Gordon Gould

Profession: Physicist

Nationality:

Biography: Gordon Gould was an American physicist who is widely credited with the invention of the laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). It was only in 1991, however, after decades of legal battles, that he finally received a series of patents that recognized his contribution to the development of laser technology. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in the same year.

Gould developed an interest in science and technology at an early age. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Union College in Schenectady, New York, and later a master's degree from Yale University. He began his doctoral studies at Columbia University, where his work would lead to his involvement with lasers.

The critical moment in Gould's career came in 1957 when, during his doctoral studies at Columbia, he conceptualized the idea of a laser. Gould made detailed notes about his ideas in a notebook which he famously had notarized at a candy store. His concept involved a method to produce a narrow and intense beam of light via the stimulated emission of photons from excited atoms or molecules.

Gould's journey, however, fraught with legal battles over patent rights. He had not immediately applied for a patent for his laser concept, and other scientists, including Theodore Maiman, Charles Townes, and Arthur Schawlow, also contributed significant research in the field. Maiman successfully built the first working laser in 1960. There was then a protracted legal battle over the patent rights to the laser technology.

Despite the challenges, Gould continued his work in laser technology. He played a pivotal role in the development of the gas discharge laser and was involved in the research and development of other laser types. His contributions were critical in the advancement of laser technology, which has since become integral to various fields, including medicine, communications, and manufacturing.

Born: July 17, 1920
Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: September 16, 2005 (aged 85)
Cause of Death: Natural causes