WORLD OF LASERS

During the last few decades, Lasers have emerged as the most innovative tool, having wide ranging applications starting from the very common supermarket bar code readers to the highly advanced systems such as nuclear fusion systems for power generation, directed energy weapon in an antimissile role. There is hardly any sphere of our life, which is untouched by Lasers. A common man encounters Lasers not only in light shows, but also with the beauticians, eye specialists, orthopedists, to sight a few. The importance of lasers was recognized immediately in India after its invention in the early sixties and few research institutions like Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, Defence Science Laboratory, now called Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), Delhi; initiated Laser research in a modest way. However, in the recent years, there has been tremendous growth in research activities not only in National research institutions but also in academic institutions like IITs and..