Abstract

The first lasers, initially discovered by Maiman at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California, were pulsed light sources, using optically pumped doped-crystalline rods. They were first reported in Nature in 1960. As is common with promising new technology, the initial publication was followed by ever-increasing “hype” over what they might be capable of. Although it was a dramatic scientific advance, apart from their use in a few very specialized areas, there was at first little justification for any commercial excitement. In fact, they were described by some as “a solution looking for a problem.” However, in the present century, their true impact has now started to be fully felt, and they are becoming invaluable in an ever-increasing number of areas of our life.