256
J. Mazumder
Table 1 Laser as a new form of industrial energy (Source W. M. Steen, Emeritus Professor
University of Liverpool)
Form of energy
Usage
Influence on society
Mechanical energy Tools
Start of civilization
Chemical energy
Furnaces
Iron and bronze ages
Wind energy
Windmills, sailing ships Start of industry, international trade
Water energy
Water wheels
Industrialization
Steam energy
Steam energy
Industrial revolution
Electrical energy
Dynamo
Distributed power, radio, telephone, motors
Oil/petrol
Compact power
Transport revolution
Nuclear power
Generators, bombs
Unlimited energy changed world politics
Optical energy
Laser
CDs, printers, bar code, communication +++
Fig. 1 Global laser market
[7]
Fig. 2 Laser market
segment (Source Laser Focus
World [7])