Article on LASER Technology in India
Laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) ranks among the major fundamental inventions of this century. Invented in 1960 its unique properties make it a tool of exceptional precision and power. The importance of laser was recognised by the scientific community in India fairly early and several institutions initiated research and development (R&D) projects, although modest ones, in this area in the mid-sixties. Since then, laser-related R & D programmes in India have expanded considerably and now encompass most of the important areas of laser applications. All the scientific departments of the Government of India have identified laser and its applications as a thrust area and have funded projects at academic institutions and national laboratories. However, the support given by the Department of Atomic Energy to develop lasers and explore their applications has been quite massive. Dr Homi Bhabha, the founder of Indian atomic energy programme, al...