Theodore Maiman, the father of laser technology, is being honored for his work in electro-optics. In the category of improvements of biological functions, the award is being shared by Henry Beachell and Gurdev Khush.
Maiman will receive a cash award of $330,000; Beachell and Khush will share an equal amount. The Prize, established in 1985, is awarded by the Science and Technology Foundation of Japan to honor developments in science and technology that contribute to world peace and prosperity.
President of Maiman Associates in Marina del Ray, Calif., Maiman, 59, was working for Hughes Research Laboratory when, on May 16, 1960, his ruby laser produced the first coherent light. The technology continues to play a major role in fields ranging from medicine to telecommunications.
Beachell and Khush are being honored for their achievements in rice breeding, which have led to the stabilization of rice production in tropical and subtropical nations ...
