What does LASER stand for?

The correct answer, "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation," accurately defines what LASER stands for. Each component of the acronym provides insight into the fundamental principles of how lasers work.

"Light Amplification" refers to the process by which light is increased in intensity, a core function of laser technology. This amplification occurs through the process of stimulated emission, where an incoming photon stimulates excited atoms to emit additional photons, resulting in a coherent beam of light.

"Stimulated Emission" is a crucial concept in quantum mechanics and is what differentiates lasers from other light sources. In contrast to spontaneous emission, which occurs randomly, stimulated emission leads to the consistent and orderly lighting that characterizes lasers.

"Radiation" in this context describes the electromagnetic radiation that is produced, which can vary in wavelength and frequency, giving rise to different types of lasers, such as infrared, visible, or ultraviolet lasers.

The other choices fail to appropriately capture the scientific principles involved in laser technology, either by altering key terms or providing definitions that do not align with established terminology in optics and physics. Thus, the first option remains the most accurate and widely accepted meaning of LASER.