Hackaday

Masers (microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) predate lasers and remain crucial in specialized applications like deep-space communication, atomic clocks, and radio astronomy. While eclipsed by lasers in popularity, masers excel at ultra-low-noise signal amplification and precise frequency standards. NASA uses cryogenic ruby masers for deep space tracking, and hydrogen masers provide superior short-term stability for atomic clocks. Recent advances in materials science, particularly nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamonds, promise room-temperature masers that could democratize the technology beyond specialized physics applications.

The Amazing Maser