History of Lasers

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  • Einstein's theory.

    Einstein's theory.

    in 1917 Einstein proposed the fundamental theory that established the idea of lasers. He proposed that light doesn't absorb or emit spontaneously but can be stimulated to certain wavelengths.
    http://laserstars.org/history/einstein.html
  • Invention of the MASER

    Invention of the MASER

    In 1954, Charles Townes, James P. Gordon, and Herbet J. Zeiger develop the first MASER (microwave amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation) which was a precursor to the LASER. http://www.photonics.com/Article.aspx?AID=42279
  • Solid State Maser

    Solid State Maser

    In 1956, Nicholas Bloemberg first developed the Solid State Maser, which was a ruby maser that is eerily similar to the early optical lasers. (Ruby Maser Image Not Found, have the Hydrogen Maser instead.)
    http://www.photonics.com/Article.aspx?AID=42279
  • First LASER

    First LASER

    In 1960, Thomas H. Maiman develops the first optical MASER using a synthetic ruby cylinder measuring 1 cm in diameter and 2 cm long with silver sheets on the ends http://www.photonics.com/LinearChart.aspx?ChartID=2
  • Period: to

    Most of the kinds of lasers get developed.

    These multiple different kinds of lasers are developed in this order
    1. HeNe Laser (1961)
    2. Neodymium Glass Laser (1961)
    3. Gallium Arsenic Laser (1962)
    4. Yttrium Aluminum Laser (1962)
    5. Red Light Semiconductor Laser (1962)
    6. Neodymium-doped Laser (1964)
    7. Co2 Laser (1964)
    8. Pulsed Argon Ion Laser (1964)
    9. Chemical Laser (1965)
    10. Dye Laser (1966)
    11. Excimer Laser (1970)
    12. Quantum Well Laser (1972) http://www.photonics.com/LinearChart.aspx?ChartID=2
  • LASER used for medicine

    LASER used for medicine

    Dr. Charles J. Campbell performs the first treatment of a human using a LASER device in order to destroy a retinal tumor.
  • Barcode Scanners used in stores.

    Barcode Scanners used in stores.

    Barcode's are first officially used in stores and the first ever item to be scanned on a barcode is a pack of Wrigley's chewing gum.
  • LaserDisc hits the market.

    LaserDisc hits the market.

    LaserDisc has little to no impact on the market but, it started the idea of CD's which led to modern technology. http://www.gizmohighway.com/history/laserdisc.htm
  • Period: to

    New Era of Lasers

    1. Quantum Cascade Laser (1994)
    2. Single Atom Laser (1994)
    3. Pulsed Atom Laser (1996)
    4. Gallium-Nitride Laser (1997)
    5. Electrically Powered Silicon Hybrid Silicon Laser (2006)
    6. Mode Locked Silicon Evanescent Laser (2007)
    7. Multibeam IR emitting Lasers (2009)
    8. Short Pulse Laseres (2010)