Table 1. Rolling Resistance Coefficient of Various Tire Types

Charles Hard Townes had a long, distinguished career as a physicist and educator with years of service to the military and academic research communities. One particular line of work will ensure that his name be remembered by history—his contributions to the early development of the laser. The laser is considered by many historians to be one of the most important technological achievements of the twentieth century. As a source of energy, the laser is extremely inefficient—it devours electricity, converting only a fraction into the laser beam. Yet, due to the special properties of laser versus normal light, this technology is extraordinarily useful. A 100-watt light bulb, for example, can barely light a living room, but a pulsed, 100-watt laser can be used to cut or drill holes in metal.

Born in Greenville...