The first demonstration of laser action in ruby was made in 1960 by T H Maiman of Hughes Research Laboratories, USA. Many laboratories worldwide took up the search for lasers using different materials, operating at different wavelengths. In the UK academia, industry and the central laboratories took up the challenge from the earliest days to develop these systems for a broad range of applications. This historical review looks at the contribution the UK has made to the advancement of the technology, the development of systems and components and their exploitation over the last 60 years.

Danson Colin, White Malcom, Penman Rory, Barr John, Bett Thomas, Blyth Peter, Bowley David, Brenner Ceri, Collins Bob, Croxford Neal, Dangor Bucker, Devereaux Laurence, Dyer Peter, Dymoke-Bradshaw Anthony, Edwards Chris, Ewart Paul, Ferguson Allister, M Girkin John, Hall Denis, Hanna Dave, Harris Wayne, Hillier David, Hooker Chris, Hooker Simon, Hopps Nicholas, Hull Janet, Hunt David, Jaroszynski Dino, Kessler Helmut, Knight Peter, Knight Steve, Knowles Adrian, Lewis Ciaran, Lipton Ken, Littlechild Abby, Littlechild John, Maggs Peter, MANGLES STUART, Malcolm Graeme, Martin William. A History of High Power Laser Research and Development in the United Kingdom[J]. High Power Laser Science and Engineering, , (): .  复制并引用该论文