Product Description
This book treats the interaction of radiation with matter, particular attention being paid to the laser. Knowledge is assumed of the usual half-year introduction of quantum mechanics found in undergraduate physics curricula. The material can be covered in two semesters, or, alternatively, the first part (Chaps 1-13) can be used as a one-semester course in which quantum mechanical aspects of the electromagnetic field are ignored. Each chapter is accompanied by problems that illustrate the text and give useful (occasionally new) results. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Extremely useful for a laser physicist!
It is a very nice and easy to understand book for me. Of course, you need to have a good knowledge of the basic quantum mechanics and differential equations. But nevertheless, you'll understand the laser phenomenon quite well if you can chalk out the math to fill the gap between the equations. It gives analytical expressions which you can use to plot some graphs and get some feeling about the physics behind that expressions (and not just a mathematical scramble)! I strongly recommend this book for a serious reader and researchers who want to know some good laser physics.

Excellent book
I wouldn't say this book is hard to read, as the other reader claims. On the contrary I found this book to be very readable. It starts from the very basic quantum mechanics of wave function, introduces density matrix, then semi-classical laser theory (EM field interaction), even discusses relaxation phenomenon (see the nice appendix on the quantum langevin equation!), then presents the real quantum theory of light interaction with matter. Without doubt this is a classic work, and should easily be accessible to upper-year undergraduates. There are no major difficulties.

the bowls is not the best newcomer
why write a book that is so hard to read? I think that my cleverness is not enough to subtend the hard math. ... Read more

Product Description
A concise and physically-motivated treatment of the major processes which determine the interaction of intense light waves with plasmas. This new book includes discussions of basic plasma concepts, plasma simulation using particle codes, and laser plasma experiments. It is the most elementary book currently available that successfully blends theory, simulation, and experiment, and presents a clear exposition of the major physical processes involved in laser-plasma interactions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I honestly do wish this book were more helpful
The title pretty much says it all. I feel like this book was originally 2 or 3 times it's current length, i.e. the editors made Kruer cut it down to a lowly ~200 pages. The derivation provided is asymptotic to the Classical Electrodynamics, Jackson, level (i.e. terse, much outside work needed), and additionally suffers from a real lack of useful explanation/physical understanding (the first is ok, considering this is a graduate level subject, the second is most definitely not - read: why am I reading this book then?).

I would guess this book were written by a math major actually, if it weren't for the fact that it uses naught much more than Maxwell's equations (in Gaussian units, fyi) and the 2-fluid model (i.e. relatively simple). Also, the notation in this book is absolutely atrocious, probably one of the worst examples I have ever seen in any physical science document, ever. Seemingly random subscripts and variable letters appear/change on virtually every line. Variables from two chapters ago are randomly thrown in without explanation, it can really get tedious.

All that being said, the book WILL provide some insight, if you naturally have good insight into such topics, and you are willing to spend more time than should be necessary with it.

It sucks, I honestly really wanted this book to be my bible, but sadly I feel it falls far short of even a *decent* reference. ... Read more

Product Description
In Laser Physics the interaction of radiation and matter, and the principles of laser operation are treated at a level suitable for fourth-year undergraduate courses or introductory graduate courses in physics, chemistry or engineering. The factors which determine efficiency, wavelength coverage, output power, and beam quality of the different classes of laser are treated both in terms of fundamental theory and practical construction aspects. Details of established types of solid-state, semiconductor, and gas lasers are examined together with the techniques that enable their output to be converted widely across the spectrum. The latest advances in high power fibre lasers, femtosecond lasers, and X-ray lasers are explained. The text is liberally illustrated with more than 300 diagrams. An extensive bibliography is provided, together with numerical problems in each chapter. Solutions are available via the web. ... Read more

Product Description
Although the basic principles of lasers have remained unchanged in the past 20 years, there has been a shift in the kinds of lasers generating interest. Providing a comprehensive introduction to the operating principles and applications of lasers, this second edition of the classic book on the subject reveals the latest developments and applications of lasers. Placing more emphasis on applications of lasers and on optical physics, the book's self-contained discussions will appeal to physicists, chemists, optical scientists, engineers, and advanced undergraduate students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Miracle of Miracles!!
I first wrote the one and only review for this book a decade ago and a decade after the book's publication.Well the authors have FINALLY updated the book: Laser Physics.

Apparently M & E were content to reside in the "J.D. Jackson" school of textbook writing.

I haven't looked into the new edition, but my gut says it's WAY too late and probably just another face now in a very crowded CROWD.At least they hit a home run the first time out.

The perfect one-source reference text for lasers.
The hardest part about writing any scientific textbook is balancing readability with volume of content.Generally, authors fall into two categories:those including far too much material and those presuming too much prior knowledge on the part of the reader.Milonni and Eberly have found the perfect compromise in LASERS.While an excellent advanced undergrad or intermediate grad. text, it isn't as exhaustive as Siegman's LASERS. On the other hand, it contains peripheral material about non-linear optics which many texts on lasers should include, but don't.LASERS is perfect for proceeding further with more in depth studies of advanced topics in lasers (as treated in Siegman). There are only 2 faults I can find with the book: one is technical, the other editorial.In the technical area, its discussion of Q-switching is a bit trite and shallow.A topic as important as this should receive a little more attention.It would be nice to see an updated volume reflecting recent advances in technology.The authors did such a nice job the first time around, it shouldn't take alot of effort to include perhaps one more chapter on current trends in lasers. ... Read more

Product Description
This book provides a throrough introduction to the interaction of atoms and atomic ions with optical and magnetic fields.The author places particular emphasis on the wealth of important multilevel effects, where atomic vapors exhibit anisotropic behavior.As well as covering the classic two-level atom approach to light-atom interactions, Suter describes in detail a general multilevel formalism, which he uses to discuss optical pumping, two-dimensional spectroscopy and nonlinear optical dynamics.The final chapter deals with the mechanical effects of light, including the cooling and trapping of atoms.With full theoretical and experimental coverage, and over 250 illustrations, the book will be of great interest to graduate students of laser spectroscopy, quantum electronics and quantum optics, and to researchers in these fields. ... Read more

Product Description
Starting from the concepts of classical optics, Optics, Light and Lasers introduces in detail the phenomena of linear and nonlinear light matter interaction, the properties of modern laser sources, and the concepts of quantum optics. Several examples taken from the scope of modern research are provided to emphasize the relevance of optics in current developments within science and technology. The text has been written for newcomers to the topic and benefits from the author's ability to explain difficult sequences and effects in a straightforward and easily comprehensible way. To this second, completely updated and enlarged edition, new chapters on quantum optics, quantum information, matter waves, photonic fibres and materials have been added, as well as more than 100 problems on laser physics and applied optics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An excellent overview of lasers and basic laser theory!
Dieter Meschede's book Optics, Light and Lasers seems to be divided into three main sections: Chapters 1-6 cover optics; Chapters 7-11 cover lasers and their application; and the third section covers "advanced" topics related to optics and lasers. The first two chapters introduce the reader to the characteristics of light through the presentation of ray optics and wave optics. The three subsequent chapters (chapters 3 to 5) discuss the interaction of light with matter. Although Chapter 6 focuses on optics, it sets up a nice transition from optics to lasers by discussing radiation, inversion and optical gain.

Chapters 7-8 provide a concise overview of the different types of lasers and some of their main applications. These two chapters along with Chapter 9 on semiconductor lasers, provide an excellent summary of the current state of the art in lasers and basic laser theory. The next two chapters cover light sensors and spectroscopy.

Chapters 12-13 briefly introduce nonlinear optics; Appendix A tries to give physical meaning to some of the terms mathematical used in optics relationships; and Appendix B scratches the surface of quantum mechanics. One could skip these sections without detracting from the subject matter or straying too far from the text.

Meschede has liberally scattered the text with sections titled "example" and "excursion." The main difference is that "example" typically presents a special case of the phenomenon discussed, while "excursion" shows a practical example utilizing the theory.

These diversions provide an opportunity to better understand the material. However, in some cases, this reviewer did not see the relevance of some of the excursions.

Optics, Light and Lasers has been translated from German, (Optik, Licht und Laser, Tenbner, 1999). Possibly, because of translation, some of the sentences require more than one reading. The Bibliography has a good references, sparingly referenced in the text. These would be more useful if relevant ones were at the end of each chapter, or were categorized by subject.

The book assumes the reader is familiar with electrodynamics, basic quantum mechanics, and multivariable calculus. It provides a good overview of classical optics with relevant examples from recent applications.

Armchair Interviews says: This is an excellent overview of lasers and basic laser theory.





... Read more

Product Description
This text will thoroughly update the existing literature on atomic physics. Intended to accompany an advanced undergraduate course in atomic physics, the book will lead the students up to the latest advances and the applications to Bose-Einstein Condensation of atoms, matter-wave inter-ferometry and quantum computing with trapped ions. The elementary atomic physics covered in the early chapters should be accessible to undergraduates when they are first introduced to the subject. To complement the usual quantum mechanical treatment of atomic structure the book strongly emphasizes the experimental basis of the subject, especially in the later chapters. It includes ample tutorial material (examples, illustrations, chapter summaries, graded problem sets). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

old and new material [especially on qubits]
This book has two types of material; both well done. The first could have been written decades ago, and is the "traditional" atomic physics. Where you start with the hydrogen atom, and investigate its spectroscopy with the Schrodinger equation. Then the book takes the next logical step by going to helium and thence to heavier atoms. LS and JJ coupling and other refinements. Such material is now quite well known and you need this for a solid background.

But the book also has much more recent material. On quantum computing using qubits. These attempt to use the quantum states of small groups of atoms, to perform computations fundamentally different from current digital efforts. Enough detail is given for you to appreciate the severe experimental travails of the field, and how much more remains to be done, if qubits are ever to become useful. ... Read more

Product Description
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This new Fourth Edition of Principles of Lasers is so thoroughly updated and expanded that it is virtually a whole new book. But the text’s essential mission remains the same: to provide a wide-ranging yet unified description of laser behavior, physics, technology, and current applications. Dr. Svelto emphasizes the physical rather than the mathematical aspects of lasers, and presents the subject in the simplest terms compatible with a correct physical understanding.

  ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Comprehensive, to say the least.
I have found this book to be extremely comprehensive and detailed, great for anyone who wants to learn both the basic and advanced concepts of lasers.The book is definitely for the more advanced undergraduate students (and grad students, of course) who have a background in quantum mechanics, and higher-level calculus.The translation from Italian is perfect.Highly recommended.

P.S.: In reply to the review written by `A Reader' below, `newby' is spelt `newbie' (or `noob').

Very good
Very good. I recommend it for anyone who works with lasers. Very accurate and easy to read.

-KC, NRL

A clear way to get into the field of laser physics.
Clearly written, without oversimplifying some of the
more subtle items (which are so often swept under the
carpet in simpler treatments of the field - such as
the QFT treatment of spontaneous emission).First a
clear and detailled discussion of all the aspects
of the working principles of a laser is presented,
and then specific lasertypes are described, all this
in a very readable style.Great book.

Review from Optics & Laser Technology
"...the student that is led into the laser field by this text is lucky.The text is excellent and filled with appropriate illustrations...Overall, this work will also be useful as a reference for the topics covered.The literature references are copious and appropriate.The text is well supplied with figures and graphs and for those areas considered in detail, the book is and will remain a very good reference volume."

Great book (both easy and complete)
This book is extremely clear and even a completely newby can read it. At the same time, nothing is left halfway and the subject is covered with extreme care and depth. Congratualations to the author ! ... Read more

Product Description
The free electron laser (FEL) will be an outstanding tool for research and industrial application. This book describes the physical fundamentals on the basis of classical mechanics, electrodynamics, and the kinetic theory of charged particle beams, and will be suitable for graduate students and scientists alike. After a short introduction, the book discusses the theory of the FEL amplifier and oscillator and diffraction effects in the amplifier. Waveguide FEL and shot noise are also treated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Self-consistent description of the physics in free electron laser
It is a good start for anyone who don't have any background in the field of free electron lasers. The content is self consistent in the way that all results start from first principles. When approximations have to be made to proceed, they are stated explicitly in an understandable way. The variables are defined somewhat different from other references but the choices naturally follow the physics behind. ... Read more

Product Description
Rather different problems can be lumped together under the general term 'laser control of atoms and molecules'. They include the laser selection of atomic and molecular velocities for the purpose of Doppler-free spectroscopy, laser control of the position and velocity of atoms (i.e. laser trapping and cooling of atoms), and laser control of atomic and molecular processes (ionization, dissociation) with a view of detecting single atoms and molecules and particularly separating isotopes and nuclear isomers. Over the last decades the principal problems posed have been successfully solved, and many of them have evolved remarkably in the subsequent investigations of the international research community. For example, the solution of the problem of laser cooling and trapping of atoms has given birth to the new field of physics of ultracold mater, i.e. quantum atomic and molecular gases. The laser non-coherent control of uni-molecular processes have found an interesting extension in the field of laser coherent control of molecules. The concept of laser control of positions has been successfully demonstrated with microparticles (optical tweezers), concurrently with investigations into atomic control. The laser photo-ionization of molecules on surfaces has led to the development of novel techniques of laser assisted mass spectrometry of macromolecules, and so on. The aim of this book is to review these topics from a unified or 'coherent' point of view. It will be useful for many readers in various fields of laser science and its applications. ... Read more

Product Description
This timely publication presents a review of the most recent developments in the field of Semiconductor Disk Lasers. Covering a wide range of key topics, such as operating principles, thermal management, nonlinear frequency conversion, semiconductor materials, short pulse generation, electrical pumping, and laser applications, the book provides readers with a comprehensive account of the fundamentals and latest advances in this rich and diverse field.
In so doing, it brings together contributions from world experts at major collaborative research centers inEurope and the USA.Each chapter includes a tutorial style introduction to the selected topic suitable for postgraduate students and scientists with a basic background in optics - making it of interest to a wide range of scientists, researchers, engineers and physicists working and interested in this rapidly developing field. It will also serve as additional reading for students in the field. ... Read more

Product Description

An advanced course of classical electrodynamics with application to the generation of high-power coherent radiation in the microwave to optical-wave regions. Specifically, it provides readers with the basics of advanced electromagnetic theory and relativistic electrodynamics, guiding them step by step through the theory of free-electron lasers. The theoretical treatment throughout this book is fully developed by means of the usual three-dimensional vector calculus.

Product Description
This authoritative encyclopedia helps to master the large variety of physical phenomena and technological aspects involved in laser technology and the wider field of photonics. Besides explaining in detail the physical principles and common techniques of laser operation, it also addresses such supplementary topics as ultrashort pulses, optical communications, optoelectronics, general optics, and quantum optics. References to selected scientific articles and textbooks aid readers in their further studies, and the cross-disciplinary approach makes this encyclopedia of huge benefit to a wide audience in industry, government, and academic research. ... Read more

Product Description

The informal style of Laser Material Processing (4th Edition) will guide you smoothly from the basics of laser physics to the detailed treatment of all the major materials processing techniques for which lasers are now essential.

• Helps you to understand how the laser works and to decide which laser is best for your purposes.

• New chapters on laser physics, drilling, micro- and nanomanufacturing and biomedical laser processing reflect the changes in the field since the last edition, updating and completing the range of practical knowledge about the processes possible with lasers already familiar to established users of this well-known text.

• Provides a firm grounding in the safety aspects of laser use.

• Now with end-of-chapter exercises to help students assimilate information as they learn.

• The authors’ 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.

Customer Reviews (3)

Very Good
This is the best material processing book for lasers that I know of. A good starter and reference book. The only other good source of reading that I know of are the LIA publications. Most importantly it describes in a surprisingly clear way the properties of a beam as they relate to processing, and good basic equations for heat transfer.

Basic but very informative
This book is amazingly good for those who are new in this field. It startsfrom the scratch and then makes your concepts. I think everybody shouldhave one copy.

Best book on laser material processing, with nice pictures
You can't think of a process in the laser business that isn't described in this book. Especially if you are an not a pro in laserstuff but still interested in the basics of laserprocessing, like welding, hardening, cutting etc.

Every chapter ends with a funny cartoon on something to do with the subject of that chapter. This comes in handy for presentations or other intermezzos.

But this cannot be called a shallow book, some real tough formulas can be found here, they are explained so well though, you can really understand them after only reading them twice or so.
Actually if you want to publish stuff in this field you might consider using this book as a reference. It is that good.

Ronald Popma
(PhD-student University of Twente the Netherlands) ... Read more

Product Description

The main goal of the book is to provide a systematic and didactic approach to the physics and technology of free-electron lasers. Numerous figures are used for illustrating the underlying ideas and concepts, and many links to other fields of physics are provided. After an introduction to undulator radiation and the low-gain FEL, the one-dimensional theory of the high-gain FEL is developed in a systematic way. Particular emphasis is put on explaining and justifying the various assumptions and approximations that are needed to obtain the differential equations governing the FEL dynamics. The predictive power of the 1D FEL theory is demonstrated with numerous examples and figures, including exponential gain, saturation and FEL bandwidth. One of the most important features of a high-gain FEL, the formation of microbunches, is studied at length and illustrated with several figures. 3D corrections to the 1D theory are discussed. The process of self amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) is explained mathematically, and many experimental results are shown. The layout of the world’s first SASE FEL in the soft X-ray regime, FLASH, is described in some detail and the technological challenges of X-ray FELs are outlined. Important concepts of accelerator physics are explained while some of the more involved mathematical computations are put into the appendices.

Product Description
Laser cooling allows one to slow atoms to roughly the speed of a mosquito and to control their motions with unprecedented precision. This elegant technique, whereby atoms, molecules, and even microscopic beads of glass, can be trapped in small regions of free space by beams of light and subsequently moved at will using other beams, has revolutionized many areas of physics. In particular, it provides a useful research tool for the study of individual atoms, for investigating the details of chemical reactions, and even for the study of atomic motion in the quantum domain.This text begins with a review of the relevant aspects of quantum mechanics; it then turns to the electromagnetic interactions involved in slowing and trapping atoms, in both magnetic and optical traps. The concluding chapters discuss a broad range of applications, including atomic clocks, studies of ultra-cold collision processes, diffraction and interference of atomic beams, optical lattices, and Bose-Einstein condensation. The book is intended for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students who have some basic knowledge of optics and quantum mechanics. An extensive bibliography provides access to the current research literature.

FROM THE REVIEWS

THE PHYSICIST"A strong recommendation for any book in one's own field is to see it written the way you would have written it. This is certainly the case here. If you are a researcher or a teacher in laser cooling and trapping or a related field of atomic, molecular, and optical physics, then this is a "must buy" text for your bookshelf. Any buy one for your students too, because your copy will inevitably disappear."

PHYSICS TODAY"...for its intended use, which is to guide newcomers into the field of laser cooling and trapping, the book does a superb job...The book is will placed to evolve with the filed for many years to come." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book to get a good understanding of laser cooling.
Laser cooling and trapping techniques have given researchers new tools to explore the atom's dynamics and control. The book gives a good introduction to the forces that arise when an atom interacts with a light (laser) field,and puts a lot of emphasis on giving the reader an excellent idea of what'sgoing on when atoms and photons interact.

Rather than giving all thedetails of the mathematical and quantum mechanics background that is neededto understand the subject the authors concentrate on giving a clearerpicture of the real physics involved.

The book starts with a review ofthe quantum mechanics principles used to understand laser cooling andtrapping, which serves as a good remainder for a person who already has abasic grasp of it.

Although all the mathematical analysis that shows howthe formulas and mathematical expressions are derived is not done in thebook, the presentation is sufficient to guide the readers interested in itdo the work by themselves.

The book also has an excellent reference guidethat an interested person can use to get all the mathematical andexperimental details on the field. ... Read more

Product Description
Laser Processing and Chemistry gives an overview of the fundamentals and applications of laser-matter interactions, in particular with regard to laser material processing. Special attention is given to laser-induced physical and chemical processes at gas-solid, liquid-solid, and solid-solid interfaces. Starting with the background physics, the book proceeds to examine applications of laser techniques in micro-machining, and the patterning, coating, and modification of material surfaces. This third edition has been revised and enlarged to cover new topics such as the synthesis of nanoclusters and nanocrystalline films, ultrashort-pulse laser processing, laser polishing, cleaning, and lithography. Graduate students, physicists, chemists, engineers, and manufacturers alike will find this book an invaluable reference work on laser processing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent book !
Dieter Baeuerle is a pioneer in laser-materials interaction and laser-chemical processing and he has delivered many substantial contributions to this field of research. The book of Dieter Baeuerle has become one of the standard references for scientists, technicians and students working on laser-matter interaction and laser-materials processing. In six comprehensive parts the book deals with the fundamentals of laser matter interaction, the laser-induced removal, deposition and transformation and synthesis of materials and the diagnostics of such processes. This book is cited very frequently in scientific publications and is appreciated by many groups worldwide. I strongly recommend this book to physicists, chemists and materials scientists interested in lasers and the application of lasers.

Over-complex, little use
Unfortunately, the science of laser matter interaction is decently described in only few books that can be recommended.This book is not one of them.Author seemingly has very little or no experience in solving physics problems of laser interaction.As a result, the book represents collection of the overcomplicated re-telling of multiple theoretical models.Reader with little to medium background will be better off referring to the original journal publications and books by M. von Almen, S. I. Anisimov, and Yu. P.Raizer.An attempt to formulate the criteria for applicability of the models is nice; however, presented in such a pretentious academic fashion that makes the effort useless.Part of the book describing the chemistry part of laser interaction is interesting, but only as a collection of facts and references.The book can be useful to the scientists with extensive knowledge of the subject as a convenient and relatively up-to-date reference database.

A must have
This is a must have for anybody involved in laser interactions or laserprocessing. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is an introduction to applied optics, covering elementary ray and wave optics as well as lasers, holography, fibers, optical waveguides, integrated optics, and quantum noise. Further chapters deal with the physical principles of optical instruments, light sources, and detectors. Numerous examples and exercises with complete solutions help the readers to deepen their knowledge.This completely revised and enlarged edition is intended for advanced undergraduates in laser physics and engineering but will also be helpful for active scientists. ... Read more

Product Description
The invention of the laser has had a profound impact on the quality of our lives. Lasers are commonly being used in a multitude of diverse applications ranging from price scanners at the checkout counters of retail stores to a variety of medical surgery procedures. The laser has been the catalyst for developing new technologies that have revolutionized important industries. Although many different types of lasers are used in today's applications, solid state lasers are always preferable if they are available with the desired operating characteristics.This graduate-level text presents the fundamental physics of solid-state lasers, including the basis of laser action and the optical and electronic properties of laser materials. Some knowledge of quantum mechanics and solid-state physics is assumed, but the discussion is as self-contained as possible, making the book an excellent reference as well as useful for independent study.After an overview of the topic, the book is divided into two parts. The first section opens with a review of the quantum mechanics and solid-state physics, spectroscopy, and crystal field theory; it then treats the quantum theory of radiation, the emission and absorption of radiation, and nonlinear optics; it concludes with discussions of lattice vibrations and ion-ion interactions and of their effects on optical properties and laser action. The second section treats specific sold-state laser materials, the protypical ruby and Nd-YAG systems being treated in greatest detail; it concludes with a discussion of novel and non-standard materials. ... Read more

Product Description

Written from an industrial perspective this book discusses in detail the characteristics, design, construction, and performance of solid-state lasers. Emphasis is placed on engineering and practical considerations; phenomenological aspects using models are preferred to abstract mathematical derivations. Since its first edition almost 30 years ago this book has become the standard in the field of solid-state lasers for scientists, engineers and graduate students. This edition has been extensively revised and updated to account for recent developments in the areas of diode-laser pumping, laser materials and nonlinear crystals, and entire new sections have been added.

Customer Reviews (4)

Maddeningly peppered with errors but indispensable
Where to begin on the errors that have propagated through so many revisions?Equations are incorrectly referenced in the text some figures have problems. See fig 8.30, p513 5th revision where the curves Xopt and Yopt appear to be switched for just one example.The best part about the book is the summary of materials and the references, which you often need.

My personal note to Mr. Koechner:Dear kind sir, please publish errata for this book.I mean no disrespect, it is the best reference of its kind.However, it could be improved substantially.

The Laser Engineer's Bible
Anybody who needs to design or work with solid-state lasers should own a copy of this book!

Ideal for entry level or senior SS laser engineer
This is a SSL classic, and the 5th Ed. is perfect.

A good source of information about solid state lasers
The book is very thorough in its coverage of the physics of and design of a wide variety of solid state lasers.Plenty of examples of laser performance are included.The book assumes asenior or first year graduate school level of knowledge for the theory discussions of the first few chapters.There is enough useful information to make the book valuable for the professional laser engineer, as well. ... Read more