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First Idea
In 1916, Albert Einstein predicted that rays could make atoms emit more rays of the same length by stimulating them which would later become the basic idea behind the way the laser functions . -
A Step In The Right Direction
In 1928, German physicist Rudolf Walther Ladenburg witnessed stimulated emisssion, which at the time seemed to have no practical uses but would eventually be one of the main components of the laser. -
A New Realization
Charles H. Townes realized that to control shorter wavelengthes then those that could be controlled at the time, very-short waves had to be used instead of far infrared waves, which was contrary to what people belived at the time. He discussed this with his brother in-law/ colleage Arthur Schawlow. -
The Key to the Laser
After Townes disscused his idea on how shorter wavelengths could be controlled, Schawlow figured that if you put atoms into a long narrow tube with mirrors at each end, then the atoms would be stimulated and an opening would allow them to escape in the form of a laser beam. -
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Patent War
Around 1957, Charles H. Townes discussed his ideas about the laser with Gordon Gloud . Two years later, Gordon Gould filed applications for a patent to the laser however, Charles H. Townes and Aruthur Shawlow beat him to it nine months earlier. When Townes and Shawlow were granted, Gloud sued them ,claiming that he was the first person to come up with the idea. In 1987, Gloud finally begun winnning settlements which ulttimately ended the war. -
The First Working Laser
Theodore Maiman shone a high-power flash lamp onto a ruby rod with silver-coated surfaces thus creating, the world's first working laser. -
Early Expiriments With The Laser
The distance to the moon was calculated by bouncing a laser beam off of a retro-reflector placed on the moon by austronauts from the U.S. Apallo program. -
The Modern Laser In Action
Today, lasers are used to make communication easier.They have also led to the creation of the CD (compact disk) and many other forms of media distribution. Lasers are also used in many scanners, including the barcode scanners that are used in stores. -
The Medical Benifits Of the Laser
Today, the laser is used in medical procedures to reduce blood loss, minimize patient disomfort, reduce the chance of infection, and achive better wound healing. Some medical procedures involving lasers inculde refractive eye surgery and cosmetic surgery, as well as dental procedures and general surgery.
