Autographs from Laser Inventor Theodore Maiman
Maiman fired up the first laser at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California, more than fifty years ago. The concept of stimulated emission as the theoretical basis of the laser was elucidated by Albert Einstein. The race for building the first laser was inspired by Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow when they showed that it was possible to construct a laser.ÂIn 1960, at the Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California, Theodore Maiman built the first laser. Invented with a budget of $50,000, the laser has led to a conglomeration of industries that produces billions of dollars of revenue each year. It continues to be a tool that is used by scientists around the world.
Theodore Maiman was dedicated to his profession and was not besieged by autograph seekers. Although he graciously provided autographs when asked, requests for his signature were infrequent. Autographs from Maiman and his associates who worked on his laser are hardly ever seen in autograph catalogs or Interney auctions. In a few rare instances, items autographed by Maiman have appeared on index cards or books about his invention.
The laser is recognized as one of mankind"s greatest inventions. Applications of the laser exist in everyday life, but autographs from laser inventor Theodore Maiman are exquisitely rare and remain an autographs collector"s elusive treasure.