A flashlamp is utilized in which type of laser?

A flashlamp is commonly used in Nd:YAG lasers to provide the necessary pumping energy to excite the laser medium. Nd:YAG stands for Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet, and in this type of laser, the flashlamp serves as a source of intense light that energizes the neodymium ions within the crystal. This energetic excitation is crucial for achieving the population inversion needed to produce laser light.

In the case of diode lasers, CO2 lasers, and fiber lasers, different pumping mechanisms are employed; for example, diode lasers typically use electrical current for excitation, while CO2 and fiber lasers may use other methods such as gas discharge or optical pumping through optical fibers. Therefore, the association of flashlamps with Nd:YAG lasers positions it uniquely among the listed options, confirming that Nd:YAG lasers are the correct answer regarding the use of flashlamps in their operation.