Rumson Physicist Dies at 85

Noted physicist James P. Gordon, of Rumson, died at 85, according to the Asbury Park Press.

Gordon’s work significantly impacted the optical communications industry, as he helped discover the predecessor to the laser, the Asbury Park Press reported.

Gordon was born in Brooklyn on March 20, 1928. While a doctoral student at Columbia University, he helped build the maser (microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation). The principals for the maser eventually led to the invention of the laser, according to the article.

From 1955 to 1999, Gordon worked for Bell Labs. He is credited with the Gordon-Haus effect, which analyzes optical phase noise, the Asbury Park Press reported.

Gordon was elected to the National Academy of Science and the National Academy of Engineering. He was also named an honorary member of The Optical Society, according to the Asbury Park Press.