Re: fiber laser amplifiers

[Leigh Palmer <palmer@SFU.CA>]

> There are two broad classes of objects that use the the laser
> principle:  amplifiers and oscillators.  If you grab a typical so-called
> laser off the shelf you are getting a laser oscillator, not an amplifier.

That's true, and "laser" is a misnomer when applied as it normally
is. The alternative, for "light oscillator by stimulated emission
of radiation" (LOSER) has certain negative connotations.

Here in Canada the big news is the alliance between the Conservative
and the Reform political parties that some people (mostly Reform
Party members) are advocating. They just adopted a name today by
vote, and "Conservative Reform Alliance Party" was proposed but did
not make it to the final ballot.

Acronyms do seem to be important in some contexts.

Leigh