What significant event related to LASER occurred in 1960?

• A. The first traffic LIDAR was developed
• B. The first working LASER was built
• C. Einstein published his quantum theory
• D. The first MASER was developed

Answer: (B)

In 1960, the significant event that took place was the construction of the first working LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) by Theodore Maiman. This marked a pivotal moment in the field of optics and photonics, demonstrating that a coherent light source could be generated through the stimulated emission of radiation. The development of the LASER laid the groundwork for many technologies used today, including those related to speed measurement devices.

In contrast, the first traffic LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) would not emerge until years later, leveraging the principles of LASER technology developed in the 1960s. While Einstein's contributions to quantum theory were groundbreaking, they predated this event by decades and therefore are not directly related to the 1960 milestone. The first MASER (Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) was developed in 1953, which also does not align with the 1960 timeline for LASER technology advancements. Thus, the construction of the first working LASER is the event of significance in 1960.