| Abstract | When Theodore Maiman invented the first laser in 1960, he could not have possibly foreseen the full extent of the transformational impact that his development would have on our lives. Since then, the laser has become an everyday commodity and a key technology with a tremendous economical impact that cannot be overestimated. Both, scientist and layman are familiar with its main properties and many of its applications. Considering our visual predisposition it does not surprise that the laser has even entered the arts. Hence, it is probably safe to say that the laser is one of the most important technological developments of the second half of the 20th century. |
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