Which common materials are effective for absorbing laser energy?

The effectiveness of materials in absorbing laser energy largely depends on their physical and chemical properties, particularly their absorption characteristics at specific wavelengths. Water, glass, and certain plastics are commonly effective at absorbing laser energy for several reasons.

Water is a strong absorber of many wavelengths of laser light due to its molecular structure, which allows it to vibrate and convert the energy from the light into heat. This characteristic makes it highly effective in applications such as laser surgery, where the targeted absorption of laser energy is critical.

Glass can also be an effective absorber, particularly if it contains additives or coatings that enhance its absorption characteristics. Certain types of glass can absorb specific wavelengths of laser light, making it valuable in various optical applications as well as in protective eyewear designed for laser use.

Certain plastics can be engineered to absorb laser energy efficiently by incorporating additives that enhance their absorption capacity. This feature can be particularly beneficial in protective materials and various industrial applications where laser exposure is a concern.

Other materials mentioned, such as wood, metal, rubber, paper, fabric, ceramics, concrete, clay, and composites, may have varying degrees of interaction with laser energy but are not universally effective in absorbing laser energy across a range of wavelengths. Their interaction may involve reflection or scattering rather than absorption,