zoom_in Click to enlarge

Gordon Gould

▲ ▼

description Gordon Gould Overview

Gordon Gould was an American physicist instrumental in developing foundational concepts for lasers. His detailed 1957 documentation of key principles, including optical amplification and stimulated emission, laid the groundwork for laser technology. This work prompted significant legal battles concerning the invention’s origins, primarily involving Theodore Maiman’s subsequent laser development. Gould's contributions are relevant to those studying the history of optics, physics, and the evolution of laser technology.

help Gordon Gould FAQ

Who actually coined the term "laser"?

The American physicist Gordon Gould is credited with coining the acronym "LASER" (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) around 1957. He documented his research ideas in a dedicated notebook, which he famously had notarized at a local candy store.

Why was Gordon Gould involved in decades-long patent disputes?

Gould fought a 30-year legal war with the United States Patent and Trademark Office because he did not initially file a standard patent application. He instead tried to use a poorly understood loophole called a "statutory invention registration," which delayed his rights and let competitors file first.

Did Gordon Gould ever win his laser patent lawsuits?

Gould ultimately prevailed in the 1980s, eventually winning the fundamental patents for the optical pumping method used to create lasers. His eventual victory earned him millions of dollars in royalties from the booming laser manufacturing industry.

Where was Gordon Gould working when he developed his laser concepts?

Gould was a doctoral student at Columbia University when he developed his early theoretical concepts for the laser. He was working closely in the same physics department as Charles Townes, who was concurrently developing the maser.