More light on ruby laser’s history

It was disturbing and disappointing to read “Bell Labs and the Ruby Laser.” Although the article adequately describes the authors’ views of the events of 1960, it can be interpreted as casting a shadow over Theodore Maiman’s seminal achievement. That is unfortunate, since it amounts to stirring up the old controversy. The events of 1960 have been discussed extensively, and all the key issues and questions have been addressed and, in all essentials, settled. I certainly do not wish to engage in further polemics and revisit all the old arguments. Of course, there can be no objections to the authors’ desire to share their views, as Maiman did in his book, The Laser Odyssey (Laser Press, 2000). However, I think that presenting a onesided report during this anniversary year when we are celebrating the remarkable achievements of 1960 (including those of the Bell Labs laser team) is inappropriate, tactless, and not in especially good taste. The sooner we put all this behind us, the better.