What is the wavelength of a ruby laser?

The wavelength of a ruby laser is 694 nanometers. This specific wavelength corresponds to the red region of the visible spectrum, which is typically associated with the laser's emission. The ruby laser itself operates by using a synthetic ruby crystal as the gain medium, which is flashlamp-pumped to achieve population inversion. When the excited atoms return to their ground state, they emit photons at the characteristic wavelength of 694 nm.

This wavelength is significant in various applications, including medical procedures such as tattoo removal and certain types of cosmetic treatments, as well as in scientific research. Other choices represent different wavelengths associated with various other types of lasers. For instance, the common green laser at 532 nm is typically from a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser, while 800 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths are usually linked to different types of near-infrared lasers, such as Nd:YAG or Ti:sapphire lasers. Understanding these distinctions is essential in determining the appropriate laser for particular applications.