Understanding Atom Excitation in He-Ne Lasers

In summary, the process of creating a laser beam involves creating a population inversion where a large number of atoms have electrons in a particular excited state. This is achieved through collisions between atoms, causing simultaneous energy releases and resulting in the laser beam. It is the atoms that excite, not just the electrons, as the energy levels are characteristic of the atom as a whole.
  • #1
paramahamsa
14
0
hello every one
The thing I can't understand is 1) In He-Ne laser the He atoms in the excited state interact with the Ne atoms in the ground state how it is possible?

2) In all the textbooks they wrote that "atoms exite". Wil the atoms exite or the electrons? because to my knowledge atom consists of Nucleus which is heavy.
 
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  • #2
Atoms consist of a nucleus surrounded by a cloud of electrons.

For a laser to work you need to create a population inversion. This mean that you have a large population of atoms with electrons in a particular excited state. These excited state electrons are then caused to drop to a lower energy state simultaenously. The energy released in this state change becomes your laser beam.
 
  • #3
thks mr integral
 
  • #4
paramahamsa said:
hello every one
The thing I can't understand is 1) In He-Ne laser the He atoms in the excited state interact with the Ne atoms in the ground state how it is possible?
Via collisions. One atom bumps into another and an energy exchange takes place.
paramahamsa said:
2) In all the textbooks they wrote that "atoms exite". Wil the atoms exite or the electrons? because to my knowledge atom consists of Nucleus which is heavy.
The atoms excite. This is because the discrete energy levels we observe are characteristic of the ATOM and not the subatomic particles that make up the atom. This is why Hydrogen has a different spectrum to Helium for example, despite the fact the both comprise of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.
 

FAQ: Understanding Atom Excitation in He-Ne Lasers

1. What is the basic principle behind He-Ne lasers?

The He-Ne laser works on the principle of population inversion, wherein the gas atoms are excited to a higher energy state by an external energy source, and then emit photons as they return to their ground state. This emission of photons results in a coherent beam of light.

2. How does the excitation process occur in He-Ne lasers?

The excitation process in He-Ne lasers is achieved by passing an electric current through the gas mixture of helium and neon. This current results in the collision of electrons with the gas atoms, causing them to become excited. The excited atoms then release photons as they return to their ground state, creating the laser beam.

3. How is the energy level of the excited state determined in He-Ne lasers?

The energy level of the excited state in He-Ne lasers is determined by the amount of electric current passed through the gas mixture. The higher the current, the more collisions and excitation occur, resulting in a higher energy state and a more intense laser beam.

4. What factors affect the excitation process in He-Ne lasers?

The excitation process in He-Ne lasers can be affected by various factors, such as gas pressure, gas mixture composition, and the shape and size of the laser tube. These factors can impact the efficiency and stability of the laser beam produced.

5. How is the excitation process in He-Ne lasers utilized in practical applications?

The excitation process in He-Ne lasers is utilized in various practical applications, including barcode scanners, laser printers, and medical instruments. The coherent and monochromatic nature of the laser beam makes it useful in precision measurements and high-precision cutting and welding processes.

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