004 - Light and the Atom

Explore one of the most groundbreaking technological advancements of the twentieth century—laser light. With applications spanning industry, communication, medicine, and beyond, lasers have transformed our world in ways we could scarcely imagine. As author Hal Hellman noted in his 1968 publication, “Indeed the most exciting probability of all is that lasers undoubtedly will change our lives in ways we cannot even conceive of now.” This captivating treatise delves into the early research and development of lasers, revealing the fascinating journey behind this revolutionary technology. Join us as we uncover the insights from the United States Atomic Energy Commissions Understanding the Atom Series, presented by Larry Wilson.