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.

Explains the mutual influences between the physical and dynamic processes in solids and their lasing properties. This book provides insight into the physics and engineering of solid state lasers by integrating information from several disciplines, including solid state physics, materials science, photophysics, and dynamic processes in solids.

This book has once again been updated to keep pace with recent developments and to maintain Koechner's position as "the bible" of the field. Written from an industrial perspective, it provides a detailed discussion of, and data for, solid-state lasers, their characteristics, design and construction.

Provides information on both state-of-the-art technology and fundamental principles of fully developed solid-state lasers, emphasizing their operational characteristics and physical properties. Six contributions discuss theories and techniques of III-V semiconductor diode lasers, describe various ty

Koechner's well-known ‘bible’ on solid-state laser engineering is now available in an accessible format at the graduate level. Numerous exercises with hints for solution, new text and updated material where needed make this text very accessible.

This book examines the underlying science and design of laser materials. It emphasizes the principles of crystal-field engineering and discusses the basic physical concepts that determine laser gain and nonlinear frequency conversion in optical crystals. Henderson and Bartram develop the predictive capabilities of crystal-field engineering to show how modification of the symmetry and composition of optical centers can improve laser performance. They also discuss applications of the principles of crystal-field engineering to a variety of optical crystals in relation to the performances of laser devices. This book will be of considerable interest to physical, chemical and material scientists and to engineers involved in the science and technology of solid state lasers.

This text covers a wide range of material, from the basics of laser resonators to advanced topics in laser diode pumping. The subject matter is presented in descriptive terms that are understandable by the technical professional who does not have a strong foundation in fundamental laser topics.