What synthetic crystal rod did Theodore Maiman choose as the active medium?

Answer

synthetic ruby crystal rod

The critical challenge separating theoretical laser physics from tangible reality lay in selecting the appropriate active medium, and Theodore Maiman diverged from the contemporary focus on gas systems to concentrate on solid-state devices. His genius manifested in settling on a synthetic ruby crystal rod for his first laser demonstration. This specific material, consisting of aluminum oxide doped with chromium ions ($ ext{Cr}^{3+}$), was chosen because the chromium ions acted as the necessary active centers capable of achieving the required population inversion when excited by an intense energy pulse. This specific material choice, which possessed the necessary three-level energy structure, positioned Maiman ahead of contemporaries struggling with the complexities of early gas laser construction.

What synthetic crystal rod did Theodore Maiman choose as the active medium?

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The world's first laser was successfully operated by Theodore Maiman

Related Questions

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