Laser Fundamentals

Laser Fundamentals provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the physical and engineering principles of laser operation and design. Simple explanations, based throughout on key underlying concepts, lead the reader logically from the basics of laser action to advanced topics in laser physics and engineering. Much new material has been added to this second edition, especially in the areas of solid-state lasers, semiconductor lasers, and laser cavities. This 2004 edition contains a new chapter on laser operation above threshold, including extensive discussion of laser amplifiers. The clear explanations, worked examples, and many homework problems will make this book invaluable to undergraduate and first-year graduate students in science and engineering taking courses on lasers. The summaries of key types of lasers, the use of many unique theoretical descriptions, and the extensive bibliography will also make this a valuable reference work for researchers.

This in-depth title discusses the underlying physics and operational principles of semiconductor lasers. It analyzes the optical and electronic properties of the semiconductor medium in detail, including quantum confinement and gain-engineering effects. The text also includes recent developments in blue-emitting semiconductor lasers.

A comprehensive introduction to the burgeoning field of photonics The field of photonics is finding increasing applications across a broad range of industries. While many other books provide an overview of the subject, Fundamentals of Light Sources and Lasers closes a clear gap in the current literature by concentrating on the principles of laser operation as well as providing coverage of important concepts necessary to fully understand the principles involved. The scope of the book includes everything a professional needs to get up to speed in the field, as well as all the material necessary to serve as an excellent introductory laser course for students. Ideal for self-study as well as structured coursework, the book offers thorough coverage of: * The nature of light and atomic emission * Basic quantum mechanics and laser processes * Cavity optics, fast-pulse production, and nonlinear optical phenomena * Laser technology, including visible gas lasers, UV gas lasers, infrared gas lasers, solid-state lasers, semiconductor lasers and tunable dye lasers Extensive real-world case studies are included to help readers appreciate the practical applications of the material covered. *An Instructor's Manual presenting detailed solutions to all the problems in the book is available from the Wiley editorial department.

Ranging from fundamental theoretical concepts to advanced device technologies, this reference/text explores the engineering, characteristics, and performance of specific semiconductor lasers. It defines key principles in electromagnetics, optoelectronics, and laser implementation for novel applications in optical communications, storage, processing

The laser, initially called the "optical maser," was proposed in 1958 by Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow; in 1960, Theodore Maiman was the first among several researchers to achieve laser oscillation by using a ruby crystal. In the following quarter of a century, a considerable amount of re search and development has taken place, and the laser is now utilized for many diverse applications, ranging from the commonplace compact disk to intricate surgical applications in medicine. Since I first entered the laboratory of Professor Yasuharu Suematsu in 1962 to complete my thesis, I have been studying the new field of laser optics. In spite of many expectations and a vast investment in research, the first practical use of lasers was difficult to of Univ. Erlangen once jokingly achieve. The late Professor K. H. Zchauer remarked that laser was defined by an English physicist as "Less Application of Stimulated Expensive Research. " In a similiar vein, Dr. Herwig Kogelnik reminded me that in the early 1960s, maser was often called "Money Acqui sition Scheme for Expensive Research. " Initially I worked with a ruby laser, then with a helium-neon-gas laser, and am presently engaged in semiconductor laser research. There are proba bly not a large number of researchers who have had the opportunity to build these three representative types of lasers. My primary objective of study lies in optical communications however, and therefore, I have been approaching the laser mainly as a lightwave propagator.

Ever since their invention in 1960, lasers have assumed tremendous importance in the fields of science, engineering and technology because of their use both in basic research and in various technological applications. Lasers: Theory and Applications 2nd Edition will provide a coherent presentation of the basic physics behind the working of the laser along with some of their most important applications. Numerical examples are scattered throughout the book for helping the student gain a better appreciation of the concepts and problems at the end of each chapter and provides the student a better understanding of the basics and help in applying the concepts to practical situations. This book serves as a text in a course on lasers and their applications for students majoring in various disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry and Electrical Engineering.

Laser powder bed fusion of metals is a technology that makes use of a laser beam to selectively melt metal powder layer-by-layer in order to fabricate complex geometries in high performance materials. The technology is currently transforming aerospace and biomedical manufacturing and its adoption is widening into other industries as well, including automotive, energy, and traditional manufacturing. With an increase in design freedom brought to bear by additive manufacturing, new opportunities are emerging for designs not possible previously and in material systems that now provide sufficient performance to be qualified in end-use mission-critical applications. After decades of research and development, laser powder bed fusion is now enabling a new era of digitally driven manufacturing. Fundamentals of Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals will provide the fundamental principles in a broad range of topics relating to metal laser powder bed fusion. The target audience includes new users, focusing on graduate and undergraduate students; however, this book can also serve as a reference for experienced users as well, including senior researchers and engineers in industry. The current best practices are discussed in detail, as well as the limitations, challenges, and potential research and commercial opportunities moving forward. Presents laser powder bed fusion fundamentals, as well as their inherent challenges Provides an up-to-date summary of this advancing technology and its potential Provides a comprehensive textbook for universities, as well as a reference for industry Acts as quick-reference guide

Basic concepts such as the optical and thermal properties of tissue, the various types of tissue ablation, and optical breakdown and its related effects are treated in detail. Special attention is given to mathematical tools (Monte Carlo simulations, the Kubelka—Munk theory etc.) and approved techniques (photodynamic therapy, laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy etc.). The part on applications reviews clinically relevant methods in modern medicine using the latest references. The last chapter covers today’s standards of laser safety, with a careful selection of essential guidelines published by the Laser Institute of America. With numerous research photographs, illustrations, tables and comprehensive summaries.