quantum cascade laser

noun

A laser that operates by analogy with an electronic waterfall, with electrons cascading down a series of small steps emitting a photon at each step.

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Meanings

nounquantum cascade laser (plural quantum cascade lasers)

plural quantum cascade lasers

  1. A laser that operates by analogy with an electronic waterfall, with electrons cascading down a series of small steps emitting a photon at each step.

Origin

quantum after the behavior of electrons and photons, cascade for a series of small steps, describing an implementation of a laser.

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Cite this entry
APA

quantum cascade laser. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/quantum%20cascade%20laser

MLA

“quantum cascade laser.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/quantum%20cascade%20laser. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “quantum cascade laser,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/quantum%20cascade%20laser.

Source: quantum cascade laser on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.