6. Glossary – Definitions

LASER; LASER

Acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A device that produces radiation that is spatially (point source, non-divergent) and temporally (same wavelength) coherent, and therefore of high spectral purity.

Cryogenics; cryogeny

The study of low temperatures, below – 150°C. The limit of – 153.15°C represents the limit above which air gases liquefy.

Residual stress

Residual stress field in a part subjected to no external load (thermal or mechanical). Residual stresses are self-balancing static multiaxial stresses.