CW operation of a laser means that the laser is continuously pumped and continuously emits electromagnetic radiation. The emission can occur in a single cavity mode or on multiple modes.
Note:
Some lasers are called CW @M03958@-locked. This indicates that the pulse average @P04792@ is constant, i.e., there is no @Q04967@ @M03958@ locking.
Source:
PAC, 2007, 79, 293. 'Glossary of terms used in photochemistry, 3rd edition (IUPAC Recommendations 2006)' on page 318 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200779030293)