A solid-state, rod-shaped lasing medium in which ion excitation is caused by a source of intense light, such as a flashlamp. Various materials are used for the rod, the earliest of which was synthetic ruby crystal.

Abbreviated LSO.   One who possess the authority and responsibility to monitor and to enforce the control of laser hazards and to effect the knowledgeable evaluation and control of laser hazards in order to establish a laser or laser system’s safe use.

The initial pulse in a series of pulsed laser emissions, often useful in starting a reaction at the target surface. The trailing edge of the laser power is used to maintain the reaction after the initial burst of energy.

The range of electromagnetic radiation frequencies detected by the eye, or the wavelength range from about 400 to 750 nanometers. It is sometimes extended to include photovoltaic effects and radiation beyond visible limits.

A form of power regulation in which output power is maintained at a constant level by controlling discharge current.