Wave guide with ruby crystal
- Description
- This is an experimental device made by Theodore Maiman at Hughes Aircraft in late 1959 or early 1960 as part of the series of experiments leading up to the demonstration of the first laser in May 1960. This object features a cube-shaped ruby crystal mounted at one end of a microwave wave-guide. Maiman sought to test the response of the synthetic ruby crystal to microwave stimulation. Other researchers claimed that ruby would be a poor material to use in a laser. Maiman thought otherwise.
- After Charles Townes invented the microwave-emitting maser in 1954, researchers began trying to move to the higher energy levels of infrared and visible light. They referred to such devices as "optical masers," and only later did people adopt Gordon Gould's term, "laser." This experimental piece clearly shows the influence of microwave technology. The metal tube is not a stand but rather a hollow guide that channels microwaves to the ruby crystal. The results of this and other experiments led Maiman to ultimately choose a cylinder of ruby rather than a cube for his laser.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- wave guide
- laser apparatus
- laser
- date made
- 1959
- associated date
- 1960
- associated user
- unknown
- associated institution
- Hughes Research Laboratories
- maker
- Maiman, Theodore H.
- Hughes Aircraft Company
- Physical Description
- ruby (crystal material)
- metal (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 8 in x 1 3/4 in x 1 3/4 in; 20.32 cm x 4.445 cm x 4.445 cm
- crystal only: 3/8 in x 3/8 in x 3/8 in; .9525 cm x .9525 cm x .9525 cm
- Place Made
- United States: California, Malibu
- ID Number
- EM*330052
- accession number
- 288813
- catalog number
- 330052
- subject
- Laser
- Energy & Power
- Science & Mathematics
- Invention
- Lasers
- See more items in
- Work and Industry: Electricity
- Lasers
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
- Credit Line
- from Hughes Aircraft Company, thru Dr. George F. Smith
- Additional Media
-
Visitor Comments