Charles Townes--the Maser and the Laser

Charles Townes foresaw the microwave spectroscope as a power tool for studying the structure of atoms and molecules and for the control of electromagnetic waves. His insights let to the Nobel Prize in 1964 "for fundamental work in quantum electronics which has led to the construction of oscillators and amplifiers based on the maser-laser principle." Find resources with additional information including many of his awards and honors at the OSTI DOE R&D Accomplishments website. DOE R&D Accomplishments is a central forum for information about significant outcomes of past DOE R&D widely recognized as remarkable advancements in science.