Theodore Maiman
Type: Person
As of November 2026, Theodore Maiman has been mentioned in one podcast episode on Stuff You Should Know (Feb 2026). Credited with building the first functional laser in 1960 using a ruby crystal gain medium and reflective ends.
Theodore Harold Maiman was an American engineer and physicist who is widely credited with the invention of the laser. Maiman's laser led to the subsequent development of many other types of lasers. The laser was successfully fired on May 16, 1960. In a July 7, 1960, press conference in Manhattan, Maiman and his employer, Hughes Aircraft Company, announced the laser to the world. Maiman was granted a patent for his invention, and he received many awards and honors for his work. His experiences in
| Mentioned in | 1 episode on 1 podcast (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| First heard | Feb 2026 on Stuff You Should Know |
| Role | Physicist and engineer |
| Affiliation | Hughes Research Laboratories (historical) |
Who talks about Theodore Maiman on podcasts?
Theodore Maiman came up; the most recent mention was Feb 2026 on Stuff You Should Know.
- How Lasers Work | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW on Stuff You Should Know (Feb 2026)