Question

Describe the differences and similarities between spontaneous and stimulated emission.

Short answer

The similarity between the two types of emission is that the atoms lose electrons from an excited state to a state of lower energy. Both processes emit photons. The mechanism of how a photon is emitted is the differentiating factor between the two types of emissions.

Step-by-step solution

Given information

Describe the differences and similarities between spontaneous and stimulated emission.

The difference between spontaneous and stimulated emission

Spontaneous Emission Stimulated emission In this case, incoherent radiation is obtained. Here coherent radiation is obtained. 2. The direction and phase of radiation obtained in this type of emission is different for different species. 2. The direction and phase of radiation in this type of emission is similar and is used to stimulate the process. 3. This type of emission occurs on its own. 3. This radiation doesn’t occur on its own, they require input energy like the electromagnetic wave, etc.

A similarities between spontaneous and stimulated emission. 

The similarity between the two types of emissions is that the atoms lose electrons from an excited state to a state of lower energy. Both processes emit photons. The mechanism of how a photon is emitted is the differentiating factor between the two types of emissions.