Beam: The Race to Make the Laser
Beam: The Race to Make the Laser recounts the three-year contest that led to the laser’s first demonstration. This 288-page English-language book follows Charles Townes, Gordon Gould, Arthur Schawlow, Ali Javan, Bill Bennett and Ted Maiman through scientific disputes and the race for recognition.
At a glance
- Narrative history centered on the three years from the laser concept to its demonstration in 1960.
- Covers competing researchers and the scientific and professional disputes surrounding the invention.
- The listing describes Ted Maiman's ruby laser and the challenge to gain acceptance for his achievement.
Reference price: $52.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Focuses on the people and competition behind an important scientific invention, rather than presenting only a technical description.
- Includes the competing approaches and recognition disputes involving several prominent researchers.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | May 26, 2010 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 288 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0199738718 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0199738717 |
| Weight listed | 15.2 ounces |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.14 x 0.6 x 9.21 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in the history of physics, optics or the development of modern technology.
- People who prefer a narrative account of scientific discovery and its rivalries.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a technical manual, hands-on laser instructions or a comprehensive modern guide to laser applications.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
71% 71% - 4 stars
20% 20% - 3 stars
9% 9% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
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Aggregate ratings lean positive, with most ratings in the five-star category and some in the four- and three-star categories. With a relatively small rating sample and no written feedback supplied, these figures offer only a limited indication of reader reception and do not explain what readers liked or disliked.
Frequently asked questions
What is this book about?
It tells the story of the race to make the laser, following researchers from the laser idea through Ted Maiman's demonstration and the subsequent fight for recognition.
Is this a technical laser guide?
The supplied description presents it as a historical narrative about the invention and its key figures, not as a technical instruction manual.
How long is the listed edition?
The listing gives a print length of 288 pages.
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