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Ratings: ★★★★★ (4.6/5)
Genre: #Physics #Engineering #TechnologyHistory #Lasers

Book Review:
This book is the result of a symposium organized by the National Academy of Engineering titled ''Twenty-Five Years of the Laser,'' held to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the laser's invention in 1985. Pioneers and experts in laser technology discussed the history of the laser's invention (from Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow to Theodore Maiman's first working laser in 1960), its scientific foundations, and its practical applications in fields such as communications (fiber optics), medicine (eye surgery, LASIK, cancer treatment), industry (cutting, welding, engraving), computing (laser printers, CD/DVD/Blu-ray players), and scientific research (laser spectroscopy, high-speed photography). The keynote address, ''Lasers: Invention to Application,'' was delivered by A.A.R. Townsend. This book provides a fascinating overview of one of the most important technological innovations of the 20th century.