Theodore Maiman invented the world's first laser, known as the "ruby laser" in 1960. Ruby crystal is composed of aluminum oxide, where some of the aluminum atoms have been replaced with chromium atoms. Chromium gives the ruby its vibrant red color. In a ruby laser, a ruby crystal is formed into a cylinder. A fully reflecting mirror is placed on one end and a partially reflecting mirror on the other. http://www.laserfest.org/lasers/how/ruby.cfm