Table of Contents

1. Introduction; Part I. Fundamental Wave Properties Of Light: 2. Wave nature of light: the interaction 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. Requirements for obtaining population inversions; 9. Laser pumping requirements and techniques; Part IV. Laser Resonators: 10. Laser resonator modes; 11. Stable laser resonators and Gaussian beams; 12. Special laser cavities; Part V. Specific Laser Systems: 13. Laser systems involving low-density gain media; 14. Laser systems involving high-density gain media; Part VI. Frequency Multiplication Of Laser Beams: 15. Frequency multiplication of lasers and other nonlinear optical effects.

Promotional Information

A clear and comprehensive introduction to the physical and engineering principles of lasers.

Reviews

'… offers a guide to all you ever wanted to know about lasers. The multi-disciplinary background physics that underpins the workings of different lasers takes up almost the first half of the book. It is an advanced undergraduate book, but in large, easy-to-read format, The formal sections are easily diluted and disguised by lots of text and diagrams. Much space is given to the workings of a wide range of specific laser systems.' Tania Monteiro, New Scientist

'Silfvast is an excellent explainer … Laser Fundamentals is a good read, and I recommend it to students and their teachers alike.' William Bridges, Physics Today