What is the outcome of stimulated decay in a laser system?

In a laser system, stimulated decay refers to the process in which an excited electron in a laser medium returns to a lower energy state and emits a photon as a result. This photon is emitted in a way that is coherent with the existing photons in the system, meaning it has the same wavelength, phase, and direction as the light already present.

This stimulated emission is crucial for the amplification of light in lasers, as it leads to an increase in the number of coherent photons, thereby enhancing the power and intensity of the laser beam. The feedback system within the laser cavity allows for these emitted photons to stimulate further emissions, creating a chain reaction that amplifies the light.

While other options reference concepts such as randomization, loss of coherence, and reduction in intensity, the essence of stimulated decay fundamentally drives the increase in energy emission, which is a core aspect of how lasers operate efficiently and effectively. This process contributes directly to the amplification capabilities that define laser technology.