What are the two basic forms of pulsed laser modes?

The two basic forms of pulsed laser modes are indeed commonly characterized as gated wave and free running pulsed.

In the gated wave mode, the laser emits pulses that are triggered or 'gated' by an external device or control system. This allows for precise control over the timing and duration of each pulse, making it suitable for applications that require specific timing intervals for the emitted light, such as in certain medical or industrial processes.

On the other hand, the free running pulsed mode refers to a laser system that operates independently without external triggering. In this mode, the laser emits pulses at a natural rate determined by its internal characteristics, such as the gain medium and cavity design. This can be beneficial for applications that can utilize the natural pulse timing without the need for external synchronization, such as in some scientific research and exploration of laser interactions.

The options that mention continuous modes are not relevant in this context, as they do not pertain to the pulsed laser categories, which focus specifically on the way the laser outputs its energy in discrete pulses. Understanding these two basic forms helps clarify the operational principles of pulsed lasers and their respective applications across various fields.