Inventions and Discoveries of the 1960s The 1960s era was a time known for its technology and innovation. This particular era was booming with creativity. People began to venture outside the traditional mindset established by their elders, and the new generation had a great impact on the American way of life. The original patterns of these creations have been modified into complex designs, but while we strive for perfection, we still use these revolutionary concepts. As in the 1960s, modern society uses new innovations to improve our standard of living. In the early 1960s, Theodore H. Maiman created an invention that seemed to prove the impossible. At Hughes Research Laboratories, Maiman developed the first laser that emitted red light. From the use of ruby ​​crystals, the laser emitted a red glow. Because of the laser's low wavelength and three-level pumping scheme, the design was eventually modified and improved by scientists working at Bell Telephone Laboratories ("The Laser, the Story...The Children" 1 ). To build a gas discharge laser, they used neon and helium elements (Wright 976). As the years passed, the internal design and pumping scheme of the laser were improved, and for the first time, people were actually able to see the light emitted by the laser ("The Laser, the Story...Children" 1). found that the discovery of the laser was put to good use, as scientists began using lasers during the space race. The distance from Earth to objects in space can be measured with lasers, so inventors have used this technology to help them calculate the distance to the moon (Wright 977). This cutting-edge technology has put the United States one step ahead of the competition; the United St...... half of the paper ......com. Network. April 01, 2011.Brown, David B. Inventing Modern America. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2002. Print. "History of the Calculator: Invention of the Portable Calculator." The great idea seeker: celebrates the spirit of innovation. Network. 01 April 2011. "The story of life game - Invention of the game of life". The Great Idea Finer – Celebrating the spirit of innovation. Network. 05 April 2011. "The laser, the history of the laser and other inventions from when we were children". 20th century nostalgia: when we were children. Network. 02 April 2011. Panati, Carlo. Discoveries: Surprising advances in your life in medicine, science and technology. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1980. Print. This fabulous century: 1960-1970. vol. 7. New York: Time – Life, 1970. Print.Wright, David. America in the 20th Century: 1960-1969. New York: 1995. Print.