Induced Emission
Induced emission is a process in which an incoming photon stimulates an excited atom or molecule to release a second photon. This emitted photon has the same energy, phase, and direction as the incoming one, leading to a coherent light output. This phenomenon is fundamental to the operation of devices like lasers, where a cascade of induced emissions creates a powerful, focused beam of light.
In contrast to spontaneous emission, where photons are emitted randomly, induced emission is triggered by the presence of other photons. This principle is crucial in various applications, including lasers, optical amplifiers, and quantum optics, enabling advancements in technology and communication.