In which region do CO2 lasers produce light?

CO2 lasers produce light in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This is primarily due to the molecular structure of carbon dioxide, which permits the conversion of electrical energy into infrared light when the laser is excited. Infrared light from CO2 lasers typically has a wavelength of around 10.6 micrometers, which is useful for various applications, including cutting and engraving materials like plastic and rubber due to its ability to be absorbed by many of these materials.

In contrast, the other regions mentioned—visible, ultraviolet, and microwave—are defined by different ranges of wavelengths and properties. Visible light is the range that the human eye can detect, ultraviolet light has shorter wavelengths than visible light and is often associated with the energy required to cause chemical reactions or fluorescence, while microwaves encompass even longer wavelengths than infrared light and are typically used in communication technologies and heating applications. Thus, the choice of infrared as the correct answer reflects the specific wavelength output of CO2 lasers and their applications in industrial contexts.