What type of laser produces light at multiple specified wavelengths including 355, 405, and 488 nm?

A solid-state laser is indeed the correct choice for producing light at multiple specified wavelengths, including 355, 405, and 488 nm. Solid-state lasers utilize a solid gain medium, such as a crystal or glass, that is doped with ions. These lasers can be engineered to emit specific wavelengths of light based on the properties of the doped material and the configuration of the laser system.

For example, certain solid-state lasers using neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) can be configured with frequency doubling or tripling techniques to produce various output wavelengths. This versatility makes solid-state lasers suitable for applications in cytometry, where specific wavelengths are needed for the excitation of fluorophores.

Other types of lasers mentioned, such as arc lamps, typically provide broad-spectrum light rather than discrete wavelengths and are not suitable for applications requiring precise wavelength control. An argon laser, on the other hand, primarily emits light in the blue and green spectrum, but does not cover the full range of specific wavelengths indicated in the question. Gas lasers can produce multiple wavelengths, but they do not have the same versatility and precision in output as solid-state lasers. Therefore, solid-state lasers are the preferred choice for applications requiring specific wavelengths