Optical Resonators provides a detailed discussion of the properties of optical resonators for lasers from basic theory to recent research. In addition to describing the fundamental theories of resonators such as geometrical optics, diffraction, and polarisation the characteristics of all important resonator schemes and their calculation are presented. Experimental examples, practical problems and a collection of measurement techniques support the comprehensive treatment of the subject. Optical Resonators is the only book currently available that provides a comprehensive overview of the the subject. Combined with the structure of the text and the autonomous nature of the chapters this work will be as suitable for those new to the field as it will be invaluable to specialists conducting research. This second edition has been enlarged by new sections on Q-switching and resonators with internal phase/amplitude control. In addition, the whole book has been brought up-to-date.

The practice of shaping the irradiance profile of laser beams goes back more than three decades, and the applications of beam shaping are as diverse as they are numerous. However, until Dickey and Holswade's groundbreaking and highly popular Laser Beam Shaping: Theory and Techniques was published, there was no single, detailed treatment available on the underlying theory and basic techniques of beam shaping. Building on the foundations of this previous work, these esteemed editors have teamed with recognized expert David L. Shealy to produce the first in-depth account of beam shaping applications and design. Laser Beam Shaping Applications details the important features of beam shaping and exposes the subtleties of the theory and techniques that are best demonstrated through proven applications. In chapters contributed by prominent, active leaders in their respective specialties, the book discusses applications in lithography, laser printing, optical data storage, stable isotope separation, adaptive mirrors, and spatially dispersive lasers. The contributors share major insights, knowledge, and experience, reveal the advantages of the technologies, and include extensive references to the literature. The book concludes with a summary of beam shaping theory and techniques as well as the history of the field. Providing practical expertise, Laser Beam Shaping Applications is an extremely helpful guide to improving current laser processes, optimizing application-specific technologies, and advancing future development in the field.

The 4th International Workshop on Adaptive Optics for Industry and Me- cine took place in Munster, ̈ Germany, from October 19 to October 24, 2003. The series of International Workshops on Adaptive Optics for Industry and Medicine beganwiththe?rstworkshopinShatura/Russiain1997,thesecond workshop took place in Durham/England in 1999, and the third workshop was held in Albuquerque/USA in 2001. The workshop series started out as a true grassroots movement and kept an informal spirit throughout all four workshops. Many personal friendships and scienti?c collaborations have been formed at these meetings. This fourth workshop was supposed to be held in Beijing, China. H- ever, the program committee decided in May 2003 to move the workshop to Munster ̈ due the general perception that the SARS (Severe Acute R- piratory Syndrome) cases reported in China could lead to a large epidemic. Despite this rather short notice the workshop in Munster ̈ was attended by about 70 people. Incidentally, the workshop coincided with the 50th anniv- sary of adaptive optics, because it was October 1953 when Horace Babcock published his famous paper “The possibilities of compensating astronomical seeing” in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Paci?c.