Professor Charles H. Townes, father of the laser and winner of the Nobel Prize will be coming to speak at Texas A&M on October 14. No other living physicist has had a greater impact on the present scientific and technical culture than Professor Townes. The laser has revolutionized numerous applications in business, medicine, and science. The laser is the main tool in scientific applications ranging from experiments probing the foundations of quantum mechanics to searching the cosmos for weak gratitational radiation. The laser provides new tools to the surgeon and ophthalmologist, as well as the engineer and field surveyor.

Laser physics and quantum electronics are only part of Professor Townes' scientific endeavors. Recently he led a research team which demonstrated the existence of a large black hole at the center of our galaxy. In addition to his revolutionary contributions to science and technology, Professor Townes has served in administrative capacities throughout the government and as Provost of MIT. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of Southeastern Seminary.

Professor Charles Townes is one of the most brilliant scholars of the 20th Century and has earned a distinguished reputation for being hard working, honest, and forthright. Professor Townes is a committed Christian and a deep thinker who will share with us his thoughts on ways in which scientific and religious thinking are converging at the threshold of the 21st Century. His presentation will begin at 7 pm on Thursday, October 14, 1999 in Rudder 601.