What does the term 'laser ablation' refer to?

The term 'laser ablation' specifically refers to the removal of material using intense laser energy. This process involves directing focused laser beams onto the surface of a material, which heats it to the point where it evaporates or is blown away by the force of the laser. Laser ablation is widely used in various applications, including material processing, medical treatments, and research, due to its precision and ability to remove material without significant thermal damage to surrounding areas.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of what laser ablation entails. Increasing material density and adding layers to materials do not involve the removal of material, and the creation of lasers relates to how lasers are made rather than how they interact with other materials to remove them. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the fundamental principle behind laser ablation technology.