An acronym for Light Amplification by Simulated Emission of Radiation, the laser is unique because of its narrow, coherent beam. The use of lasers varies from laser printers and barcode scanners to surgical treatment and fingerprint detecting.

It was on this day, November 14th, in 1967 that the world’s first laser was patented by Theodore Maiman.

Maiman developed his first laser, the ruby laser, seven years earlier, on May 16, 1960, while he was working at Hughes Research Laboratories. He then dedicated his research to developing other types of lasers. For his work, Maiman was nominated twice for a Nobel Prize. He was also the recipient of many other prestigious awards and group memberships. Many universities gave him honorary degrees including Simon Fraser University in Vancouver.