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 CWmode-locked. This indicates that the pulse average power is constant, i.e., there is no Q-switchedmode locking.
Source:
PAC, 2007, 79, 293
(Glossary of terms used in photochemistry, 3rd edition (IUPAC Recommendations 2006))
on page 318