Title :
Ion lasers-the early years
Author :
Bridges, William B.
Author_Institution :
California Inst. of Technol., Pasadena, CA, USA
Abstract :
The paper is a personal, anecdotal history of the discovery and early development of ion lasers, particularly the argon ion laser. A brief discussion of the mechanisms that make this laser work, and the engineering challenges and developments that make it practical are included. Some early applications in night reconnaissance and imaging are included.
Keywords :
argon; history; infrared imaging; ion lasers; laser beams; laser transitions; Ar; Ar ion laser; Ar/sup +/ laser; discovery; early applications; early development; early years; engineering challenges; engineering developments; ion lasers; mechanisms; night imaging; night reconnaissance; personal anecdotal history; practical; Argon; Bridges; Chromium; Energy states; Gas lasers; History; Laser theory; Manufacturing; Mercury (metals); Physics;
Journal_Title :
Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/2944.902139
