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.

Developed from a lecture series for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in information processing and applied electronics, sets out the fundamental principles and optical behavior of lasers that need to be understood for industrial laser use. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Principles of Lasers and Optics, first published in 2005, describes both the fundamental principles of the laser and the propagation and application of laser radiation in bulk and guided-wave components. All solid state, gas and semiconductor lasers are analysed uniformly as macroscopic devices with susceptibility originated from quantum mechanical interactions to develop an overall understanding of the coherent nature of laser radiation. Analyses of the unique properties of coherent laser light in bulk and guided-wave components are presented together and derived from fundamental principles, to allow students to appreciate the differences and similarities. Topics covered include discussions on how laser radiation should be analysed, the macroscopic differences and similarities of various analyses, special techniques, types of lasers and setting up laser analyses. This text will be useful for first-year graduates in electrical engineering and physics and also as a reference book on analytical techniques.

Covering a broad range of topics in modern optical physics and engineering, this textbook is invaluable for undergraduate students studying laser physics, optoelectronics, photonics, applied optics and optical engineering. This new edition has been re-organized, and now covers many new topics such as the optics of stratified media, quantum well lasers and modulators, free electron lasers, diode-pumped solid state and gas lasers, imaging and non-imaging optical systems, squeezed light, periodic poling in nonlinear media, very short pulse lasers and new applications of lasers. The textbook gives a detailed introduction to the basic physics and engineering of lasers, as well as covering the design and operational principles of a wide range of optical systems and electro-optic devices. It features full details of important derivations and results, and provides many practical examples of the design, construction and performance characteristics of different types of lasers and electro-optic devices.

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.

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.

This book is based on a course given by the author to third and fourth year undergraduate students from physics, engineering physics and electrical engineering. The purpose is to introduce and explain some of the fundamental principles underlying laser beam control in optoelectronics, especially those in relation to optical anisotropy which is at the heart of many optical devices. The contents of the book are scattered in many sources and there seems to be no single source available at the undergraduate level. That is why the present book is written. The book attempts to give the reader a good background needed for working in a laser, optoelectronic or photonic laboratory so that the use of equipment and the control of laser beams can be mastered without difficulty.