This unique book provides the optics designer and user with the latest advances on materials used as optical elements in systems and devices -- in one convenient volume. Presenting fundamental performance requirements, basic characteristics, principles of fabrication, possibilities for new or modified optical materials, and key characterization data, this outstanding source facilitates optical materials selection and application. Comprehensive and thorough, this reference offers a broad review of old and new optical materials such as glasses, crystalline materials, plastics, and coatings ... contains specific optical and characterization information useful for preliminary calculations ... and explains processes used to manufacture optical materials, giving insight into possible modifications of materials caused by process variations. Plus, this practical text includes a glossary of terms for a basic understanding, numerous illustrations for a clear perspective, and references for easy access to related material. This single-source volume is ideal for optical system/device designers and developers; design and development engineers; materials engineers; physical measurements engineers; test engineers, optics designers, and optics engineers; professional seminars; and undergraduate- and graduate-level students in optical and materials sciences courses. Book jacket.

The laser's range of application is extraordinary. Arthur Schawlow says, "What instrument can shuck a bucket of oysters, correct typing errors, fuse atoms, lay a straight line for a garden bed, repair detached retinas, and drill holes in dia monds?"O The laser's specifically biomedical uses cover a similarly broad and interesting spectrum. In this book, I have endeavored to convey some of the fas cination that the laser has long held for me. It is my hope that both clinicians and researchers in the various medical and surgical specialties will find the book a use ful introduction. Biologists, particularly molecular biologists, should also find a great deal of relevant information herein. This volume's distinguished contributors provide admirably lucid discussions of laser principles, instrumentation, and current practice in their respective special ties. Safety, design, capabilities, and costs of various lasers are also reviewed. We have aimed to create a practical text that is comprehensive but not exhaustive. Our emphasis on the practical, rather than the esoteric, is dictated not only by the short history of biomedical laser use, but by the extent of the community to which this information will appeal.

Industrial Applications of Lasers focuses on how lasers have been used for practical applications in industry. This text aims to stimulate the imagination of the readers, who can then evaluate the potential application of lasers to solve their own problems. Comprised of 21 chapters, this book starts with an overview of the fundamental background of lasers, and then discusses the basic principles of how lasers operate. Other chapters provide an understanding of how holograms really work. This text also discusses several topics relevant to lasers, themselves, including the types of practical lasers and laser properties. This book considers laser safety, which is very important for anyone considering a laser application. Finally, this text explores the various developed laser applications, including scribing of ceramics, laser welding and cutting of metals, as well as applications in surveying, alignment, and metrology. This book is a valuable resource to laser technicians, physicists, scientists, researchers, and readers whose interests span a variety of fields.