Studied at Union College, worked at Westinghouse. Initial graduate work at Yale University, 194l-1943, with concentration on optical spectroscopy. Trained personnel in vacuum technology for Manhattan Project. Additional graduate study under Polykarp Kusch at Columbia University; at I. I. Rabi's suggestion, applied optical pumping in his thesis work. Suggested optical pumping of maser. Remarks on maser's commercial potential and potential of the laser. Discussion of his attitude vis-a-vis Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow, ca. 1957. Recruitment to Technical Research Group, Inc. and work on laser, ca. 1958. Almost entirely concerned with Gould's activities from 1958-1967, while he was at TRG Inc. Reception of his laser idea by TRG staff, job activities during the years when his lack of clearance prevented him from concentrating on lasers; some of the laser projects he undertook once TRG's laser contract was declassified.