A laser works by stimulating emissions of radiation through a process called stimulated emission. Laser light is directional, monochromatic (single wavelength) and coherent (in phase). It is produced when light bounces back and forth between mirrors, with one mirror partially reflecting the light to produce a beam. The slope efficiency is important, relating the output power to input power. Lasers have applications in welding, printing, barcodes and surgery due to their precise beams.