1 Interaction Phenomena.- 1.1 Introduction.- 1.2 Energy coupling.- 1.3 Interaction phenomena.- 1.4 Significance of coupling and interaction phenomena in laser treatment processes.- 1.5 References.- 2 Materials and Workpiece Classification.- 2.1 General aspects.- 2.2 Crystalline materials.- 2.3 Material classes and their properties.- 2.4 Laser treatment.- 2.5 Testing of materials.- 2.6 Seam geometry workpiece classification.- 2.7 Technological considerations.- 2.8 References.- 3 Cutting.- 3.1 Introduction.- 3.2 Process characteristics, advantages, disadvantages.- 3.3 Principles and theory in laser cutting.- 3.4 Productivity and obtainable cut qualities.- 3.5 Processing parameters.- 3.6 Safety in laser cutting.- 3.7 System types.- 3.8 Industrial applications.- 3.9 References.- 4 Welding.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Heat sources produced by laser beams.- 4.3 Behaviour of materials during laser welding.- 4.4 Engineering applications.- 4.5 Parameters to consider in the economic analysis of laser welding.- 4.6 References.- 5 Heat Treatment.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2. Process systematic of laser surface treatments.- 5.3 Conclusions and final remarks.- 5.4 Acknowledgements.- 5.5 References.- 6 Forming and Rapid Prototyping.- 6.1 The laser forming process.- 6.2 Process simulation.- 6.3 Applications and similar processes.- 6.4 List of variables.- 6.5 References.- 7 Marking and Scribing.- 7.1 Introduction.- 7.2 Marking methods.- 7.3 Systems.- 7.4 Economic aspects.- 7.5 References.- 8 Precision Ablation Processing.- 8.1 Introduction.- 8.2 Ablation mechanisms.- 8.3 Material interactions and applications.- 8.4 Laser ablation systems.- 8.5 Economical aspects.- 8.6 References.- 8.7 List of symbols.- 9 Drilling.- 9.1 Introduction.- 9.2 Mechanisms, models and techniques.- 9.3 Applications in the gas turbine industry.- 9.4 Other applications.- 9.5 References.- 10 Economics.- 10.1 Introduction.- 10.2 The laser process in perspective.- 10.3 Economic factors.- 10.4 Assessment methods.- 10.5 Case studies.- 10.6 Summary.- 10.7 Further reading.- 11 Assessment of Technology.- 11.1 Assessment of laser technology.- 11.2 Competing technologies.- 11.3 Assessment of laser machines.- 11.4 Test methods for laser systems.- 11.5 Quality evaluation of laser processed components.- 11.6 Basic economic considerations.- 11.7 References.- 12 Modelling.- 12.1 Basic equations and techniques.- 12.2 Analytical models.- 12.3 Numerical solutions.- 12.4 Semi quantitative models.- 12.5 References.

The European Community regards training as a priority area and has therefore developed a series of programmes in the field of vocational training. This book is the result of a pilot project selected under two of these Community Action Programmes. It was initially selected under the COMETT programme, concerned with the development of continuing vocational training in the European Community. Moreover, it was one of the few selected projects to receive further funding under a second selection in the context of the LEONARDO DA VINCI Action Programme for the implementation of a European Community Vocational Training policy. It is with great pleasure that I present the outcome of this project which embodies one of the fundamental objectives of the LEONARDO DA VINCI Programme - training for new technologies in SMEs, which make a significant contribution to economic development in Europe. - K DRAXLER, Director Directorate General XXII European Commission

The invention of the laser was one of the towering achievements of the twentieth century. At the opening of the twenty-first century we are witnessing the burgeoning of the myriad technical innovations to which that invention has led. The Handbook of Laser Technology and Applications is a practical and long-lasting reference source for scientists and engineers who work with lasers. The Handbook provides, a comprehensive guide to the current status of lasers and laser systems; it is accessible to science or engineering graduates needing no more than standard undergraduate knowledge of optics. Whilst being a self-contained reference work, the Handbook provides extensive references to contemporary work, and is a basis for studying the professional journal literature on the subject. It covers applications through detailed case studies, and is therefore well suited to readers who wish to use it to solve specific problems of their own. The first of the three volumes comprises an introduction to the basic scientific principles of lasers, laser beams and non-linear optics. The second volume describes the mechanisms and operating characteristics of specific types of laser including crystalline solid - state lasers, semiconductor diode lasers, fibre lasers, gas lasers, chemical lasers, dye lasers and many others as well as detailing the optical and electronic components which tailor the laser's performance and beam delivery systems. The third volume is devoted to case studies of applications in a wide range of subjects including materials processing, optical measurement techniques, medicine, telecommunications, data storage, spectroscopy, earth sciences and astronomy, and plasma fusion research. This vast compendium of knowledge on laser science and technology is the work of over 130 international experts, many of whom are recognised as the world leaders in their respective fields. Whether the reader is engaged in the science, technology, industrial or medical applications of lasers or is researching the subject as a manager or investor in technical enterprises they cannot fail to be informed and enlightened by the wide range of information the Handbook supplies.

The invention of the laser was one of the towering achievements of the twentieth century. At the opening of the twenty-first century we are witnessing the burgeoning of the myriad technical innovations to which that invention has led. The Handbook of Laser Technology and Applications is a practical and long-lasting reference source for scientists a

New chapters on bending and cleaning reflect the changes in the field since the last edition, completing the range of practical knowledge about the processes possible with lasers already familiar to users of this well-known text. Professor Steen's lively presentation is supported by a number of original cartoons by Patrick Wright and Noel Ford, which will bring a smile to your face and ease the learning process. From the reviews: "...well organized, and the text is very practical...The engineering community will find this book informative and useful." (OPTICS AND PHOTONICS NEWS, July/August 2005)

In today’s modernized world, new research and empirical findings are being conducted and found within various professional industries. The field of engineering is no different. Industrial and material engineering is continually advancing, making it challenging for practitioners to keep pace with the most recent trends and methods. Engineering professionals need a handbook that provides up-to-date research on the newest methodologies in this imperative industry. The Handbook of Research on Developments and Trends in Industrial and Materials Engineering is a collection of innovative research on the theoretical and practical aspects of integrated systems within engineering. This book provides a forum for professionals to understand the advancing methods of engineering. While highlighting topics including operations management, decision analysis, and communication technology, this book is ideally designed for researchers, managers, engineers, industrialists, manufacturers, academicians, policymakers, scientists, and students seeking current research on recent findings and modern approaches within industrial and materials engineering.

The 1st International Meeting on Applied Physics (APHYS-2003) succeeded in creating a new international forum for applied physics in Europe, with specific interest in the application of techniques, training, and culture of physics to research areas usually associated with other scientific and engineering disciplines.This book contains a selection of peer-reviewed papers presented at APHYS-2003, held in Badajoz (Spain), from 15th to 18th October 2003, which included the following Plenary Lectures:* Nanobiotechnology - Interactions of Cells with Nanofeatured Surfaces and with Nanoparticles* Radiation Protection of Nuclear Workers - Ethical Issues* Chaotic Data Encryption for Optical Communications