rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymaserMicrowave amplifier
noun

maser

MAY-zer/mˈeɪzɝ/

A device that amplifies microwaves through stimulated emission of radiation.

The diagram shows a maser amplifying a microwave signal.

An idealized cutaway of a cryogenic ruby maser amplifier, pairing its crystal-and-magnet construction with small input and larger output microwave traces.
Etymology
mEnglishmicrowave
+aEnglishincrease in strength
+sEnglishinduce
+eEnglishgiving off
+rEnglishradiant energy

The initials spell out “microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” The device takes its name from the process it uses to amplify microwaves.

In context

The Royal Society0:15
before the laser there was the maser Charles Townes pioneered this amplifying microwaves by the stimulated emission of radiation
Before the laser: the maser

More examples

  • A hydrogen maser provided a stable frequency reference.
  • Researchers cooled the maser before taking measurements.
  • The observatory installed a maser in its receiving system.

Forms

maser · masers

Similar words

laser
A laser uses the same broad amplification principle at optical frequencies; a maser uses microwaves.
amplifier
An amplifier increases a signal; a maser is a particular kind.