What is the primary function of a laser in medical applications?

The primary function of a laser in medical applications is to amplify light. In a medical context, lasers are specifically designed to produce high-intensity, focused beams of light via a process called stimulated emission. This amplification allows lasers to be used effectively for various procedures, including cutting tissue, coagulating blood vessels, and performing precise surgical operations.

The unique properties of laser light, such as its monochromaticity, coherence, and directionality, make it particularly useful in medical therapies and surgeries. For instance, specific wavelengths of laser light can target particular tissues or pigments, enabling safe procedures with minimal damage to surrounding areas.

While generating heat is also a function of lasers in certain medical applications, it is a secondary effect resulting from the interaction of the laser light with biological tissues. Ultimately, it is the amplification of light that underpins the effectiveness of lasers in a medical setting.