Original Source: University Communications and Marketing
Reporter: Nick Wilson
Date: May 5, 2026
Link: https://ucm.calpoly.edu/news/cal-poly-students-build-universitys-first-laser-rare-and-valuable-skill
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cal Poly students have built the first solid-state laser in the university’s 125-year history.
Undergraduate students collaborated with Isinsu Toker, an assistant professor of physics in Bailey College, to construct a titanium-sapphire laser from scratch. The tunable laser, which emits red and near-infrared light, was constructed over three months during the fall and winter quarters.
“This is the very first laser built on campus,” Toker said. “This is a very important step for students, especially undergraduates, to develop a rare and valuable skill that has a wide variety of applications for industry and research.”