Towards industrial laser application: how it started...

摘要

50 years has passed since first laser appeared thus starting the new laser era in science and technology development. The achievements gained in this field for five decades prove that laser technology may be considered as the most significant discovery of the XX century. The mankind is paying tribute first of all to fundamental theoretical studies in quantum physics, electronics, optics of the greatest scientist of the past century-Albert Einstein, Alexander Prokhorov, Nikolay Basov, Charles Towns, Theodore Maiman, John Gould and to many others. First laser radiation with its unique characteristics was considered as prospective weaponry to destroy the armed forces and armament. The huge resources had been directed to the development of this field by highly industrialized countries, which promoted the disclosure of other prospective applications for lasers. First research in the development of lasers and laser systems had been initiated almost in parallel in the former USSR and USA at the end of 50th and beginning of 60th of the last century. With time the all industrial countries of the world had been involved in such R&.D programs and in implementation of lasers in different fields of human activities.