This reference book provides a fully integrated novel approach to the development of high-power, single-transverse mode, edge-emitting diode lasers by addressing the complementary topics of device engineering, reliability engineering and device diagnostics in the same book, and thus closes the gap in the current book literature. Diode laser fundamentals are discussed, followed by an elaborate discussion of problem-oriented design guidelines and techniques, and by a systematic treatment of the origins of laser degradation and a thorough exploration of the engineering means to enhance the optical strength of the laser. Stability criteria of critical laser characteristics and key laser robustness factors are discussed along with clear design considerations in the context of reliability engineering approaches and models, and typical programs for reliability tests and laser product qualifications. Novel, advanced diagnostic methods are reviewed to discuss, for the first time in detail in book literature, performance- and reliability-impacting factors such as temperature, stress and material instabilities. Further key features include: practical design guidelines that consider also reliability related effects, key laser robustness factors, basic laser fabrication and packaging issues; detailed discussion of diagnostic investigations of diode lasers, the fundamentals of the applied approaches and techniques, many of them pioneered by the author to be fit-for-purpose and novel in the application; systematic insight into laser degradation modes such as catastrophic optical damage, and a wide range of technologies to increase the optical strength of diode lasers; coverage of basic concepts and techniques of laser reliability engineering with details on a standard commercial high power laser reliability test program. Semiconductor Laser Engineering, Reliability and Diagnostics reflects the extensive expertise of the author in the diode laser field both as a top scientific researcher as well as a key developer of high-power highly reliable devices. With invaluable practical advice, this new reference book is suited to practising researchers in diode laser technologies, and to postgraduate engineering students.

For some time there has been a need for a semiconductor device book that carries diode and transistor theory beyond an introductory level and yet has space to touch on a wider range of semiconductor device principles and applica tions. Such topics are covered in specialized monographs numbering many hun dreds, but the voluminous nature of this literature limits access for students. This book is the outcome of attempts to develop a broad course on devices and integrated electronics for university students at about senior-year level. The edu cational prerequisites are an introductory course in semiconductor junction and transistor concepts, and a course on analog and digital circuits that has intro duced the concepts of rectification, amplification, oscillators, modulation and logic and SWitching circuits. The book should also be of value to professional engineers and physicists because of both, the information included and the de tailed guide to the literature given by the references. The aim has been to bring some measure of order into the subject area examined and to provide a basic structure from which teachers may develop themes that are of most interest to students and themselves. Semiconductor devices and integrated circuits are reviewed and fundamental factors that control power levels, frequency, speed, size and cost are discussed. The text also briefly mentions how devices are used and presents circuits and comments on representative applications. Thus, the book seeks a balance be tween the extremes of device physics and circuit design.