Theodore "Ted" Maiman holds U.S. Patent 3,353,115 for the world's first working laser. His creation, using a synthetic ruby and flashlamps, was first operated on May 16, 1960 at Hughes Research Laboratories. Today, the laser has a remarkable array of uses from surgery to shopping. Maiman earned his master's degree in electrical engineering and his PhD in physics at Stanford. Maiman had a rare blend of advanced training in physics and engineering combined with significant laboratory experience. The design of his laser was so simple it is estimated to have cost Hughes just $50,000 to produce, including the inventor's salary, likely one of the greatest research bargains of all time. Maiman passed away in 2007 at the age of 79.