How is power measured in laser systems?

Power in laser systems is measured in watts because this unit quantifies the rate at which energy is produced or consumed. Specifically, one watt is equivalent to one joule per second, making it a direct measure of how much electrical energy is converted into optical energy by the laser over time. Understanding power in this context helps in distinguishing how effectively a laser can deliver energy to a target, which is crucial for applications in areas such as material processing, medical treatments, and telecommunications.

Other units listed, such as joules and millijoules, measure energy rather than power. Joules refer to the total energy delivered, while millijoules represent the same but in smaller quantities. These units are often used to describe the energy output per pulse in pulsed lasers rather than the continuous power level of the laser. Meanwhile, hertz measures frequency, which is unrelated to power output. In laser systems, power is key to determining performance characteristics, making watts the most appropriate measurement.