Maiman’s Invention of the Laser reveals the untold story of the invention that transformed the world. Based on nearly fifty personal interviews with bold laser pioneers at Ted Maiman’s company, Korad Lasers, this fast-paced book rips the curtain from the cutthroat worlds of business, technology, and competition. It tells the inside story, from the early belief that the laser was nothing more than a death ray to its eventual triumph as a ubiquitous component transforming science, medicine, industry, the internet, and telecommunications. Stories from the early days of the laser include Korader Hal Walker, who succeeded in beaming a laser off of a reflector placed on the Moon by Astronaut Buzz Aldrin of Apollo 11 fame. Another rousing story tells of Korader Carl Schulthess’ involvement in the Vietnam War’s first use of a “smart” laser at night to “paint” targets on the Ho Chi Minh Trail for destruction by Air Force jets. Schulthess himself narrowly escaped his own destruction by a North Vietnamese suicide squad. The use of these weapons in winning the Gulf Wars of the early 1990s is discussed. After leaving Korad, Cliff Cordy got his doctorate in engineering and tells amusing stories of Engineers Gone Wild—techies at play both during and after work. In spite of what people may think of us engineers (nerds), Korad’s favorite restaurant for entertaining customers featured nude dancers. Anybody who buys a diamond needs to know about lasers used since the 1960s to enhance these gemstones so that they sparkle more and thus cost more. However, their value is diminished because drilling diamonds with a laser to remove imperfections weakens the stones and reduces resale value. The holes cannot be seen and sellers are not required to disclose. Buyer beware! Industrial lasers like welders, drillers and cutters play an important role in the history of the laser. Stories of their early days are in the book. The book details the scandals from Ronald Reagan’s presidency including the October Surprise and the infamous Inslaw Affair, both of which were directly related to Korad. Dr. Maiman’s struggles for recognition for having created the laser more than fifty years ago are central to the book. The story of his conflicts with arch rival, Dr. Charles Townes, are told. After a half century, we can say he won his battle. His widow, Kathleen, contributed first-ever access to his personal papers and photos. She immeasurably enhanced the book as a collaborator.
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