Holograms are made partially by aiming the product of one of these devices at an object.
According to Flynn et al., these devices can experience a type of passive switching when they contain a polymer that undergoes the Kerr effect. These devices require a pumping mechanism to keep them working by elevating electrons into a metastable state and maintaining population inversion. These devices are typically made of a cylindrical cavity with two mirrors at each end with a gain material placed in between. Holograms are made partially by aiming the product of one of these devices at an object. A coherent product is produced by these devices, which rely on stimulated emission. For 10 points, name these devices that produce an intense ray of monochromatic light.
According to Flynn et al., these devices can experience a type of passive switching when they contain a polymer that undergoes the Kerr effect.
laser [or light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation]