New horizons in quantum electronics

In the broad sense the term ``quantum electronics'' relates to the motion of electrons as governed by quantum mechanical laws, but used more specifically it refers to electronic processes involving transitions between discrete energy levels. The latter category includes the laser, and it is to this development, which is responsible for most of the new horizons in the field, that this article is primarily devoted. Two specific examples are described: a tunable light oscillator and an intense-light-pulse generator. It is pointed out that, despite their promise, the ultimate impact of the laser devices on industrial technology cannot be predicted.