How is laser wavelength typically measured?

Laser wavelength is typically measured in nanometers because this unit is well-suited for the scale of wavelengths associated with visible light and laser emissions. The wavelengths of lasers often fall within the range of about 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red) for visible lasers, making nanometers a practical choice for measurement in this context.

Using nanometers allows for precise specification of wavelengths that are important in various applications, such as communications, medical procedures, and industrial uses. This measurement also aligns with how wavelengths from other electromagnetic spectrum regions are categorized, where infrared wavelengths can be found in the range of micrometers.

The other units, while they are valid measurements in physics, are not typically employed for laser wavelengths. Micrometers are generally more applicable for measuring light in the infrared range and larger physical dimensions, while centimeters and meters are too large to accurately describe wavelengths within the visible light spectrum.