Understanding Laser Technology

The only introductory text on the market today that explains the underlying physics and engineering applicable to all lasers Although lasers are becoming increasingly important in our high-tech environment, many of the technicians and engineers who install, operate, and maintain them have had little, if any, formal training in the field of electro-optics. This can result in less efficient usage of these important tools. Introduction to Laser Technology, Fourth Edition provides readers with a good understanding of what a laser is and what it can and cannot do. The book explains what types of laser to use for different purposes and how a laser can be modified to improve its performance in a given application. With a unique combination of clarity and technical depth, the book explains the characteristics and important applications of commercial lasers worldwide and discusses light and optics, the fundamental elements of lasers, and laser modification.? In addition to new chapter-end problems, the Fourth Edition includes new and expanded chapter material on: Material and wavelength Diode Laser Arrays Quantum-cascade lasers Fiber lasers Thin-disk and slab lasers Ultrafast fiber lasers Raman lasers Quasi-phase matching Optically pumped semiconductor lasers Introduction to Laser Technology, Fourth Edition is an excellent book for students, technicians, engineers, and other professionals seeking a fuller, more formal introduction to the field of laser technology.

The expanded fourth edition of the book that offers an essential introduction to laser technology and the newest developments in the field The revised and updated fourth edition of Understanding Lasers offers an essential guide and introduction that explores how lasers work, what they do, and how they are applied in the real world. The author—a Fellow of The Optical Society—reviews the key concepts of physics and optics that are essential for understanding lasers and explains how lasers operate. The book also contains information on the optical accessories used with lasers. Written in non-technical terms, the book gives an overview of the wide-variety laser types and configurations. Understanding Lasers covers fiber, solid-state, excimer, helium-neon, carbon dioxide, free-electron lasers, and more. In addition, the book also explains concepts such as the difference between laser oscillation and amplification, the importance of laser gain, and tunable lasers. The updated fourth edition highlights the most recent research and development in the field. This important resource: Includes a new chapter on fiber lasers and amplifiers Reviews new topics on physics of optical fibers and fiber lasers, disk lasers, and Ytterbium lasers Contains new sections on Laser Geometry and Implications, Diode Laser Structures, Optimal Parametric Sources, and 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Puts the focus on research and emerging developments in areas such as spectroscopy, slow light, laser cooling, and extremely precise measurements Contains appendices, glossary, and index that help make this book a useful reference Written for engineering and physics students, engineers, scientists, and technicians, the fourth edition of Understanding Lasers contains the basic concepts of lasers and the most recent advances in the technology.

As different laser technologies continue to make it possible to change laser parameters and improve beam quality and performance, a multidisciplinary theoretical knowledge and grasp of cutting-edge technological developments also become increasingly important. The revised and updated Laser Technology, Second Edition reviews the principles and basic

Written for students, managers, non-specialist engineers, and anyone who wants an accessible introduction to laser technology, this book provides practical, intuitive descriptions of the workings of major types of lasers and their applications.

CONSUMER HEALTH . Sunlight and gravity cause facial aging. Lasers enable safe and predictable resurfacing to smooth facial wrinkles as well as surgery to remove aging tissue from eyelids while minimizing bruising. Lasers can also eliminate excess blood vessels and unwanted hair, and erase tattoos without scarring. Laser surgery must be performed with great precision and care. Ideally, it should provide satisfactory improvement of one's appearance and do so with no adverse side effects. It is a complement to such non-laser surgeries as face-lift. Understanding Cosmetic Laser Surgery spells out the technology of the laser and its suitability for many cosmetic surgeries. Included in the discussions are the physiology of the skin, the basics of the surgical procedure, the preparation for surgery, a pointing out of risks, and an advisory on the postoperative recovery. This information is presented in clear, jargon-free language that explains how a laser procedure is accomplished without affecting the surrounding skin. A comprehensive overview that keeps the patient's perspective in mind, Understanding Cosmetic Laser Surgery is for the general reader and for those considering this elective surgical procedure. This useful, enlightening book written by a practicing professional answers questions patients ask and lets them know what to expect from surgery. Robert Langdon, a private-practice dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in Guilford, Connecticut, is a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine.

Introduction to Laser Spectroscopy is a well-written, easy-to-read guide to understanding the fundamentals of lasers, experimental methods of modern laser spectroscopy and applications. It provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of many aspects of laser physics, nonlinear optics, and molecular spectroscopy. In addition, by comprehensively combining theory and experimental techniques it explicates a variety of issues that are essential to understanding broad areas of physical, chemical and biological science. Topics include key laser types - gas, solid state, and semiconductor - as well as the rapidly evolving field of ultrashort laser phenomena for femtochemistry applications. The examples used are well researched and clearly presented. Introduction to Laser Spectroscopy is strongly recommended to newcomers as well as researchers in physics, engineering, chemistry and biology. * A comprehensive course that combines theory and practice * Includes a systematic and comprehensive description for key laser types * Written for students and professionals looking to gain a thorough understanding of modern laser spectroscopy

This book is the result of more than ten years of research and teaching in the field of quantum electronics. The purpose of the book is to introduce the principles of lasers, starting from elementary notions of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. Because it is an introductory book, an effort has been made to make it self contained to minimize the need for reference to other works. For the same reason; the references have been limited (whenever possible) either to review papers or to papers of seminal importance. The organization of the book is based on the fact that a laser can be thought of as consisting of three elements: (i) an active material, (ii) a pumping system, and (iii) a suitable resonator. Ac cordingly, after an introductory chapter, the next three chapters deal, respectively, with the interaction of radiation with matter, pumping processes, and the theory of passive optical resonators.