fought for the laser patent rights, is credited with coining the acronym, and by extension the word “laser,” although he is not credited with the patent for the laser itself. (He was later awarded a number of other patents, related to laser development and applications.)

While the acronym-turned-word origin may not be as interesting as ancient roots in Latin or Greek, “laser” and “maser” make for intriguing examples of acronyms turned to commonly accepted words, joining the likes of “radar” which was initially an acronym for “RAdio Detection And Ranging”

The evolution of these acronyms into full-fledged words makes an interesting argument in favor of the influence of science and technology on language. It is a marked evolution of language, in direct contrast to criticisms that argue the acceptance of acronyms and initialisms as words.

“Laser” has come a long way since it was coined in the 1960’s, leading to its modification for different tenses. Lasing refers to the “generation of coherent light by a laser” and to lase means “to give off coherent light, as in a laser”

These variations illuminate the transition of “laser” from an etymological standpoint. While the origin of the word pales in comparison to the applications of lasers, the history of the word shines a light, or rather lases the impact of lasers upon the world. At the very least, it makes a great “betcha didn’t know fact” among laser professionals and word nerds alike.

 

Lasers and Headlights: An Unexpected Challenge for Automobile Makers

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Automobiles are slowly, but surely, going through a technological renaissance. In recent years, new developments in the way we drive, park, and power our vehicles have had lasting impacts on the simplicity and efficiency of how we get around. Yet, despite having cars that help us park, avoid traffic, and alert us when things go wrong, our headlights have stayed relatively the same, for decades.

That is not at all to say that there has been a lack of advancements. In fact, there are multiple cars with brand new lighting technology— they are just banned here. With a heavy concentration on European nations, vehicles are already on the market with brighter, longer-lasting, high efficiency headlights. Some, with likely much more to come, are implementing lasers into their automotive lighting.

Right now, LED headlights are leading the charge as the next-best-thing in the realm of automotive lighting. LED lights are more energy efficient, customizable, and often times, more cost-effective than the bulbs of yesterday. The bright LED arrays, as introduced in a few European automotive brands, shine brighter and longer.

Companies, like Varoc Lighting, are investing in new, more advanced lighting techniques for their automotive partners, with ample research and development going into laser headlights. While LED headlights will likely hit the market at a larger, much faster rate, lasers are next up to bat for in the future of automotive lighting. Audi showcased laser-based headlights at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show, claiming that the new headlights would be equipped into production vehicles in the future.

The technology is not perfect, yet. Current iterations still require the boost of multiple LED lights to reach the appropriate brightness and length of beam. Audi’s version consists of a blue laser projected onto a diode, which then emits a white light. The projector is small enough to fit comfortably in the headlight apparatus. Once the technology is better developed, the lights are anticipated to shine the length of a quarter mile, according to Audi’s Head of Lighting Operations, Stephan Berlitz.

The biggest challenge for the future of laser headlights? It is not energy related. It is not even technology related. In the United States, at least, it is the law. Regulations from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration require all U.S automobiles to have a high beam, a low beam, and nothing else. Worth noting is the fact that these guidelines have not been revised since Jimmy Carter was President. These guidelines have shelved LED and laser headlights for American consumers for the foreseeable future.

Audi is far from the only automobile maker held back from new developments in lighting. BMW’s i8 and others have had their advanced lighting systems barred from U.S. markets, where they are considered acceptable elsewhere. It comes down to the fact that regulations on headlights and other automotive lighting have not changed or adapted to new, emerging technologies; potentially hindering the future of American automotive sales and developments.

Based on tests and applications of the emerging lighting technologies, the lights would be intuitive enough to adjust to appropriate levels of brightness. Accidents caused by either A) forgetting to turn your lights on or B) having your high-beams on at an inappropriate time, would be reduced, or even eliminated.

A number of companies and collations have petitioned the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration to take a closer look at how their rigid regulations are hindering technological advancement. Many tech-minded automobile enthusiasts have also spoken out, in regards to revisiting the archaic regulations. Companies that are otherwise rival competitors have put their differences aside to push for the acceptance of the new technology, in the U.S. When differences of that magnitude are pushed aside in favor of new developments, it speaks volumes about how seriously automobile companies are taking these new headlight systems. It is less about a luxury product and more about technology that will further simplify our daily lives. Only time will tell if the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration is willing to make the future a reality.

 

 

 

Lasers Vs Insects: Creating the Photonic Fence

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Controlling disease-carrying insects is a worldwide issue for agricultural, food, and health industries. Insufficient pest control can ruin an entire season’s crops, or even help spread harmful diseases to consumers. The common method for maintaining control of food resources is through the use of pesticides. While these chemicals are mostly effective in warding off troublesome insects, some species have become resistant to certain compositions, leading to stronger pesticides. While incrementally more effective, the chemicals used to develop the stronger pesticides are not the best substances for safe human consumption.

As researchers have tried to find a new way to control potential infestations or the spread of disease, a Washington-based team may have found a novel solution to growing pest control concerns: lasers.

While the idea of shooting down pesky bugs with a laser beam may seem comical, the concept developed by Intellectual Ventures Laboratory seems like a viable solution to the inevitable question: What happens when pesticides are no longer a sufficient, or health-conscious option?

Enter the Photonic Fence: An electro-optical system that uses lasers, detectors, and data to identify, detect, and shoot down insects before they reach the protected region. While not a particularly new idea, (concepts for a “mosquito fence” have been in the works since the 1980’s) we are closer to a functional prototype than ever before.

The photonic fence determines the size, flight pattern, shape, and frequency of an insect’s wing flap to distinguish species from one another. Based on the data collected, the device is able to determine if the insect is a health threat or not, only firing on those who pose a known danger to the protected region. The photonic fence will also be able to determine if any non-threatening lifeforms are at risk of being caught in the crossfire. This distinction helps to avoid any ecological disruption outside of eliminating the hazardous threat.  If the range is obstructed by other insects or lifeforms the device will not fire. The entire process takes nearly a second to occur. While the utilized lasers are low in power, when fired at something as small as a mosquito, the tool is effective in eradicating threats, but causing little to no damage elsewhere.

The goal is to use the photonic fence to protect areas critically affected by disease spreading pests. The fence, once made available, gives a powerful, yet safe alternative to chemical pesticides. Beyond public health applications, the tool could prove to be revolutionary for organic farms and beyond.

If the developing prototypes prove functional and effective, a widespread utilization of the photonic fence will have a huge secondary benefit: data collection. By building an unprecedented database of insect data, the tracking of hazardous pests in crucial areas will be easier than ever before. It goes without saying that the intent is not to eliminate entire species of insects, but rather to curve the devastating impact lost crops and deadly diseases can have on impoverished and threatened communities. To put it simply, this is not your everyday bug swatter.

One of the most significant criticisms of the photonic fence is the lack of reliable energy in Africa, where the photonic fence is needed most. Cost is also a concern of skeptics and critics, who have followed the idea of the “mosquito fence” for decades. To combat this, Intellectual Ventures is working to develop the most affordable, energy efficient way to create and develop the photonic fence to better suit it for where the need and demand exists. The technology is not too different from the standard Blu-Ray player, which does not necessitate a large surge of energy to power up.

Bringing laser technology to the worlds of agriculture and disease prevention is an exciting development for new, exciting laser applications. Using lasers to help provide the world healthier foods, better disease control, and a previously unparalleled understanding of our ecosystems could mean big, positive changes for the world at large. At the very least, with the right operation, the photonic fence could very realistically reveal new information about the world around us, and how we can make it better.

 

Author’s Note: The original post contained an inaccuracy in regards to the cost of development for the photonic fence. This has since been removed. Apologies for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused.

 

 

 

How Effective is Laser Hair Removal?

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The process of eliminating hair from growing on the body in designated areas has been one that has grown in popularity throughout the last ten years. Using lasers to permanently remove hair is a process which came to replace tedious treatments of Electrolysis which involved putting a thin needle into a single hair follicle in order to deliver an amount of energy that would then be directed towards the base of the follicle to cause damage. It is understood that this process was so tedious due to the amount of time required to eliminate hair growth, one hair follicle at a time. Laser hair removal (LHR) eventually became one of the most common cosmetic procedures after its transition into becoming commercially available circa the late 1990s. One of the first published articles describing this advanced removal process was written by a group at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1998.

When being compared to LHR, Electrolysis had been a more time consuming procedure due to the fact that treatments had to be administered continuously for years after receiving the initial treatment. The process of LHR can be performed in minutes compared to the hours needed to administer Electrolysis. LHR also allows numerous hair follicles to be treated in one sitting rather than one hair follicle at a time. One of the more noticeable feats of using LHR machines is the fast-paced process of repeatedly blasting an ultra-fast laser pulse on the skin of a patient, a process known as Photothermolysis.

Unlike the temporary processes of waxing and shaving, the goal of removing hair follicles by a laser isn’t to temporarily remove the hair but to serve as a permanent solution to stopping its growth by destroying “germ cells” in the hair follicle which produce the hair in the first place. At the beginning of the hair removal process a laser is chosen based on the pigmentation, or melanin, of the patient’s skin. Since lasers are characterized by wavelength (measured in nanometers) these numbers are used in order to determine the type of laser that is to be used in any hair removal process. For example, Ruby or Deep Red lasers (694.3nm) are only safe for patients with very pale skin while Nd:YAG (1064nm) is a near-infrared laser that is made for treating darker skin pigmentations, though it is understood to be effective on all skin types.

As melanin from the hair soaks up energy from the laser, the germ cells in the hair follicle heat up to a temperature reaching over 212 degrees F. A cell begins to fall apart once its temperature approaches 140 degrees F. The laser then zaps the designed area of hair in a series of short pulses in order to keep the heat from spreading too far into the surrounding skin. Cells around the hair are damaged as the hair heats up but the laser turns off before the heat can spread or burn the skin. This process of exposing skin to administered laser pulses is why people who undergo this LHR procedure have to go more than once. Scheduling more than one appointment is necessary in order to permanently damage the hair follicles. It’s necessary for a patient to undergo this procedure every estimated five to ten weeks to permanently stop hair growth.

There are a few risks and normal side effects which include experiencing minor pain, skin damage, itching, pink skin, redness, allergic reactions, and swelling around the treatment area or swelling of the hair follicles with the two most common side effects being acne and skin discoloration. These risks can be greatly reduced by receiving hair removal treatments with the appropriate laser type for the individual’s skin pigmentation and treatment region.

LHR is safe as long as it’s done correctly. The body can handle small doses of radiation at a time however receiving more than the necessary amount of laser pulses in a given session may result in skin discoloration such as white spots or hypopigmentation. The treatment works best on those with low amounts of melanin and dark hair since melanin in the hair draws radiation, or the attention, away from the skin.

Within the United States, LHR is an unregulated procedure that anyone can do. In certain locations, only doctors and doctor-supervised personnel are able to perform the procedure while permission is often given to licensed professionals such as regular nurses, estheticians, and/or cosmetologists. The process of using a laser to permanently stop hair growth is one that is widely practiced within clinics and personal homes. Devices designed and sold at a retail price for consumer self-treatment are available in select stores both on location and online.

If you are licensed professional wanting to learn more about laser safety for similar cosmetic or medical procedures: be sure to visit www.lia.org for more information on LIA’s upcoming course on Medical Laser Safety Officer Training.

Throwback Thursday: The Rise of The Laser Light Show

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Now a staple of planetariums and major concert events, the laser light show has wowed audiences for nearly half of a century. In this week’s Throwback Thursday, we take a look at the development of lasers for the sake of entertainment and the worldwide phenomenon that was and continues to be, the laser light show.

In the late 1960’s, artists and scientists collaborated on the use of lasers for art and entertainment. Similar to the invention of the laser itself, it is hard to pinpoint the “first” laser light show, as so many were fascinated with experimenting with the new medium for artistic or practical applications.

Much of the “wow factor” associated with laser light shows rely on very simple optical principles. A low powered laser, mirrors, and the “persistence of vision” (the afterimage seen by the human eye when light moves faster than the eye can perceive) are all that is needed to create a basic laser light show.

Advanced shows used mirrored prisms, galvanometers (electrical signals that shake mirrors at a fast enough rate that the lasers “trace” an image) and “chopping,” which refers to the rapid shutting on and off of the laser to create the illusion of movement. These, combined with simplistic, cartoonish designs make laser light shows a reality.

In the 1970s, major touring acts such as Led Zeppelin, Blue Oyster Cult, The Who, and Pink Floyd made the laser light show a central part of their live performances. Contributing heavily to the world’s fascination with laser technology, the integration of lasers into popular musical performances rewrote the expectations of a live concert event. Today, you’ll be hard pressed to find a planetarium that does not hold “tribute shows” to these acts on a regular basis.

Comparatively, laser light shows are much easier and efficient than in their early heyday. Argon and krypton ion lasers were bulky and required a significant amount of power to put on the show. These days, the type and power of the laser required is based more on venue size. A small auditorium or theater can use standard electrical power and low-powered beams to put on a decent show. Larger venues, such as outdoor amphitheaters, require more power and still often use gas-based lasers for a greater variety in visuals. That being said, outside of better control of images through the use of computer-based controls, the laser light show has not evolved all that much since the turn of the century.

That is not, of course, to say that advancements in laser technology will not also be applied for entertainment purposes. Seeing as the use of lasers in entertainment has only become more standardized, it will likely not be long before someone decides to re-invent this long standing performance staple.