A laser is often named after its what?

A laser is often named after its medium, which refers to the substance that is used to produce the laser light. The medium can be a gas, liquid, or solid, and it plays a crucial role in determining the characteristics of the laser, such as its wavelength and power. For instance, a helium-neon laser uses helium and neon gases as its medium, while a solid-state laser may utilize crystals as the medium. Naming the laser after its medium helps categorize and identify the type of laser based on its operational principles and applications. This naming convention allows users and researchers in the field to quickly understand the fundamental aspects of the laser's operation, contributing to clearer communication within the scientific community.