The lasing mechanism in a helium-neon laser relies on energy transfer between the gas mixture components to drive optical amplification at the neon spectral line:
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Electric discharge passes through He-Ne gas mix in optical cavity
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Collisions excite helium atoms which transfer energy to neon atoms
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Excited neon atoms drop to lower lasing level, emitting photons
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Photons stimulate more excited neon atoms to emit more photons in phase
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Photons reflecting between mirrors give optical amplification
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633 nm wavelength corresponding to neon transition dominates
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Continuous discharge sustains the excitation and lasing processes
By harnessing neon’s emissive properties, helium-neon gas provides a simple, low cost CW laser system.
Post time: Nov-09-2023