About Lasers
About Lasers
Daily activities, from scanning items at a grocery store checkout to playing your favorite CD, require the very precise light lasers provide. Explore how laser light differs from regular light, browse a timeline of laser science milestones, and learn about the Nobel Prize winning contributions of the many scientists that made the laser possible.
Laser Timeline
View the Laser History Timeline
Laser Innovations
Laser Interferometry
Lasers can be used to measure distance to exceedingly high precision, using the principle of interference in devices called interferometers. Scientists are now using laser interferometers to probe the fundamental nature of gravity.
Videos
Theodore Maiman
An explanation of the first ruby laser by Theodore Maiman
Laser History
Over fifty years ago, the invention of the laser revolutionized the way we live. We hope to recognize and honor the scientists and engineers who contributed to laser science, and highlight the important technological applications that have been made possible by their research.
How Lasers Work
The word "LASER" is actually an acronym, standing for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". Find out how we are able to take advantage of quantum mechanics to make a laser:
The First Ruby Laser | Extreme Lasers | Videos about Lasers
Laser Pioneers
Founders of the Early Laser | Nobel Laureates
Faces in Laser Science
 Arthur Ashkin |
 Patricia Bath |
 Mildred Dresselhaus |
 Angela Guzman |
 Deborah Jin |
 Elizabeth F. McCormack |
 Carmen Menoni |
 Margaret Murnane |
 Peter Sorokin |
 James Wynne |
