Inventions and Discoveries of the 1960’s

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Inventions and Discoveries of the 1960’s

The 1960’s era was a time period notorious for its technology and innovation. This particular era of time was booming with creativity. People started to venture outside of the traditional mindset established by their elders, and the new generation made a great impact on the American lifestyle. The original models of these creations have been modified into complex designs, yet as we strive for perfection, we still use these revolutionary concepts. Like the 1960’s, modern society uses new novelties to help enhance our standard of living.

Early in the 1960’s, Theodore H. Maiman created an invention that seemed to demonstrate the impossible. At Hughes Research Laboratories, Maiman developed the first laser that emitted red light. From the use of ruby crystals, the laser emitted a red glow. Due to the laser’s low wavelength and three-level pumping scheme, the design was eventually altered and improved by scientists working at Bell Telephone Laboratories (“The Laser, the Story…Kids” 1). To construct a gas-discharge laser, they used neon and helium elements (Wright 976). As the years progressed, the internal design and pumping scheme of the laser was improved, and for the first time, people were actually able to see the light that the laser emitted (“The Laser, the Story…Kids” 1).

The new found discovery of the laser was put into good use, for scientists began to use the laser during the space race. The distance from the earth to objects in space can be measured

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with lasers, so inventors used this technology to help them calculate the distance to the moon (Wright 977). This cutting-edge technology put the United States a step ahead in a competition; the United St...

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Wright, David. America in the 20th Century:1960-1969. New York: 1995. Print.

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