PWF Pakistan and the ICTP Global Science Portal present:

Centennial Lecture: Light, Lasers and the Nobel Prize
Prof. John Dudley
Université Marie et Louis Pasteur

1st April 2026
10.00 CEST

Zoom meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/98969734865?pwd=O0VShInO0drbxS0zCTQa3uRx2hcxHS.1

Abstract: 
Although we often think of laser applications and the field of photonics
as being related more closely to engineering than to basic science, the
development of the laser in fact traces a path that runs parallel to basic
research in many areas of physics.  Indeed, it is not often appreciated
that research into the science and applications of light in a broader
sense has seen the award of more than thirty Nobel Prizes!  This talk
describes some of the key historical contributions to our modern
understanding of light and lasers, particularly highlighting the
background to key Nobel Prizes in these areas.  It will also discuss the
wider significance of the laser, recognized by UNESCO through the
International Day of Light on 16 May which marks the anniversary of the
first observation of laser operation in 1960.

All are welcome to join on Zoom. This talk is part of the Salam Centennial
Series.