Ali Javan - The Gas Laser

Ali Javan - The Gas Laser: Doctor Ali Javan invented the helium neon laser, the first gas laser in 1960.

The Gas Laser: The gas laser was the first continuous-light laser and the first laser to operate "on the principle of converting electrical energy to a laser light output." By definition, "a gas laser is a laser in which an electric current is discharged through a gas to produce light." Ali Javan received U.S. patent #3,149,290 together with William Bennett for the "Gas Optical Maser". Ali Javan first tested his invention on December 12, 1960.

Laser Beam Transmission: On December 13, 1960, the first telephone conversation using laser beam transmission occurred. Ali Javan describes the moment in an interview with Betty Blair, "I put in a call to the lab. One of the team members answered and asked me to hold the line for a moment. Then I heard a voice [Mr. Balik], somewhat quivering in transmission, telling me that it was the laser light speaking to me."

Importance of the Gas Laser: The gas laser laid the foundation for fiber optic communication. It is considered the most useful, practical and profitable type of laser in use today. The gas laser is also used in:

• holography
• UPC code checkout scanners
• other construction, medical and monitoring technologies