Dr. Arthur Schawlow, head of the Department of Physics at Stanford University, studying the properties of a dark ruby rod as he developed the fundamental physics of a laser.

An electric organ coupled to an oscilloscope helps show why getting light in step was so difficult. A working model of atoms demonstrates how ordinary light is produced and how laser light is generated and controlled. Sequences show Dr. Schawlow’s part in working out the physics involved in the first successful laser.

He received the Nobel Prize in 1981 for his work. Dr.Schawlow died in 1999.This amazing film shows Dr.Shawlow explaining step by step his process of discovering the laser. This is truly a historical scientific film!