What was Schawlow's essential contribution to the laser?
Inventing the light bulb
Using two mirrors in the resonant cavity
Developing the internet
Discovering gravity
Answer
Using two mirrors in the resonant cavity was Schawlow's essential contribution to the laser. This allowed for the stimulated emission of light to be amplified, which is necessary for the laser to function. The mirrors reflect the light back and forth within the cavity, increasing its intensity until it is strong enough to be emitted as a laser beam.
Laser Legacy: Unraveling the Genius of Arthur Leonard Schawlow
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