When you think of lasers, your mind might jump to high-tech gadgets in science fiction, concert light shows, or toys you use to entertain your cat. But lasers aren’t just a Hollywood prop or a party trick. These beams of focused light support our health, comfort, and safety in ways you probably haven’t noticed. Read on to explore some surprising ways lasers improve our lives.
Revolutionizing Medicine
Lasers are surgical tools. One of the most widely recognized uses is in corrective eye surgeries, like LASIK, which help millions of people say goodbye to their glasses and contacts.
But that’s just scratching the surface. There are so many types of medical lasers, including those for noninvasive skin treatments to remove acne scars, wrinkles, and tattoos.
Got kidney stones? There’s a laser for that, too. Doctors now use laser lithotripsy to break painful kidney stones into smaller pieces, making them easier to pass.
Lasers even assist cancer treatments by targeting tumors without damaging surrounding tissues.
Supercharging Communication
Ever wondered how we can stream a movie in seconds or have high-speed Internet? Fiber-optic cables use light to transmit signals faster than ever before, and lasers are the source of that light.
These cables use laser light to transmit data at astonishing speeds, connecting people and businesses across the globe. It’s what makes binge-watching your favorite show or video chatting with someone halfway around the world as easy as it is.
Upgrading Everyday Tech
Look around, and you’ll spot lasers everywhere. That DVD player collecting dust in your closet reads discs using lasers. Your favorite grocery store’s self-checkout uses lasers to scan your items. And if you’ve been using facial recognition on your phone, lasers are likely part of the technology making it possible.
Transforming Manufacturing
Modern production lines rely heavily on lasers. Focused beams of light can effortlessly slice through metal, weld complex designs, and engrave tiny logos on products. Lasers make it possible to mass-produce goods faster and with better accuracy.
Did you know about any of these surprising ways lasers improve our lives? This technology is truly so foundational to the modern world and many of the comforts and advancements we enjoy. We hope you learned some interesting today and have a new perspective on some everyday processes.
