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Incoming links: Theodore Maiman
Theodore Maiman Created 2026-10-24 Updated 2026-11-05
Theodore Maiman demonstrated stimulated optical emission from ruby in 1960. Optical pumping transferred energy into the chromium ions in the crystal, producing the conditions for stimulated emission near 694 nm. This showed that a fluorescent solid could act as an optical amplifier and oscillator, carrying the principle of the maser into the visible spectrum. The result tied the material's energy levels to a practical laser source.[ref]
Stimulated Optical Radiation in Ruby by Theodore Harold Maiman. 1960 letter, optical pumping of chromium in corundum and emission at 6943 angstroms
Portrait of Theodore Maiman
. Unknown (Associated Press). Public domain in the United States (publication without copyright notice, as stated on Commons). Source usage terms, via Wikimedia Commons. Source.