THE LASER; WHIZ-BANG HEIR TO THE LIGHTBULB

L.A. MAN INVENTS DEATH RAY! Headlines across the nation trumpeted the sensational "news" that a weapon straight out of Buck Rogers had finally arrived. When Dr. Theodore H. Maiman unveiled the first working laser "gun" 20 years ago, many newspapers did not hesitate to describe the unassuming piece of equipment as a device that leaned closer to science fiction than science.

Dr. Maiman, a scientist with Hughes Aircraft Company of Los Angeles, displayed more caution. In speculating on the possibilities of his grapefruit-size laser, he described it as "a solution looking for a problem."

Who actually "invented" the laser is a matter of considerable dispute. No one denies that Dr. Maiman built the first laser device, in 1960. However, Charles Townes and his brother-in-lawto crown the coming age of science and electricity, the whiz-bang heir to Edison's light bulb.

Dr. Maiman recalls that the "death ray" headlines were prompted by the persistent questioning of one reporter who wanted to know if the laser could be used as a weapon. Dr. Maiman just as persistently rebuffed him.

"He finally asked me if I would exclude the possibility of the laser ever being used as a weapon. I said 'No,' and he said, 'Thanks, that's all I need,' and rushed out."

The "death ray" fervor faded, but during the past 20 years the laser has found more problems to solve than Buck Rogers has notches on his space pistol. "Laser" is a household word, particularly since America became a nation of "Star Wars" fanatics, and lasers