This book, written by one of the pioneers of laser theory, is now considered a classic by many laser physicists. Originally published in the prestigious Encyclopedia of Physics series, it is now being republished in paperback to make it available not only to professors and scientists, but also to students. It presents a thorough treatment of the theory of laser resonators, the quantum theory of coherence, and the quantization of electromagnetic fields. Especial emphasis is placed on the quantum-mechanical treatment of laser light by means of quantum-mechanical Langevin equations, the density matrix equation, and the Fokker-Planck equation. The semiclassical approach and the rate equa tion approach are also presented. The principles underlying these approaches are used to derive the relevant equations, from which, in turn, the various properties of laser light are derived. Preface. The concept of the laser came into existence more than a decade ago when SCHAWLOW and TOWNES showed that the maser principle could be extended to the optical region. Since then this field has developed at an incredible pace which hardly anybody could have foreseen. The laser turned out to be a meeting place for such different disciplines as optics (e. g. spectroscopy). optical pumping, radio engineering, solid state physics, gas discharge physics and many other fields. The underlying structure of the laser theory is rather simple.

In response to the explosion of theories and experiments since the appearance of the first edition, the author has revised and expanded his basic text. New sections include up-to-date discussions of multiphoton ionization, and electron-atom and atom-atom scattering in laser fields, reaffirming the work's position as the standard introduction to the field.

A comprehensive treatment of the fundamentals of optical detection theory. Laser system applications are becoming more numerous, particularly in the fields of communications and remote sensing. This book addresses the theoretical aspects of optical detection and associated phenomenologies, describing the fundamental optical, statistical, and mathematical principles of the modern laser system. The book is especially valuable for its extensive treatment of direct detection statistics, which has no analog in radar detection theory and which has never before been compiled in a cohesive manner in a single book.

This book describes the basic mechanisms, theory, simulations and technological aspects of Laser processing techniques. It covers the principles of laser quenching, welding, cutting, alloying, selective sintering, ablation, etc. The main attention is paid to the quantitative description. The diversity and complexity of technological and physical processes is discussed using a unitary approach. The book aims on understanding the cause-and-effect relations in physical processes in Laser technologies. It will help researchers and engineers to improve the existing and develop new Laser machining techniques. The book addresses readers with a certain background in general physics and mathematical analysis: graduate students, researchers and engineers practicing laser applications.

This is both a textbook and general reference on the subject of laser theory and basic laser principles. The book gives a detailed accurate treatment of laser physics which does not require a background in quantum mechanics.

The continuous trend towards higher and higher laser intensities has opened the way to new physical regimes and advanced applications of laser-plasma interactions, thus stimulating novel connections with ultrafast optics, astrophysics, particle physics, and biomedical applications. This book is primarily oriented towards students and young researchers who need to acquire rapidly a basic knowledge of this active and rapidly changing research field. To this aim, the presentation is focused on a selection of basic models and inspiring examples, and includes topics which emerged recently such as ion acceleration, "relativistic engineering" and radiation friction. The contents are presented in a self-contained way assuming only a basic knowledge of classical electrodynamics, mechanics and relativistic dynamics at the undergraduate (Bachelor) level, without requiring any previous knowledge of plasma physics. Hence, the book may serve in several ways: as a compact textbook for lecture courses, as a short and accessible introduction for the newcomer, as a quick reference for the experienced researcher, and also as an introduction to some nonlinear mathematical methods through examples of their application to laser-plasma modeling.

In this monograph, the authors offer a comprehensive examination of the latest research on Laser Chemical Vapor Deposition (LCVD). Chapters explore the physics of LCVD as well as the principles of a wide range of related phenomena-including laser-matter interactions, heat transfer, fluid flow, chemical kinetics, and adsorption. With this reference, researchers will discover how to apply these principles to developing theories about various types of LCVD processes; gain greater insight into the basic mechanisms of LCVD; and obtain the ability to design and control an LCVD system.

Laser Machining: Theory and Practice addresses state-of-the-art laser machining in a way useful for research- ers, academicians and practitioners, particularly manufacturing engineers, who are considering lasers as a solution to the machining requirements of their factories and plants. This book provides detailed information on the theory behind laser machining, as well as its requirements, uses and applications. In order to place laser machining in its correct context, the author begins with an overview of conventional material removal processes and go on to describe in detail the physical mechanisms involved in lasers, the different types of lasers involved in laser machining, and laser machining systems, which include optics, positioning systems, manipulators, etc. The theoretical treatment of the laser includes a section on the basics of heat transfer and fluid mechanics, and analyses of one, two and three-dimensional laser machining processes. The book closes with a description of state-of-the-art laser machining applications in research and industrial practice.

This book considers some general laser-induced processes that are involved in laser-matter interactions. A brief review is presented about a very interesting application of laser beams in the fields of materials science: the growth of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructured films by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD). In addition, safe and precise cavity detection, especially of dangerous or inaccessible voids, is essential to safe production in a working mine. The advantages and disadvantages of laser detection systems are analysed, and a combination of laser scanning techniques and conventional survey methodology is proposed. Other chapters in this book present an overview on laser cladding, a discussion of the applications of structured laser beams in laser refractography technology, a review of some fundamentals of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and an analysis of laser forming of steel parts by means of diode lasers.