In 1960, a physicist fired a flash lamp into a synthetic ruby rod: It produced the first working laser and changed how humans control light

On May 16, 1960, Theodore Maiman made history by demonstrating the first functional laser at Hughes Research Laboratories. His innovative design incorporated a synthetic ruby rod and flash lamps, showcasing how stimulated emission could generate a powerful beam of concentrated light. This pivotal discovery built upon earlier scientific work and sparked a technological revolution, significantly influencing sectors such as medicine, telecommunications, and manufacturing, heralding the age of lasers.