Professor Hubertus von Bergmann When the laser was developed some 60 years ago it was euphemistically described as âa solution looking for a problemâ. Today the laser is an essential technology of the 21st century and a multibillion-dollar industry which impacts almost every aspect of our daily life. While we often to refer to some laser treatment, procedure or process, do we really know what it involves? On Wednesday 4 August, Professor Hubertus von Bergmann will share his enormous knowledge of lasers with members of U3A Helderberg via a live-stream presentation at 10:00. The Somerset West resident will touch on the history of laser technology, explain how it works and how laser light differs from that of conventional light sources. He will also discuss the different types of lasers and some of their most important applications ranging from industrial materials processing, medical diagnostics and treatments, environmental management, communications technology to the military. Finally, he will mention some major technological laser breakthroughs on the verge of realisation in the fields of cancer treatment, alternative energy, and much more efficient and faster computers and communications.