Sixty years ago this month, Theodore H. Maiman, a physicist at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, Calif., constructed the first laser using a cylinder of synthetic ruby and photographic flash lamps. There have been many milestones in the last six decades. In honor of this breakthrough, Photonics Media will be running periodic coverage throughout the month.EMMETT WARREN, NEWS EDITOR [email protected]MURRAY HILL, N.J., May 1, 2020 — In May 1960, Theodore Maiman revealed to the world the first successful demonstration of a laser at Hughes Atomic Physical Department in Malibu, Calif. However, the landmark event was achieved due to the foundation set in place by a pair of Bell Labs researchers two years earlier. Arthur L. Schawlow, a Bell Labs researcher, and Charles H. 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