Produce coherent light
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 31, 2026
Stuck on the clue Produce coherent light from the New York Times Daily for March 31, 2026? We have the correct 4-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Produce coherent light (4)
Answer
The answer to Produce coherent light is Lase (4 letters).
Why does Lase fit this clue?
This clue uses a technical definition to point to LASE, a verb meaning to function as a laser or emit coherent light through stimulated emission. Coherent light consists of waves that are in phase with each other, creating a focused beam with uniform wavelength and direction. LASE is the back-formation verb from 'laser,' which itself is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The clue's phrase 'produce coherent light' describes exactly what happens when a device lases, making this a precise technical definition that leads directly to the answer.
What does Produce coherent light mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
produce
verb
•to create, generate, or bring forth
coherent
adjective
•having waves that are in phase and of the same frequency
•logically consistent or unified in nature
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 3-down in the New York Times Daily on March 31, 2026, by Ryan Patrick Smith, edited by Will Shortz. See all answers for this puzzle.
Read the NYT Wordplay column for this puzzle.
NYT Daily — Mar 31, 2026
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What does Lase mean?
verb
•To use a laser beam on, as for cutting.
•To operate as a laser, to release coherent light due to stimulation.
Origin of the word Lase
•origin: laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation)
•period: 1960s
The verb 'lase' was created by back-formation from the acronym 'laser,' making it one of the few verbs derived from a modern scientific acronym.
How to use Lase in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Lase.
•“The ruby crystal will lase when pumped with intense light, producing a coherent beam of red photons.”
•“The surgeon adjusted the settings to make the diode lase at the precise wavelength needed for the procedure.”
•“Scientists discovered that certain organic dyes can lase efficiently when dissolved in specific solvents.”
What are other crossword clues for Lase?
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Daily, Mar 31, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Daily for March 31, 2026 was published by Ryan Patrick Smith and has 78 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
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Frequently asked questions about Produce coherent light
- What is the answer to Produce coherent light?
- The answer is Lase (4 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Daily on March 31, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Produce coherent light have?
- The answer has 4 letters: Lase.
Author
Naitik Mehta
Co-founder
Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Daily — Mar 31, 2026
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