The laser technology behind many commercial technologies
in: Health and Well-Being , Prosperity , National Security
Laser technology has allowed the development of computer hard-drives, barcode scanning in grocery stores, satellite broadcasting, CDs, eye surgeries, cancer treatments, 3D printing, missile defense, law enforcement, digital video, astronomy, and much more. The physics behind lasers was first proposed and developed in the 50s by Charles Townes working at Columbia University with funding provided by The Office of Naval Research , United States Army Signal Corps, and the National Science Foundation. After first developing the theory behind focusing light at non-visual wavelengths, he eventually refined his work with visual light, setting the stage for the invention of the modern laser. Lasers went on to prove immensely useful for a wide range of applications, and Townes eventually shared the 1964 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work.
- States: NY , NJ
- Organizations: Columbia University , Office of Naval Research , National Science Foundation , United States Army Signal Corps , Bell Labs
- Topics: Space & Physics , Technology
- Links and further reading: [ link1 | link2 | link3 | link4 | link5 ]