Contemporary Science Research (term 1)

For term 1, I would be researching about lasers and its uses. A laser is an instrument that sends out light through optical amplification based on emission of photons. The word laser is actually an acronym at first, standing for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation". Many scientific, military, medical and commercial laser applications have been developed since the invention of the laser in 1958.

Military uses of lasers include applications such as designation of targets and ranging, defensive counter-measurement, communications and directed energy weapons. For example, in the case of counter-measurement, IR countermeasure systems use lasers to confuse the seeker heads on heat-seeking anti-aircraft missiles. Some weapons even go to the extent of disorientating enemies, an example of such a use of lasers is the Thales Green Laser Optical Warner. Lasers can also be used to increase the accuracy of firearms For example, a laser sight is a small visible laser place on a handgun or a rifle to ensure accuracy.

For industrial and commercial purposes, laser is used for the cutting of metals and used as guidance system. There are also numerous purposes for lasers. For example, in lunar light ranging. When the Apollo astronaut visited the moon, they planted retro-reflector arrays to make possible the Lunar Laser Ranging Experiment. Laser beams are focused through large telescopes on Earth aimed towards the arrays, and the time taken for the beam to be reflected upon the Earth measured to determine the distance the Earth and the Moon with high accuracy.