Eastern Malibu in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
First Working Laser
IEEE Milestone in Electrical Engineering
| | 1960 | |
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. First Working Laser Marker
On this site in May 1960 Theodore Maiman built and operated the first laser. A number of teams around the world were trying to construct this theoretically anticipated device from different materials. Maiman's was based on a ruby rod optically pumped by a flash lamp. The laser was transformative technology in the 20th century and continues to enjoy wide application in many fields of human endeavor.
Erected 2010 by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the IEEE Milestones in Electrical Engineering and Computing series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1960.
Location. 34° 2.565′ N, 118° 41.757′ W. Marker is in Malibu, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Eastern Malibu. It can be reached from Malibu Canyon Road one mile north of Pacific Coast Highway (California Route 1), on the left when traveling north. Located at HRL Laboratories. The property is not open to the public. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3011 Malibu Canyon
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Legacy Park (approx. 0.6 miles away); Malibu's Earliest History (approx. one mile away); This Parcel of Land (approx. one mile away); Lath House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Malibu Lagoon (approx. 1.1 miles away); Green Man Sculpture (approx. 1.1 miles away); Original Malibu Railroad Tie (approx. 1.1 miles away); Hueneme, Malibu and Port Los Angeles Railway (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Malibu.
Regarding First Working Laser. Hughes Research Laboratories was established by Howard Hughes in 1948, and the facility in Malibu opened in 1960. HRL Laboratories
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. First Working Laser Marker
One of Hughes' most notable achievements came in 1960 with the demonstration of the world's first laser which used a synthetic ruby crystal. The ruby laser became the basis of a multibillion-dollar laser range-finder business for Hughes. In 2010 during the 50th anniversary of the laser, HRL was designated a Physics Historic Site by the American Physical Society and was selected an IEEE Milestones location as the facility where the first working laser was demonstrated.
Photographed by Craig Baker
3. HRL Laboratories
Photographed by Craig Baker
4. HRL Laboratories
courtesy HRL Laboratories
5. First Working Laser
Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 20 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 26, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
