ENGINEERING MATERIALS, TOOLS AND MACHINES
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 11
Grade code: 3.2.1.LI.6
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 3.2.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.2.1.LI.6
Theme: METAL TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: ENGINEERING MATERIALS, TOOLS AND MACHINES
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
This lesson introduces learners to the principles and applications of laser technology in modern engineering and manufacturing. In a world where precision and speed are crucial for creating everything from our mobile phones to custom signage for local businesses, understanding laser operations is essential. For Ghanaian learners, this knowledge opens up opportunities in entrepreneurship, product design, advanced manufacturing, and even modern art. We will explore what a laser is, how it works to cut and engrave materials, and the complete process from a digital design on a computer to a physical product.
2.1 What is a LASER?
The word LASER is an acronym that stands for: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
In simple terms, a laser is a device that produces a very narrow, intense, and highly focused beam of light. Think of it like using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight onto a single point to burn a leaf. A laser does this with extreme power and precision, controlled by a computer.
The light from a laser is different from a regular light bulb because it is: Monochromatic: It consists of a single colour or wavelength. Coherent: The light waves are all in phase (they move together perfectly). Directional: It travels in a very straight, narrow beam without spreading out much.