Laser Spectroscopy Of Solids

In this volume we have attempted to present a concise survey of the spectroscopic properties of insulators as derived from the application of tunable laser spectro scopic techniques. As has been the case in gaseous atomic spectroscopy, the use of tunable lasers has allowed the extension and the refmement of optical measure ments in the condensed phases to unprecedented resolutions in the frequency and temporal domains. In turn, this firmer base of empirical fmdings has led to a more sophisticated theoretical understanding of the spectroscopy of optically excited states with major modifications being apparent in the area of their dynamic be havior. Yet the revivalistic nature of these advances implies that additional advan ces are to be expected as the techniques and developments outlined in this volume are put to widespread use. Regardless, it is our hope and that of our distinguished colleagues in this venture that the reviews presented here will be useful to neo phytes and veterans to this field alike - to the former as a laissez-passer into solid-state spectroscopy, to the latter as a useful synopsis and reference of recent developments. We have also attempted to expose the reader to the concept that optically active materials, be they organic or inorganic, as universality would require, be have in a like manner and, though terminology may vary in detail, the outline and general features of all insulators remain constant.

Laser-based optical spectroscopies are powerful and versatile techniques that are continuing to evolve and find new applications. This book presents reviews of recent progress in our understanding of the spectra and dynamical processes of optically excited states of condensed matter, focusing on the advances made possible by the application of laser-based optical spectroscopies. Reviews are given of the optical properties of crystalline and amorphous semiconducting materials and structures, the properties of defect centers in insulators, two-photon nonlinear processes in insulators, optical energy diffusion in inorganic materials, and relaxation in organic materials. The individual chapters emphasize the methodology common to the various investigations. The volume is designed to be suitable as an introduction to applied laser spectroscopy of solids, as well as providing an update on the status of the field.

Laser-based optical spectroscopies are powerful and versatile techniques that are continuing to evolve and find new applications. This book presents reviews of recent progress in our understanding of the spectra and dynamical processes of optically excited states of condensed matter, focusing on the advances made possible by the application of laser-based optical spectroscopies. Reviews are given of the optical properties of crystalline and amorphous semiconducting materials and structures, the properties of defect centers in insulators, two-photon nonlinear processes in insulators, optical energy diffusion in inorganic materials, and relaxation in organic materials. The individual chapters emphasize the methodology common to the various investigations. The volume is designed to be suitable as an introduction to applied laser spectroscopy of solids, as well as providing an update on the status of the field.

Solid-state laser and luminescent materials activated by rare-earth or transition metals ions are widely used for solid-state lasers, luminescent lamps, flat displays, optical fibre communication systems, and other photonic devices. The unique solid-state electronic properties enable the activators in solids to emit photons efficiently in visible and IR regions. The rapid advances in both materials science and optoelectronics, particularly, the development of new methods of material synthesis and device fabrication, have been stimulating the growing interests in the deep insights of spectroscopic properties of solid-state laser and luminescent materials. This book brings together essential and practical knowledge of spectroscopic physics. This includes, atomic spectroscopy, mathematical theory, rare earth ions in materials, light emission and absorption, spectral properties, non-radiative transitions and energy migration.

Laser spectroscopy in solids has become one of the most exciting fields in solid state physics. Its importance has become particularly apparent since the advent of a number of new materials - both organic and inorganic - whose nonlinear optical properties can be used to generate laser beams over a wide spectroscopic range. In laboratories all over the world efforts are being made to produce new nonlinear optical materials which have attractive features for spectroscopic work. In this book the present status of the field is reviewed by researchers who have made significant contributions to the development of this frontier area. Is is an excellent introduction for anyone beginning research on the nonlinear optics of solids.