Anthony Siegman, Pioneer in Laser Research, Dies

An official press release on the Stanford University website announces that renowned scientist and laser technology pioneer Anthony Siegman died on October 7, 2011, at the age of 79.

His work became critically important to this field of research even in the 1960s, when not that much was known about lasers. Some of his studies include Microwave Solid-State Masers (1964), An Introduction to Lasers and Masers (1972) and Lasers (1986).

“He is a model scientist. You would look far and wide to find a laser engineer or scientist who doesn't have Tony's book Lasers on his desk. He had a unique ability to blend mathematics and physical insight,” Stanford professor emeritus in electrical engineering Stephen Harris says.

“He was an easygoing, nice guy to talk to, but when it came to science, he pushed for on-the-mark answers. Whatever he wrote was exemplary. He is a shining example of what a scientist should be,” the professor adds.