After 50 Years, Lasers Have Made Their Mark

31 August 2010

A laser light show at the South Asian Games in Dhaka, Bangladesh earlier this year.

STEVE EMBER: I’m Steve Ember.

FAITH LAPIDUS: And I’m Faith Lapidus with EXPLORATIONS in VOA Special English. This week, we tell about one of the most recognizable objects in science fiction — the laser. And we tell how the laser has made its mark in the fifty years since its invention.

(MUSIC)

STEVE EMBER: Three professional research groups have been leading a year-long celebration of the laser’s fiftieth anniversary. It is called LaserFest. The American Physical Society, the Optical Society (OSA), and SPIE, a group that supports the study of light, all have been involved. One goal is to honor the early developers of lasers who were both scientists and business leaders.

Another goal is to show the public that lasers are a great example of how scientific research can result in technology that improves economies everywhere. And LaserFest is also meant to inspire young people to take up careers in optical science and engineering.

FAITH LAPIDUS: Laser is short for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The idea behind lasers is complex. Just how complex? Consider that it took the mind of Albert Einstein to discover the physics behind the laser.

Theodore Maiman succeed in building the first working laser in nineteen sixty. Mr. Maiman worked at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California.