Object Details
- Schawlow, Arthur L.
- Description
- This laser eraser was made and used by physicist Art Schawlow while at Stanford University. If he made a mistake while typing, Schawlaw could simply press a button and vaporize the typewriter ink, thus removing the incorrect characters. The wavelength of the laser was optimized for the absorption characteristics of the ink. Only the ink, not the paper, went up in smoke. Though the eraser was too expensive for commercial production, Schawlow received US Patent 3,553,421 for the invention and used the eraser on his office typewriter.
- The object includes a power supply (to convert alternating current of 120 volts to 900 volt direct current pulses), the laser emitter, a connecting cable and carrying case.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- from Arthur L. Schawlow
- 1968
- ID Number
- 1985.0144.01
- accession number
- 1985.0144
- catalog number
- 1985.0144.01
- Object Name
- laser eraser
- eraser
- Other Terms
- eraser; Lasers and Masers
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- rubber (cords material)
- glass (tube material)
- Measurements
- case: 19.5 cm x 23.2 cm x 36.2 cm; 7 11/16 in x 9 1/8 in x 14 1/4 in
- eraser: 4.3 cm x 5.7 cm x 25.7 cm; 1 11/16 in x 2 1/4 in x 10 1/8 in
- power supply: 9 cm x 16 cm x 25.3 cm; 3 9/16 in x 6 5/16 in x 9 15/16 in
- See more items in
- Work and Industry: Electricity
- Energy & Power
- Lasers
- Science & Mathematics
- National Museum of American History
- Subject
- Invention
- Business
- Record ID
- nmah_713785
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-4558-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
