Certified Fiber Optics Practice Exam

Which has a higher output: a Laser or an LED?

1. LED

2. Equal output

3. Both are the same

4. Laser

The correct answer is: Laser

A laser has a higher output compared to an LED due to its unique properties related to light emission. Lasers produce coherent light, which means that the light waves they emit are in phase and have a fixed relationship in terms of frequency and direction. This coherence allows for a concentrated beam of light that can travel longer distances with minimal loss of intensity. In contrast, LEDs emit incoherent light, which is more diffuse and spreads out as it travels. The energy efficiency of lasers typically results in a higher output power level, making them suitable for applications requiring high intensity, such as in telecommunications and medical devices. The distinction between these two types of light sources is essential in fields such as fiber optics, where the choice of light source can significantly affect signal quality and transmission distances. Therefore, when considering output power and the efficiency of light transmission in various applications, lasers are the clear choice for higher output.