ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Infrared laser

Hello there! Do you know what a laser is? It's a device that produces a very strong and focused beam of light. There are different types of lasers that produce different colors of light. Today we're going to talk about one specific type of laser - the infrared laser!

So, first of all, what does "infrared" mean? Well, you know how some things are hot and you can feel the heat coming off of them? That's because they are giving off a type of energy called "infrared radiation". Infrared radiation is a type of light that is too "red" for us to see with our eyes, but we can feel it as heat.

Now, an infrared laser works by producing a very specific wavelength of infrared light. It does this by exciting atoms or molecules in a special type of material called a "laser medium". When these atoms or molecules are excited, they release energy in the form of light. This light bounces back and forth between two mirrors inside the laser, getting stronger and more focused with each bounce.

Eventually, the light becomes so strong and focused that it shoots out of the laser as a tight, powerful beam. This beam can be used for all sorts of things, like cutting materials, measuring distances, and even transmitting information through the air!

One thing to keep in mind is that infrared lasers can be dangerous if they are not used properly. Because we can't see the infrared light with our eyes, it can be easy to accidentally shine the laser into someone's eyes and cause damage. So it's important to always use infrared lasers safely and responsibly!

Overall, an infrared laser is a special type of laser that produces a strong and focused beam of infrared light. It's an amazing technology that can be used for all sorts of useful purposes, but it's important to be careful and use it responsibly.