How do lasers and transistors rely on the principles of quantum mechanics?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Lasers and transistors fundamentally rely on quantum mechanics. Lasers operate based on the principle of stimulated emission, where photons trigger excited atoms to release identical photons, creating a coherent light beam. This process is governed by the discrete energy levels of atoms, a core concept in quantum theory.123

Transistors, the building blocks of modern electronics, function due to the quantum mechanical behavior of electrons in semiconductor materials. Band theory explains how electrons occupy specific energy bands within a crystal lattice. The controlled manipulation of these energy bands through doping creates p-n junctions, which allow for the precise control of electrical current, forming the basis of transistor operation.456