Feature Physics

Inventing the Light Fantastic

Ideas behind laser born long before device itself

By Ron Cowen

- More than 2 years ago

Sidebar : Beyond the Ruby Laser

Charles Townes, left, and Jim Gordon stand with a version of their ammonia-beam maser. The device’s side has been removed to reveal the inner structure. AIP Emilio Segre Visual Archives, Hecht Collection
The first laser, consisting of a flashlamp, a ruby rod and a cavity to confine the light, was smaller than the version depicted in a 1960 publicity photo (see opening image) Corning, Inc.,