UPSC Prelims 2005 Q49: Science & Technology – Science & Technology History
Who among the following invented Lasers?
- (a) Theodore Maiman
- (b) Denis Papin
- (c) Willam Moton
- (d) Fancis Crick
Answer: (a) Theodore Maiman
Explanation
Invention of lasers
| Scientist | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Theodore Maiman | Built the first working laser (ruby laser) in 1960 |
| Denis Papin | Pressure cooker and steam digester |
| William Morton | Anaesthesia (ether) |
| Francis Crick | DNA structure |
Theodore Maiman constructed the first working laser at Hughes Research Laboratories in 1960.
Answer: (a) Theodore Maiman.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Maiman invented the first laser.
- (b) Incorrect. Papin invented the steam digester.
- (c) Incorrect. Morton is known for ether anaesthesia.
- (d) Incorrect. Crick helped discover DNA's structure.
Key point
Laser: Maiman (1960). Maser: Townes. Transistor: Bardeen, Brattain, Shockley.
Remember
Theodore Maiman built the first laser in 1960.
Common mistakes
- Crediting Charles Townes (maser, theory).
- Mixing biologists with physicists in the options.
- Not knowing it was a ruby laser.
Exam tip
LASER = Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
Sources
- Theodore H. Maiman — "Stimulated Optical Radiation in Ruby", Nature, vol. 187, pp. 493–494 (1960)
- Nobel Prize — The Nobel Prize in Physics 1964 (Charles H. Townes, Nicolay G. Basov and Aleksandr M. Prokhorov: quantum electronics), press release