Backwards Laser

[Mem]

I just read an interesting article where a high power UV laser pulse is used to generate an IR laser return pulse out of thin air. This is the link:
Physicists create 'backward laser' - physicsworld.com

 

[Trevor]

Interesting article; I'd like to see where this technology goes.

Wrong forum.

-Trevor

 

[Mem]

How did this post wind up in here? I thought I was posting to Science and Lasers. Anyone know how to move it?

 

[Trevor]

Click the

and report it.

I already submitted one.

-Trevor

 

[Deleted member 46223]

Moved

 

[Benm]

Interesting stuff!

I don't know why it would be called a backwards laser though, its just an optically pumped gas laser. It's obviously superradiant so it does not need mirrors, but the clever bit is just getting the discharge to a desireable shape - essentially similar to the shape of the spark in a nitrogen laser.... but a lot smaller.

 

[Bluefan]

It's a short wavelength, so a large Rayleigh length is possible with the same beam diameter. But indeed it really sounds like a superradiant laser, which actually lases both in forward and backward direction.