Introduction to Laser Technology

by Hitz, C. Breck; Ewing, James J.; Hecht, Jeff

• ISBN13: 9780780353732
• ISBN10: 0780353730
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-05-25
• Publisher: Wiley-IEEE Press

Summary

Electrical Engineering Introduction to Laser Technology, Third Edition Would you like to know how a laser works, and how it can be modified for your own specific tasks? This intuitive third edition-previously published as Understanding Laser Technology, First and Second Editions-introduces engineers, scientists, technicians, and novices alike to the world of modern lasers, without delving into the mathematical details of quantum electronics. It is the only introductory text on the market today that explains the underlying physics and engineering applicable to all lasers. A unique combination of clarity and technical depth, this book begins with an introductory chapter that explains the characteristics and important applications of commercial lasers worldwide. It proceeds with discussions on light and optics, the fundamental elements of lasers, and laser modification. The concluding chapters are composed of a survey of modern lasers, including: Semiconductor lasers Optically pumped solid-state lasers Ion, HeNe, and HeCd lasers Carbon dioxide lasers Excimer lasers (codiscovered by J. J. Ewing) Ultrafast and tunable lasers, OPOs Introduction to Laser Technology, Third Edition is intended for those who are familiar with the principles of electro-optical technology, but possess limited formal training. This comprehensive treatment is essential, one-stop shopping for professionals, students, and non-engineer executives interested in the design, sales, or applications of the laser and electro-optics industry.

Author Biography

About the Authors C. Breck Hitz is executive director of LEOMA, the Laser and Electro-Optics Manufacturers&#146; Association. His areas of research include modelocking and nonlinear optics in solid-state lasers. Mr. Hitz was the founding editor of Lasers &#38; Applications magazine (now Lasers &#38; Optronics), and a former editor of Laser Focus. Over the past 20 years, he has taught the course based upon this book at leading American laser companies and corporate research laboratories.<BR>

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
An Overview of Laser Technology	1	(6)
What are Lasers Used For?	3	(1)
Lasers in Telecommunications	4	(1)
Lasers in Research and Medicine	4	(1)
Lasers in Graphics and Grocery Stores	5	(1)
Lasers in the Military	5	(1)
Other Laser Applications	6	(1)
The Nature of Light	7	(10)
Electromagnetic Waves	7	(4)
Wave-Particle Duality	11	(6)
Refractive Index, Polarization, and Brightness	17	(28)
Light Propagation-Refractive Index	17	(5)
Huygens' Principle	22	(2)
Polarization	24	(3)
Polarization Components	27	(4)
Birefringence	31	(9)
Brewster's Angle	40	(1)
Brightness	41	(4)
Interference	45	(12)
What is Optical Interference?	45	(3)
Everyday Examples of Optical Interference	48	(1)
Young's Double-Slit Experiment	49	(3)
Fabry-Perot Interferometer	52	(5)
Laser Light	57	(8)
Monochromaticity	57	(1)
Directionality	58	(5)
Coherence	63	(2)
Atoms, Molecules, and Energy Levels	65	(10)
Atomic Energy Levels	66	(1)
Spontaneous Emission and Stimulated Emission	67	(2)
Molecular Energy Levels	69	(2)
Some Subtle Refinements	71	(4)
Energy Distributions and Laser Action	75	(14)
Boltzmann Distribution	75	(4)
Population Inversion	79	(3)
L.A.S.E.R.	82	(2)
Three-Level and Four-Level Lasers	84	(1)
Pumping Mechanisms	85	(4)
Laser Resonators	89	(12)
Why a Resonator?	89	(2)
Circulating Power	91	(1)
Gain and Loss	92	(2)
Another Perspective on Saturation	94	(1)
Relaxation Oscillations	95	(2)
Oscillator-Amplifiers	97	(1)
Unstable Resonators	97	(1)
Laser Mirrors	98	(3)
Resonator Modes	101	(16)
Spatial Energy Distributions	101	(2)
Transverse Resonator Modes	103	(1)
Gaussian-Beam Propagation	104	(5)
A Stability Criterion	109	(2)
Longitudinal Modes	111	(6)
Reducing Laser Bandwidth	117	(16)
Measuring Laser Bandwidth	117	(3)
Laser-Broadening Mechanisms	120	(3)
Reducing Laser Bandwidth	123	(4)
Single-Mode Lasers	127	(6)
Q-Switching	133	(14)
Measuring the Output of Pulsed Lasers	133	(2)
Q-Switching	135	(4)
Types of Q-Switches	139	(1)
Mechanical Q-Switches	140	(1)
A-O Q-Switches	140	(2)
E-O Q-Switches	142	(2)
Dye Q-Switches	144	(3)
Cavity Dumping and Modelocking	147	(14)
Cavity Dumping	147	(4)
Partial Cavity Dumping	151	(2)
Modelocking---Time Domain	153	(3)
Modelocking---Frequency Domain	156	(1)
Applications of Modelocked Lasers	157	(1)
Types of Modelocked Lasers	158	(3)
Nonlinear Optics	161	(16)
What is Nonlinear Optics?	161	(3)
Second-Harmonic Generation	164	(3)
Phase Matching	167	(5)
Intractivity Harmonic Generation	172	(1)
Higher Harmonics	173	(1)
Optical Parametric Oscillation	173	(4)
Semiconductor Lasers	177	(14)
Semiconductor Physics	178	(4)
Modern Diode Lasers	182	(9)
Wavelength of Diode Lasers	186	(1)
Vertical Cavity, Surface-Emitting Lasers	187	(4)
Solid-State Lasers	191	(20)
Diode-Pumped Solid-State Lasers	195	(16)
Lamp Pumping	202	(4)
Thermal Issues	206	(5)
Helium Neon, Helium Cadmium, and Ion Lasers	211	(18)
Gas-laser Transitions	212	(2)
Gas Laser Media and Tubes	214	(2)
Laser Excitation	216	(1)
Optical Characteristics	217	(1)
Wavelengths and Spectral Width	218	(1)
HeNe Lasers	219	(1)
Principles of HeNe Lasers	220	(2)
Structure of HeNe Lasers	222	(1)
HeCd Lasers	223	(2)
Ar- and Kr-Ion Lasers	225	(4)
Carbon Dioxide and Other Vibrational Lasers	229	(10)
Vibrational Transitions	230	(2)
Excitation	232	(1)
Types of CO2 Lasers	233	(3)
Optics for CO2 Lasers	236	(1)
Chemical Lasers	237	(2)
Excimer Lasers	239	(14)
Excimer Molecules	241	(2)
Electrical Considerations	243	(2)
Handling the Gases	245	(4)
Applications of Excimer Laser	249	(4)
Tunable and Ultrafast Lasers	253	(16)
Dye Lasers	256	(2)
Tunable Solid-State Lasers	258	(3)
Ultrafast Lasers	261	(3)
Nonlinear Converters	264	(5)
Glossary	269	(8)
Index	277	(10)
About the Authors	287