Optical Gain Media

Optical gain media are materials that amplify light through a process called stimulated emission. When energized by an external source, such as an electric current or light, these materials excite electrons to higher energy levels. As electrons return to lower energy states, they emit photons (light particles). If a material is specially designed, these emitted photons can stimulate other excited electrons to release more photons of the same wavelength, resulting in amplified light. Optical gain media are fundamental to lasers and optical amplifiers, enabling precise, intense, and coherent light sources used in communication, medicine, and manufacturing.