About
08 April 2010
OSA Launches Laser Anniversary Video
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Lyndsay Meyer
The Optical Society
+1.202.416.1435
lmeyer@osa.org
OSA Launches Laser Anniversary Video
Lasers: Transforming Life showcases current and future uses of the laser to commemorate 50 years of laser innovation
WASHINGTON, April 8—The Optical Society (OSA) today announced the release of the video Lasers: Transforming Life, a special anniversary video highlighting the importance of lasers and laser technology. The video is being distributed as part of LaserFest, the science community’s year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first laser. Told in a compelling, yet easy-to-understand manner, Lasers: Transforming Life features an overview of how lasers play a role in everyday technologies, such as the Internet and laser surgery, and highlights laser research that may lead to future clean energy sources or help understand such mysteries as black holes. NPR host Ira Flatow is featured, along with video from NASA, DARPA and IBM, among others.
“OSA created Lasers: Transforming Life as a way to educate the general public about the importance of lasers,” said Beth T. Hampton, OSA’s chief marketing officer. “Lasers have truly transformed the way we live today—from fiber optics to computerized medical records. Yet even more exciting uses in the areas of alternative energy, medicine and basic research are on the horizon. We believe this video captures the excitement of this technology in a fitting tribute to the 50th anniversary of the laser.”
Lasers: Transforming Life is publicly available on the LaserFest Web site. Complimentary DVD copies for use in educational settings are available by contacting OSA at omsc@osa.org.
About OSA
Uniting more than 106,000 professionals from 134 countries, the Optical Society (OSA) brings together the global optics community through its programs and initiatives. Since 1916 OSA has worked to advance the common interests of the field, providing educational resources to the scientists, engineers and business leaders who work in the field by promoting the science of light and the advanced technologies made possible by optics and photonics. OSA publications, events, technical groups and programs foster optics knowledge and scientific collaboration among all those with an interest in optics and photonics. For more information, visit www.osa.org.
About LaserFest
LaserFest, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the laser, emphasizes the laser's impact throughout history and highlights its potential for the future. Through a series of events and programs, LaserFest showcases the prominence of the laser in today's world. Founding Partners of LaserFest are the American Physical Society (APS), the Optical Society (OSA), SPIE, and the IEEE Photonics Society. For more information, visit www.LaserFest.org.
