In this paper I am going to discuss the important and significant research

accumulated regarding the evolution of the laser. Have you ever wondered what lasers
do, or how they work? What purpose they have for us as humans? Where they come
from? I hadnt either, until now. Before this course I had never really thought much about
what a laser actually was, I just remember them being fun to play with as a child. As an
adult in a physics course, this topic stood out to me. I asked myself What exactly is a
laser anyway? According to the Encyclopedia of Science, a laser is a device that
produces highly focused, intense, monochromatic light. The encyclopedia also mentions
that lasers have revolutionized technology in nearly all fields.(Smith). I found myself
skeptical at the idea of something so small making such an impact on our every day lives,
and if they do play such pivotal roles, then how did people ever live without them? Smith
mentions that lasers have become essential tools in procedures as disparate as eye surgery
and nuclear fusion. Which got me thinking that they are probably used for a number of
things in-between. However, what fascinates me is the undertaking of the laser. How did
it all begin?
Upon reading research paper after research paper, I quickly realized the
importance of the laser in our every day lives. It dawned on me that we absolutely have
become dependent on them. I also learned that the invention of the laser was not a quick
process. It began in 1917 with Albert Einsteins theory of stimulated emission. It was not
until 1950 that the race for the invention of the Laser began following the invention of
the microwave. The maser or the Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of
Radiation used very similar technology to the soon to be invented laser, only lacking

visible light. Several researchers became engulfed in perfecting the Maser, while one
researcher in particular, had something else in mind. The Laser.
Charles Townes of Columbia University became obsessed with the study of shortwavelength microwaves known as millimeter waves because the interacted more strongly
with atoms and molecules than longer wavelengths did. (Cowen.) Townes and his
colleague Schawlow detailed their own concept and design in a landmark 1958 paper title
Infrared and Optical Masers. (SNL: 2/7/59, p. 83). After reading the paper, many teams
joined the pair, and the race to be the first to construct a laser began. Without going into
too much detail regarding each individual team and their breakthroughs, I will mention
that because of these experimental successes, sophisticated versions of the original laser
have absolutely transformed electronic communication and many other technologies
today.
Upon much research, I answered my own question regarding how people ever
lived without lasers. Lasers are not necessary, just convenient. Before people knew of the
many benefits lasers could provide for them, they lived what they considered to be
normal lives. Today, we have become so programed to rely on these things, that if taken
away, we truly would not know how to function. Some things that I have been able to
take advantage of in my lifetime due to the existence of lasers, are as follows; CD
players, drilling, soon to be Lasik surgery for my wife and I, and most importantly for
me, the removal of tumors. Rodger Smith stated through fiber optics, laser light's
controllable power and fine focus make it suitable for a variety of surgical techniques,
including the removal of tumors, the coagulation of blood vessels, eye surgery, and the
eradication of plaques that clog arteries. (Smith). My entire life, my mother had breast

cancer. As a child, I remember the doctors telling me that they would laser her tumors
in order to shrink them. Though I had no idea what that meant at that point, I was so
comforted to know that there was some form of technology that could help my mom.
I have talked a lot about the process in which lasers were created thus far. At this
rate, I anticipate that our technology will continue to grow in this area, though I cannot
imagine what that will look like. From 1917 until now, different degrees of lasers have
been invented and perfected. Today, the laser can be classified into five groups according
to the medium used to create laser light. Lasers can be solid state, semiconductor, dye,
gas, or excimer lasers; and to think they almost stopped at the maser! Each group of laser
classification has certain required attributes that they most obtain in order to fall under
that classification. I wont touch on every different classification, but I will say this.
Lasers can be fun and games, lasers can be helpful, and lasers can be extremely
dangerous. The human body is vulnerable to the output of certain lasers, and under
certain circumstances, exposure can result in damage to the eye and skin. Research
relating to injury thresholds of the eye and skin has been carried out in order to
understand the biological hazards of laser radiation.(Laser Safety.) Lucky for us, Laser
manufacturers are required by law to have warning labels on their products explaining the
lasers classification. The class is dependent on the degree of injury potential for
consumers.
In conclusion, lasers are fascinating devices that are becoming more and more
popular every year. They have been used in various fields such as geology, medicine,
optometry, supermarkets, optical networks, mechanics, and construction. (Weschler). The
laser helps make life easier by transmitting information, reducing errors, and by making

precise measurements. Lasers will continue to be around, and continue to advance in

time. I hope that after have read this paper you have a greater understanding of the
undertaking, and development of the laser. I anticipate that the pivotal role of lasers in
our lives has become apparent, as well as the great deal of caution that needs to be
present when interacting with lasers of all classifications.

Citation

Cowen, R. (2010). Inventing the Light Fantastic. (cover story). Science News, 177(10),
18-27.
"Lasers. By: Smith, Roger, Salem Press Encyclopedia of Science, January, 2015." N.p.,
n.d. Web.
"Laser Safety Information - LIA." Laser Safety Information - LIA. Laser Institute of
America, n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2015.
"Lasers - The History of Lasers." About.com Inventors. About.com, n.d. Web. 19 Oct.
2015.
Weschler, Matthew. "How Lasers Work." HowStuffWorks. HowStuffWorks.com, n.d.
Web. 18 Oct. 2015.
Williams, Rudi Walter Reed Lasers Blast Tattoos. 19 Dec 2000. Online. 26 Feb 2006.
<http://www.defenselink.military.com>.

Salt lake community college

The Laser

Ryan Bruin
Physics 1010
Howard Demars
Oct,17 2015