Laser Fundamentals

by William T. Silfvast

Overview

This updated second edition includes new material throughout, especially though, in the areas of solid-state lasers, semiconductor lasers, and laser cavities. Simple explanations lead the reader logically from the basics of laser action to advanced topics in laser physics and engineering in this comprehensive introduction to the physical and engineering principles of laser operation and design. Direct explanations, examples, and many homework problems make this book invaluable to undergraduate and first-year graduate students taking courses on lasers. Summaries of key types of lasers, use of unique theoretical descriptions, and an extensive bibliography also recommend this volume to researchers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521541053
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/21/2008
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	674
Product dimensions:	7.99(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

William Silfvast received a BSc degree in both physics and mathematics and a PhD in physics from the University of Utah. In 1990, he joined the faculty of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida where he was Professor of Physics and Electrical Engineering as well as a member of the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL). In 1999 he also became a Professor of Optics at the School of Optics. He is presently Emeritus Professor of Optics. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, the Optical Society of America and the IEEE. He has carried out pioneering work in the fields of metal vapor lasers, recombination lasers, photoionization-pumped lasers, laser plasmas, and EUV lithography. He is the author of over 100 technical papers and holds more than 30 patents.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; Part I. Fundamental Wave Properties of Light: 2. Wave nature of light - the interacting of light with materials; Part II. Fundamental Quantum Properties of Light: 3. The particle nature of light - discrete energy levels; 4. Radiative transitions and emission linewidth; 5. Energy levels and radiative properties of molecules, liquids (organic dyes) and solids (dielectrics and semiconductors); 6. Radiation and thermal equilibrium - absorption and stimulated emission; Part III. Laser Amplifiers: 7. Conditions for producing a laser - population inversions, gain, and gain saturation; 8. Laser oscillation above threshold; 9. Requirements for obtaining population inversions; 10. Laser pumping requirements and techniques; Part IV. Laser Resonators: 11. Laser resonator modes; 12. Stable laser resonators and Gaussian beams; 13. Special laser cavities; Part V. Specific Laser Systems: 14. Laser systems involving low density gain media; 15. Laser systems involving high density gain media; Part VI. Frequency Multiplication of Laser Beams: 16. Frequency multiplication of lasers and other non linear optical effects.

Editorial Reviews

Laser Fundamentals is a good read, and I recommend it to students and teachers alike." Physics Today

From the Publisher

An introductory text to the physical and engineering principles of laser operation and design written for senior undergraduates or first year graduate students. Silvfast (physics and electrical engineering, U. of Central Florida) road tested the presentation in his own classes and devotes ample space to examples, and homework problems to bolster the subjects of fundamental wave properties and quantum properties of light, laser amplifiers, laser resonators, laser systems, and frequency multiplication of laser beams. Includes illustrations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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