Episode 18: The 1st Laser in Portugal
Lasers are everywhere today, in many everyday activities. This is a far cry from the 1960s, when no-one really knew what they could be used for, and when we witnessed the first laser in Portugal (and at Técnico). The ruby laser, about two metres in size, consisting of a main core made of ruby crystals, surrounded by a flash bulb, reminds the researchers at Técnico / IPFN – Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear (Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion) of the heritage they received from experimental physics at home. The 1st laser in Portugal featured in the 18th episode of the “110 Stories | 110 Objects” podcast.