Timeline – 1978

First Shot Fired on ZETA
US Congressman Frank Horton fired the first shot on ZETA, a laser comprising the first six beams of OMEGA, on October 17, 1978. The shot generated more than 300 million neutrons and climaxed the morning of what University President Robert L. Sproull called “a great day in the life of this University.” It was witnessed by approximately 200 guests from government, industry, and academia.