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Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow invented the maser ( m icrowave a mplification by s timulated e mission of r adiation), using ammonia gas and microwave radiation. The maser was invented before the laser.
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Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow theorized and published papers about a visible laser, an invention that would use infrared and/or visible spectrum light, however, they did not proceed with any research at the time.
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Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow were granted a patent for the maser. The maser was used to amplify radio signals and as an ultrasensitive detector for space research.
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Theodore Maiman invented the ruby laser considered to be the first successful optical or light laser.
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The first gas laser (helium neon) was invented by Ali Javan. The gas laser was the first continuous-light laser and the first to operate "on the principle of converting electrical energy to a laser light output." It has been used in many practical applications.
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Robert Hall created a revolutionary type of laser that is still used in many of the electronic appliances and communications systems that we use every day.
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The carbon dioxide laser was invented by Kumar Patel.
