ABSTRACT
Like so many discoveries and inventions, the laser originated from research and development aimed primarily at military ends. This technology continues to be the focus of considerable effort by the military for arms systems. The word laser often conjures up images of awesome, frightening, destructive power. This idea is reinforced by science fiction literature and especially motion pictures. Recently in the film Star Wars, for instance, the laser beam was once again presented as a death ray. And what fan of James Bond films can forget the laser with which the fiendish Goldfinger tried to cut Agent 007 in half! This negative perception nonetheless is not wholly deserved, because the laser has been used peacefully for industrial purposes for a number of years. Unfortunately, these latter applications were not newsworthy, i.e., commercially exploitable for the mass media. At present, however, the laser is finding its way into everyday life. Discotheque and concertgoers enjoy laser light shows, and record collectors now listen to their favorite music on laser disks. As a result, the laser is starting to shed its sinister reputation for a more positive one.
