Munushian Lecture: Charles Townes on How the Laser Happened

Nobel Laureate (Physics, 1964) Charles Townes speaks about the intersection of physics and electrical engineering," and the invention of the laser -- about how the interaction between physics and engineering and other fields, is important in originating new ideas, with the creation of the laser as case-in-point. Dr. Townes served as Provost and Professor of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1966, he became Institute Professor at M.I.T., and later in the same year resigned from the position of Provost in order to return to more intensive research, particularly in the fields of quantum electronics and astronomy. He was appointed University Professor at the University of California in 1967. In this position Dr. Townes is participating in teaching, research, and other activities on several campuses of the University, although he is located at the Berkeley campus.In addition to the Nobel Prize, Townes has received the Templeton Prize, for contributions to the understanding of religion, and a number of other prizes as well as 27 honorary degrees from various universities.Reception, 3:30 p.m., Lecture begins at 4.

Location: Leonard Davis Auditorium (GER 124)

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Eric Mankin