Which components are included in all laser designs?

The inclusion of both the laser cavity and the active medium is essential in all laser designs because they are fundamental to the operation of a laser. The laser cavity is the space where the amplification of light occurs, and it typically consists of two mirrors—one fully reflective and the other partially reflective. This configuration allows light to bounce back and forth within the cavity, gaining intensity. The active medium is the material that undergoes energy transition to produce laser light, either through stimulated emission of radiation or other processes. Common active media include gases, liquids, and solids, which are excited by an external energy source, leading to the emission of coherent light.

While other components like a cooling system, power supply, and control panel may be present in various laser systems, they are not universally required for all laser types. For instance, some lasers might be designed to operate without a cooling system if the generated heat is minimal or managed differently. Therefore, the laser cavity and active medium are the core components that define the structure and function of any laser device.