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Today in History: Theodore Maiman fires first working laser in Malibu

5/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On May 16 1960, physicist Theodore H. Maiman fired the first operational laser at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California. Building on Townes, Schawlow and Gould’s theoretical work, his ruby-crystal device produced coherent light through stimulated emission, inaugurating a technology that would spawn countless laser types and transform science and industry.

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Story summary

On May 16 1960, physicist Theodore H. Maiman fired the first operational laser at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California. Building on Townes, Schawlow and Gould’s theoretical work, his ruby-crystal device produced coherent light through stimulated emission, inaugurating a technology that would spawn countless laser types and transform science and industry.