What does the acronym "LASER" stand for?

The acronym "LASER" stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation." This term is crucial in understanding the fundamental principles of how lasers operate. The key components of this definition highlight that a laser involves the amplification of light through a process called stimulated emission, which occurs when an excited atom or molecule releases a photon in a coherent manner.

In this context, "Light Amplification" refers to the increase in intensity of the light, allowing the laser to produce a highly focused and powerful beam. "Stimulated Emission" is the process where an incoming photon encourages an excited state electron to drop to a lower energy level, emitting a new photon that has the same phase, frequency, and direction as the incoming one. This results in a coherent light source with properties distinct from ordinary light.

The other options provided do not accurately represent the scientific principles that govern laser technology. Therefore, understanding the significance of the correct acronym is essential for anyone studying lasers and their applications.