An important guide to the major techniques for generating coherent light in the mid-infrared region of the spectrum Laser-based Mid-infrared Sources and Applications gives a comprehensive overview of the existing methods for generating coherent light in the important yet difficult-to-reach mid-infrared region of the spectrum (2–20 μm) and their applications. The book describes major approaches for mid-infrared light generation including ion-doped solid-state lasers, fiber lasers, semiconductor lasers, and laser sources based on nonlinear optical frequency conversion, and reviews a range of applications: spectral recognition of molecules and trace gas sensing, biomedical and military applications, high-field physics and attoscience, and others. Every chapter starts with the fundamentals for a given technique that enables self-directed study, while extensive references help conduct deeper research. Laser-based Mid-infrared Sources and Applications provides up-to-date information on the state-of the art mid-infrared sources, discusses in detail the advancements made over the last two decades such as microresonators and interband cascade lasers, and explores novel approaches that are currently subjects of intense research such as supercontinuum and frequency combs generation. This important book: • Explains the fundamental principles and major techniques for coherent mid-infrared light generation • Discusses recent advancements and current cutting-edge research in the field • Highlights important biomedical, environmental, and military applications Written for researchers, academics, students, and engineers from different disciplines, the book helps navigate the rapidly expanding field of mid-infrared laser-based technologies.

The first edition of this text was written primarily by one of the present authors (HAS), with a chapter on instrumentation contributed by a second (NLA). The volume was well received, and to keep the text up-to-date a second edition was planned. For this second edition, a third author (WEK) was invited, whose background complemented that of the other two. Each of the authors was assigned several chapters as his primary task while the complete manuscript remained the second ary responsibility of all three. It is hoped that this approach has resulted in a work that is even more thorough than the first edition in covering the basic concepts of infrared spectroscopy. NELSON L. ALPERT WILLIAM E. KEISER HERMAN A. SZYMANSKI v PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION My experience with the many infrared spectroscopy institutes held at Canisius College and many discussions with both beginners and experienced practitioners in infrared spectroscopy have convinced me that there is a need for an introductory text devoted entirely to infrared spectroscopy, a text which can be utilized even by those who approach this study with only a limited background. This volume sprang from that conviction. It is intended for all who wish to use infrared spec troscopy in research - especially chemists doing structural work - in routine control work, in industrial development, or in medical appli cations or those military applications where it is employed as an analytical tool.