Properties of laser radiation

A laser generates light with particular properties that spreads out in the form of an electromagnetic wave. The energy of the radiation depends on frequency in accordance with the equation

E = h • ν

which describes the energy of the individual light photons. Therefore, we have an electromagnetic wave that so to say effectively carries energy in small portions or pellets (photons). This simplified concept can serve as a satisfactory explanation for numerous phenomena, such as the photoelectric effect, for example. Other phenomena like interference tend to be better described by the pure wave character of light.

Laser light’s special properties are its monochromaticity, coherence, and the low divergence.