Without the efforts and vision of Charles H. Townes, many technologies we take for granted would not even be possible. CD players, barcode scanners, and medical instruments are just a few of the applications that would not be possible with the use of a laser.

In 1964, Dr. Townes and two Russians received the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work on microwave-emitting devices, called masers, and their light-emitting successors, lasers, which have proved to be crucial for modern communications, medicine, astronomy, weapons systems and daily life applications.

Arguably one of the most important and capable inventions of the 20th century, Dr. Townes work and contributions cannot be understated.

He died at the age of 99 in Oakland, California.