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published by the PhET
This webpage contains an interactive simulation that allows users to explore the physics behind lasers. Two simulations are available, the first showing the optical excitation of a single atom and the second showing the result of interactions between multiple atoms. The single atom simulation allows users to view a model atom absorbing and releasing photons. One and two energy level models can be selected along with the intensity the incoming radiation and the radiative lifetimes of the levels. The multiple atom simulation shows the population inversion and build-up of photons that can lead to lasing. Users can also control the energy levels of atoms and the reflectivity of the mirrors. The internal and output power production is shown. A link is included to a picture of a real laser, allowing users to compare the parts of the simulation to a real world example.
Subjects Levels Resource Types
Heat
- Kinetic and Diffusive Processes
Light
- Modern Optics
= Lasers
Quantum Physics
- Bound State Systems
- Lower Undergraduate
- High School
- Informal Education
- Upper Undergraduate
- Instructional Material
= Activity
= Curriculum support
= Interactive Simulation
Intended Users Formats Ratings
- Learners
- Educators
- application/java
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Additional Information
This resource was featured by the Physics Source collection from July 29, 2008 until August 7, 2008. View the feature here!
Physics To Go This resource was a Physics To Go feature from January 1, 2010 until January 16, 2010. View the feature here!


Mirror: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/lasers/lasers_…
Access Rights: Free access
Restriction: © 2005 PHET and University of Colorado
Additional information is available.
Keywords: Photon beam, laser, lasing, light, population inversion, stimulated emission
Record Cloner: Metadata instance created September 28, 2006 by Gifford Weber
Record Updated: Aug 18, 2016 by Lyle Barbato
Last Update
when Cataloged:
August 11, 2006
Other Collections:
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Record Link
AIP Format
(PhET, Boulder, 2005), WWW Document, (https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/lasers).
AJP/PRST-PER
PhET Simulation: Lasers (PhET, Boulder, 2005), <https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/lasers>.
APA Format
PhET Simulation: Lasers. (2006, August 11). Retrieved February 12, 2025, from PhET: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/lasers
Chicago Format
PhET. PhET Simulation: Lasers. Boulder: PhET, August 11, 2006. https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/lasers (accessed 12 February 2025).
MLA Format
PhET Simulation: Lasers. Boulder: PhET, 2005. 11 Aug. 2006. 12 Feb. 2025 <https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/lasers>.
BibTeX Export Format
@misc{ Title = {PhET Simulation: Lasers}, Publisher = {PhET}, Volume = {2025}, Number = {12 February 2025}, Month = {August 11, 2006}, Year = {2005} }
Refer Export Format

%T PhET Simulation: Lasers %D August 11, 2006 %I PhET %C Boulder %U https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/lasers %O application/java

EndNote Export Format

%0 Electronic Source %D August 11, 2006 %T PhET Simulation: Lasers %I PhET %V 2025 %N 12 February 2025 %8 August 11, 2006 %9 application/java %U https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/lasers


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Citation Source Information

The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual.

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