Theodore Maiman Research Articles

HF02-12 WATT'S IN A NAME? - THE PEOPLE THAT FOCUSED LASER LITHOTRIPSY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023HF02-12 WATT'S IN A NAME? - THE PEOPLE THAT FOCUSED LASER LITHOTRIPSY Sami E Majdalany, David Leavitt, and Naveen Kachroo Sami E MajdalanySami E Majdalany More articles by this author , David LeavittDavid Leavitt More articles by this author , and Naveen KachrooNaveen Kachroo More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003242.12AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Laser applications have been a significant development in urology, revolutionizing urinary stone disease treatment. We sought to examine the pivotal figures associated with laser lithotripsy and understand their contributions to the evolution of this technology. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed database, Google Scholar, and texts regarding the discovery, initial trials and advancements in laser lithotripsy. RESULTS: In 1957, Gordon Gould debuted an optical device, Light Amplification for the Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER). Theodore Maiman laid the cornerstone for laser lithotripsy in 1960, in a pivotal Nature publication utilizing a ruby crystal medium, the foundation for the first in vitro destruction of urinary calculi by William Mulvaney and Carl Beck, using 50-300J of energy. In 1962, FJ McClung and Robert Hellwarth used ‘Q-switching’ where an attenuator stores energy in a medium until a maximum level was reached. This insight allowed J.E. Geusic in 1964 to develop the first commercially available solid-state laser medium and laser – Neodymium-doped-YAG (Nd: YAG). In 1983, Graham Watson, applied a laser pulse technique demonstrating fragmentation capability of Nd:YAG. Q-switching did not generate adequate energy, so Watson used a flashlamp to pump laser energy in short pulses highlighting calculi fragmentation with minimal energy, whilst using small laser fiber sizes – leading to the creation of the ubiquitous 200μm laser fiber. The lack of power from Nd:YAG to fragment all stone types, propagated the development of holmium (Ho:YAG) laser by the Wellman Center for Photo Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital – providing a range of laser settings for frequency (Hertz), energy (Joule), and ultimately power (Watt). Although not associated with the invention of laser lithotripsy, these eponyms are the fundamental units of laser. James Prescott Joule, an English physicist, determined the first law of thermodynamics; the conservation of energy. In 1852, he collaboratively created the ‘Joule-Thompson effect’, significantly contributing to the refrigeration industry. Heinrich Hertz, a German physicist, proved the existence of electromagnetic waves. James Watt. a Scottish engineer, invented horsepower in the 18th century and his modification of the steam engine transformed the Industrial revolution. CONCLUSIONS: Laser lithotripsy is constantly improving our management of urinary calculi, fundamentally built upon decades of innovative and collaborative minds. No matter the ‘Watts’ in our arsenal, we must remember the ‘who’ behind them. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e254 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Sami E Majdalany More articles by this author David Leavitt More articles by this author Naveen Kachroo More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

The Invention of the Laser.

In this chapter, I describe a scientific rivalry at Columbia University's physics department in the days of the 1950s before and when the laser invented, and the race to build a laser eventually won by a scientist in California in 1960. It tracks the arc from Charles Townes' success in amplifying microwaves with a device he called the maser, to graduate student Gordon Gould's realization of how shorter and more powerful light waves could also be amplified. The chapter describes Gould's notebook, written in 1957, diagramming an optically pumped laser. In the same notebook, he coined the word laser, an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, and suggested possible uses for the coherent light beams he imagined. The chapter also covers Gould's wish to patent and profit from his invention, his mistaken belief that he had to build a laser to receive a patent, and the flirtation with radical politics that barred him from the laboratory where he worked once the government classified the laser project that it was funding. Townes and his colleague and brother-in-law Arthur Schawlow, both eventual Physics Nobelists, meanwhile filed an application and received a patent for what they called an optical maser. Theodore Maiman at Hughes Laboratories built the first working laser in 1960, as the chapter describes. It concludes with the results of Gould's long battle to win basic laser patents and his eventual success.

Towards Laser-Based Calibration-Free Quantification of Trace Elements

It is told that Theodore Maiman called the first operating laser source he and his co-worker Charles Asawa realized 60 years ago [...]

The Incredible Rocket-Engine Laser [Scanning Our Past

Charles Townes’s original laser proposal envisioned a low-power coherent light source for communications. Theodore Maiman’s demonstration of the first laser at Hughes Research Laboratories in 1960 produced bright pulses of red light and gave great hopes for bigger and better things, especially in the Pentagon. Two years later, a Sunday newspaper supplement feature titled “The Incredible Laser: Death Ray or Hope” illustrated with science-fictional laser cannons, opined: The laser may have greater impact than any discovery so far in the burgeoning field of electronics, which has already brought us radar, transistors, satellite tracking networks, [and] TV. The technological revolution it brings about may dwarf any in the past [1] .

Erbium lasers in operative dentistry—a literature review

Hard tissue modification and cavity preparation addressing the carious lesions of the teeth is the heart of operative dentistry. It is now more than three decades that lasers have been tested and used in caries removal. Twenty-eight years after the first laser construction by Theodore Maiman in 1960, the actual mechanism of thermo-mechanical ablation has been described, and the introduction of erbium lasers in operative dentistry was a reality. A big number of researchers and institutes worldwide have been experimenting the possibilities, limitations, and possible advantages of erbium family lasers (i.e., Er,Cr:YSGG 2790 nm and Er:YAG 2940 nm). The aim of this literature review is to summarize evidence-based studies that have been published, trying to clarify the aspects that have been covered so far and simultaneously revealing the parts that need to be tested in future studies. A systematic bibliographic analysis has been the basis of this literature review on erbium family lasers. The total number of articles that have been screened for this review is 1474. Erbium family lasers have shown their great benefits in different fields of operative dentistry, including painless cavity preparation and caries removal, enamel and dentine modification for bonding and smear layer elimination with respect to pulp tissue. The difference in the parameters of each laser system and the infinite combinations of laser settings that can be selected have led to some contradictive results, which have confused both researchers and clinical dentists. With this review, we try to shed light to the fields that future researchers should focus on.

Ted Maiman and the birth of the Laser

Ted Maiman and the birth of the Laser

Laser Market in Italy

AbstractIn order to understand the activities of the Italian laser community, it must be noted that immediately after the demonstration of the first ruby laser by Theodore Maiman on May 16, 1960, many young Italian researchers enlisted at the universities and research institutes in California where the principles of quantum electronics, the base of the laser development, had been developed.

Basic physics and technology of medical lasers

Theodore Maiman created the first ruby laser in 1960. In 1962 Dr. Goldman, a dermatologist used a ruby laser to remove a tattoo. Medical lasers are now a multi-billion dollar industry. They are now commonly used in ophthalmology, dermatology, gynaecology and urology. Recent advances in very short pulse lasers are pushing their use in orthopaedics, dentistry and neurosurgery. The optical radiation emitted by lasers has the potential to damage the eyes and skin of patients and healthcare workers. There is also a risk of fires or explosions from lasers igniting flammable gases and the problem of inhalation of smoke with surgical lasers. The EU directive 2006/25/EC “Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at work Regulations” aims to detect adverse health effects and protect workers from the risk stated above by limiting the exposure levels to both eye and skin. Radiation Protection sections of Medical Physics departments in most hospitals are responsible for implementing the safety control mechanisms, training staff on laser safety and investigating any adverse events when either patient or staff are injured. This talk will cover the basic physics and technology of medical lasers. How different types of optical radiation are produced with different types of active media is explained. Further delivery methods to treat both soft and hard tissues are demonstrated. Delegates will be able to understand the characteristics of optical radiation emitted from different types of equipment and their effect on tissue. Delegates are advised to attend the next talk on quality and safety management.

Lasers in dentistry - Thinking ahead…

Abstract Laser technology was introduced in the field of dentistry with a novel idea of overcoming few problems or drawbacks posed by the conventional methods. Theodore Maiman in 1960 introduced the first solid state ruby laser. Since then lasers have gained its popularity in different fields of dentistry. Laser in dentistry is now in vogue and now becoming a part of the dentist's armamentarium. This article gives an insight to the basics of laser physics, types of laser, mechanism of action, their interactions with biologic tissues and their advantage and disadvantage. How to cite this article Priya NK, Sowmya NK, Ashwini R, Madhushankari GS, Lasers in Dentistry - Thinking ahead… CODS J Dent 2014;6;102-107

LASER - A RAY OF HOPE IN PERIODONTICS - A REVIEW ARTICLE

AbstractLasers have revolutionised dental treatment since three and a half decades of the twentieth century. Theodore maiman in 1960 invented the ruby laser, since then laser is one of the most captivating technologies in dental practice. Lasers have been used in initial periodontal therapy, surgery, and also in implant treatment. Further research is necessary so that laser can become a part of the dental armamentarium. This paper gives an insight to laser in Periodontics

Wilson Prize article: From vacuum tubes to lasers and back again

The first demonstration of an optical-wavelength laser by Theodore Maiman in 1960 had a transformational impact on the paths that would be blazed to advance the state of the art of short wavelength coherent electron beam-based radiation sources. Free electron lasers (FELs) emerged from these efforts as the electron beam-based realization of the pioneering model of atom-based ``optical masers'' by Schawlow and Townes, but with far greater potential for tunable operation at high power and very short wavelengths. Further opportunities for yet greater capabilities may be inherent in our still growing understanding of the underlying physics. This article focuses on the FEL efforts in which the author was directly and personally involved.

Laser Management Of Introral Soft Tissue Lesions – A Review Of Literature

In 1917, the theory of ''stimulated emission'' was put forward by Albert Einstein, stating that photons could ''stimulate'' the emission of another photon that would possess identical properties to the first. Townes and Schawlow worked on a study together that led to the development of LASER(Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). The initial developments of laser research were started in the USA and Soviet Union in the year 1958. In the year 1960, Theodore Maiman built the first laser equipment with a ruby crystal stimulated by a flash lamp and mirrors to amplify the action of the laser. The beam had a wavelength of 694nm and was deep red in colour. In 1962, laser was used in dentistry for the first time by Goldman.Since 1962, lasers have been used for soft tissue surgery of oral cavity with significant advantages compared to other treatment modalities. The purpose of this paper is to review the different types of lasers, laser-tissue interaction and the management of various intraoral soft tissue lesions.

Lasers in periodontics

Laser is one of the most captivating technologies in dental practice since Theodore Maiman in 1960 invented the ruby laser. Lasers in dentistry have revolutionized several areas of treatment in the last three and a half decades of the 20th century. Introduced as an alternative to mechanical cutting device, laser has now become an instrument of choice in many dental applications. Evidence suggests its use in initial periodontal therapy, surgery, and more recently, its utility in salvaging implant opens up a wide range of applications. More research with better designs are a necessity before lasers can become a part of dental armamentarium. This paper gives an insight to laser in periodontics.

The evolution of lasers in urology

The world's first laser was developed by Theodore Maiman in 1960. Over the course of the past five decades, this technology has evolved into a highly specialized entity, also finding a niche market in the field of urology. Lasers obtained from various lasing mediums producing amplified light of different wavelengths have been tested for urological applications. Today, these lasers are most commonly used in the surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia and as intracorporeal lithotripters. Other uses include ablation of various urologic tumors and incising strictures of the upper- and lower urinary tract. A continuous process of evolution of this technology is taking place, resulting in surgical lasers becoming ever safer, more effective, and more affordable.

Diode Lasers: A Versatile Clinical Tool (A Technical and Clinical Review)

Diode lasers have been a singular innovation and invention that has transformed scenarios in optical fiber based telecommunications, information technology and inevitably augmented and enhanced medical and dental practice. Theodore Maiman in 1960 (at Hughes research laboratory) heralded the birth of modern laser science with the epoch breakthrough of the Ruby laser (694 nm), but the first successful operation of diode laser was reported only in 1962 by several research groups (one of them being GE). Albeit the first emission of light by a semiconductor was by HJ Round in 1907 (Elect World 1907, 19:309) using the compound silicon carbide by the phenomenon of electroluminescence, Basov et al had suggested in 1961 that stimulated emission could occur in a semiconductor by the recombination of charge carriers across a p-n junction or homojunction diodes (Chow and Koch, semiconductor-laser fundamentals: Physics of the gain materials, Springer). Subsequent innovations saw the advent of the heterostructure/ heterojunction diode laser in 1969 from the combined research of Herbert Kroemer and Zhores Alferov (Nobel Prize in 2000).1

Laser: Tissue Interaction and Its Application in Clinical Dentistry

In 1960, Theodore Maiman exposed a human tooth to his prototype Ruby laser. The emission wavelength of the laser at 633 nm (deep red visible light) offered no beneficial interaction with the tooth, with much of the energy transmitting the enamel and dentine with presumable attenuation by the pigmented pulpal tissue. The inconsistencies of laser-tissue interaction continue to pose some difficulty for the dental clinician; however, the development of many laser machines, amounting to a facility to produce laser photonic energy at several wavelengths between the visible and far infrared areas of the electromagnetic spectrum, addresses many of the inconsistencies. The oral cavity is a complex environment, where hard and soft tissues exist in close proximity and all within bacteria laden saliva. All oral tissues are receptive to laser treatment, but the biophysics governing laser-tissue interaction demands a knowledge of all factors involved in delivery of this modality. Through this knowledge, correct and appropriate treatment can be delivered in a predictable manner.

Boris Peter Stoicheff

Boris Peter Stoicheff

A short history of laser development

Half a century has passed since Theodore Maiman's small ruby rod crossed the threshold of laser emission. The breakthrough demonstration earned headlines, but in the early years the laser was called "a solution looking for a problem," and there was a germ of truth in the joke. Years of development since then have vastly improved laser performance,and tremendously increased their variety, earning lasers important roles in scientific research, consumer products, telecommunications,engineering, medicine, materials working, and a host of other applications. This article reviews the highlights of those developments and puts them into context, showing how laser technology has evolved to meet application requirements.

Short history of laser development

Half a century has passed since Theodore Maiman's small ruby rod crossed the threshold of laser emission. The breakthrough demonstration earned headlines, but in the early years the laser was called "a solution looking for a problem," and there was a germ of truth in the joke. Years of development since then have vastly improved laser performance, and tremendously increased their variety, earning lasers important roles in scientific research, consumer products, telecommunications, engineering, medicine, materials working, and a host of other applications. This article reviews the highlights of those developments and puts them into context, showing how laser technology has evolved to meet application requirements.

My first laser

When Theodore Maiman introduced the ruby laser on 16 May 1960, with pulses of bright, coherent red light from his laboratory at Hughes Research, I was an 11-year-old ‘Sputnik’ kid playing dangerously with homemade rockets and radio circuits. Although I was too young to pay much notice then, I got hooked on lasers two years […]