optical maser


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optical maser

n.
A laser, especially one that produces visible radiation.

la•ser

(ˈleɪ zər)

n.
a device that produces a nearly parallel, nearly monochromatic, and coherent beam of light by exciting atoms and causing them to radiate their energy in phase.
Compare maser.
[1955–60; l(ightwave) a(mplification by) s(timulated) e(mission of) r(adiation)]
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Noun1.optical maser - an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiationoptical maser - an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; an optical device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent light
laser
optical device - a device for producing or controlling light
photocoagulator - surgical instrument containing a laser for use in photocoagulation
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References in periodicals archive ?
The new kind of laser, or optical maser, operates on a principle never used before--stimulated "Raman" scattering.
Science Past: from the issue of December 15, 1962
The device was first called an optical maser, but since it could be described as light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, the initials of that phrase were used and it came to be called a laser.
Laser
Theodore Malman demonstrates the first optical maser, or laser (4/23/60, p.
1960s

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