Who created the first ruby laser?

The first ruby laser was created by Ted Maiman in 1960, making him a pivotal figure in the history of laser technology. Maiman's innovation involved using a synthetic ruby crystal as the lasing medium, which allowed for the generation of coherent laser light. His work demonstrated the first practical application of the principle of stimulated emission of radiation, which was theorized by Albert Einstein but not realized in a functional device until Maiman's experimental laser. This achievement paved the way for numerous advancements in laser technology and its applications across various fields, including medicine, telecommunications, and manufacturing.