An account is given of how the first Soviet laser, specifically made of ruby, was developed at the Vavilov State Optical Institute and launched there in June 1961. Direct eye-witness accounts of and archival materials on this outstanding achievement are presented.

PACS: 01.65.+g, 42.55.−f, 42.60.−v (all) DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.0181.201101g.0079 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2011/1/g/ 000294812200007 2-s2.0-79959942588 2011PhyU...54...73B Citation: Belousova I M "The laser in the USSR: the first steps" Phys. Usp. 54 73–75 (2011) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Белоусова И М «Лазер в СССР: первые шаги» УФН 181 79–81 (2011); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0181.201101g.0079