How the Laser Happened: Adventures of a Scientist

by Charles H. Townes

Book Overview

In How the Laser Happened, Nobel laureate Charles Townes provides a highly personal look at some of the leading events in twentieth-century physics. Townes was inventor of the maser, of which the laser is one example; an originator of spectroscopy using microwaves; and a pioneer in the study of gas clouds in galaxies and around stars. Throughout his career he has also been deeply engaged with issues outside of academic research. He worked on applied...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195153766
• ISBN13: 9780195153767
• Release Date: February 2002
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.1" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A great read!

This book describes the history of the laser and how it was invented (and how it was almost NOT invented). The author was ridiculed by the scientific authorities of the day for daring to suggest that such a device was possible, and for wasting time on its development. Thank goodness he forged ahead and ignored the advice (and threats) from the scientific "experts" of the day. A great read!

From a fellow Paladin

This relatively short book is filled with interesting stories, people and events--not all of which are about physics or science. In fact, this is an enjoyable book for even the most determined liberal arts type who normally might avoid reading about physics. In fact, Dr. Townes seems to approach science and life with a "liberal arts" attitude: curious about everything and more than a little adventurous. He challenges readers to look under all the rocks for the excitement and learning to be found there. Read it for enjoyment and edification (a rare combination these days).