Book Description
This text will thoroughly update the existing literature on atomic physics. Intended to accompany an advanced undergraduate course in atomic physics, the book will lead the students up to the latest advances and the applications to Bose-Einstein Condensation of atoms, matter-wave
inter-ferometry and quantum computing with trapped ions. The elementary atomic physics covered in the early chapters should be accessible to undergraduates when they are first introduced to the subject. To complement the usual quantum mechanical treatment of atomic structure the book strongly
emphasizes the experimental basis of the subject, especially in the later chapters. It includes ample tutorial material (examples, illustrations, chapter summaries, graded problem sets). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

old and new material [especially on qubits]
This book has two types of material; both well done. The first could have been written decades ago, and is the "traditional" atomic physics. Where you start with the hydrogen atom, and investigate its spectroscopy with the Schrodinger equation. Then the book takes the next logical step by going to helium and thence to heavier atoms. LS and JJ coupling and other refinements. Such material is now quite well known and you need this for a solid background.

But the book also has much more recent material. On quantum computing using qubits. These attempt to use the quantum states of small groups of atoms, to perform computations fundamentally different from current digital efforts. Enough detail is given for you to appreciate the severe experimental travails of the field, and how much more remains to be done, if qubits are ever to become useful. ... Read more

Book Description
Praised as 'one of the best new optics books seen for some time', this book will provide a unique presentation of classical optics from the modern perspective. Written for advanced undergraduate students, the text stands out by its readability and stimulating discussions, close ties to
experimental physics, and excellent choice of worked problem sets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Intermediate text, very readable, conversational tone...
Born and Wolf is a classic, but tough sledding at times. If it is a common topic in optics, you probably will prefer reading about it here instead. This book has a nice conversational tone, gives insight, and is reasonably detailed (but not exhaustive). It includes a lot of practical advice in small-type paragraphs in margins throughout the book (for example, the chapter on thin films notes that the refractive index can often vary with deposition method, etc.). ... Read more

Book Description
This text explains the mutual influences between the physical and dynamic processes in solids and their lasing properties. It 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. The text discusses approaches to developing new laser materials and includes data tables of basic parameters that can be applied to laser design. Novel materials and techniques used in recent developments are also covered. ... Read more

Book Description
"Laser-Tissue Interactions provides a thorough description of the fundamentals and applications in this field. Basic concepts such as the optical and thermal properties of tissue, the various types of tissue ablation, and optical breakdown and its related effects are treated in detail. Special attention is given to mathematical tools (Monte Carlo simulations, the Kubelka-Munk theory etc.) and approved techniques (photodynamic therapy, laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy etc.). The part on applications reviews clinically relevant methods in modern medicine using the latest references. The last chapter covers today's standards of laser safety, with a careful selection of essential guidelines published by the Laser Institute of America. Numerous research photographs, illustrations, tables and comprehensive summaries make this book a useful guide for graduate students, scientists, and medical practitioners. New end-of-chapter exercises provide readers with the opportunity to check their understanding of key concepts and techniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book
This is an excellent book for anyone working in this field. The book covers everything from the basic theory to the latest applications. Detailed descriptions of each type of interaction mechanism and detailed references on each type of application are given. The second edition has been completely revised and updated. Highest ratings by Prof. Berns and Prof. van Gemert in their own classes. A MUST for your book shelf.

Concise and Practical
This book provides a concise review of laser-tissue interaction. It begins by introducing a brief theoretical foundation in tissue optics and moves on to describing various interaction and ablation mechanisms. The chapters are very well organized, the materials are well presented, and equations are used only when necessary. A large chapter is dedicated to introducing various medical applications of lasers in different clinical fields. The materials in this book are very suitable for scientists, engineers, and physicians involved in biomedical optics.However, since the release of this book, significant progress has been made in this area, which requires the author to substantially update information and development in the next edition. ... Read more

Book Description
Laser cooling allows one to slow atoms to roughly the speed of a mosquito and to control their motions with unprecedented precision. This elegant technique, whereby atoms, molecules, and even microscopic beads of glass, can be trapped in small regions of free space by beams of light and subsequently moved at will using other beams, has revolutionized many areas of physics. In particular, it provides a useful research tool for the study of individual atoms, for investigating the details of chemical reactions, and even for the study of atomic motion in the quantum domain.This text begins with a review of the relevant aspects of quantum mechanics; it then turns to the electromagnetic interactions involved in slowing and trapping atoms, in both magnetic and optical traps. The concluding chapters discuss a broad range of applications, including atomic clocks, studies of ultra-cold collision processes, diffraction and interference of atomic beams, optical lattices, and Bose-Einstein condensation. The book is intended for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students who have some basic knowledge of optics and quantum mechanics. An extensive bibliography provides access to the current research literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book to get a good understanding of laser cooling.
Laser cooling and trapping techniques have given researchers new tools to explore the atom's dynamics and control. The book gives a good introduction to the forces that arise when an atom interacts with a light (laser) field,and puts a lot of emphasis on giving the reader an excellent idea of what'sgoing on when atoms and photons interact.

Rather than giving all thedetails of the mathematical and quantum mechanics background that is neededto understand the subject the authors concentrate on giving a clearerpicture of the real physics involved.

The book starts with a review ofthe quantum mechanics principles used to understand laser cooling andtrapping, which serves as a good remainder for a person who already has abasic grasp of it.

Although all the mathematical analysis that shows howthe formulas and mathematical expressions are derived is not done in thebook, the presentation is sufficient to guide the readers interested in itdo the work by themselves.

The book also has an excellent reference guidethat an interested person can use to get all the mathematical andexperimental details on the field. ... Read more

Product Description
x

This new Fourth Edition of Principles of Lasers is so thoroughly updated and expanded that it is virtually a whole new book. But the text’s essential mission remains the same: to provide a wide-ranging yet unified description of laser behavior, physics, technology, and current applications. Dr. Svelto emphasizes the physical rather than the mathematical aspects of lasers, and presents the subject in the simplest terms compatible with a correct physical understanding.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Comprehensive, to say the least.
I have found this book to be extremely comprehensive and detailed, great for anyone who wants to learn both the basic and advanced concepts of lasers.The book is definitely for the more advanced undergraduate students (and grad students, of course) who have a background in quantum mechanics, and higher-level calculus.The translation from Italian is perfect.Highly recommended.

P.S.: In reply to the review written by `A Reader' below, `newby' is spelt `newbie' (or `noob').

Very good
Very good. I recommend it for anyone who works with lasers. Very accurate and easy to read.

-KC, NRL

A clear way to get into the field of laser physics.
Clearly written, without oversimplifying some of the
more subtle items (which are so often swept under the
carpet in simpler treatments of the field - such as
the QFT treatment of spontaneous emission).First a
clear and detailled discussion of all the aspects
of the working principles of a laser is presented,
and then specific lasertypes are described, all this
in a very readable style.Great book.

Review from Optics & Laser Technology
"...the student that is led into the laser field by this text is lucky.The text is excellent and filled with appropriate illustrations...Overall, this work will also be useful as a reference for the topics covered.The literature references are copious and appropriate.The text is well supplied with figures and graphs and for those areas considered in detail, the book is and will remain a very good reference volume."

Great book (both easy and complete)
This book is extremely clear and even a completely newby can read it. At the same time, nothing is left halfway and the subject is covered with extreme care and depth. Congratualations to the author ! ... Read more

Book Description

This smooth introduction for advanced undergraduates starts with the fundamentals of lasers and pulsed optics. Thus prepared, the student is introduced to short and ultrashort laser pulses, and learns how to generate, manipulate, and measure them. Spectroscopic implications are also discussed. The second edition has been completely revised and includes two new chapters on some of the most promising and fast-developing applications in ultrafast phenomena: coherent control and attosecond pulses.

Customer Reviews (2)

Fairly good but not excellent
The second edition of this book is revised and enriched with new and hot materials. The concepts of "coherent control" and "attosecond pulses" are added as they become more and more significant.

The first 3 chapters of the books do not seem very useful. Although the authors tried their best, especially the discussion of "mode-locking" is not as clearly stated as Demtroder's "Laser Spectroscopy". More vivid, illustrative and tangible examples would be very useful.

The rest of the book can be considered good and in my opinion this books does not deserve more than 4 stars.

This short book is an excellent overview
I use femtosecond lasers in my graduate work, and I found this book an excellent source of review material in preparing for my oral examinations.It is not very detailed or mathematical, but has excellentphenomenonological discussions of a variety of laser properties andtechniques.It is also handy because it is fairly recent. I foundparticularly useful the sections on amplification, semiconductor lasers,and ultrashort diagnostics.

This book is not a comprehensive guide tobuilding and using an ultrashort pulse laser system because it lacks somuch detail.However, the equations are explained very well, and thereferences seem fairly comprehensive.

The book is also completelymissing a discussion of fiber laser and ultrashort pulse propogation infibers.The section on nonlinear ultrashort optics is also far too brief. ... Read more

Book Description
Based on a graduate course in plasma physics taught at University of California, Davis, this classic book provides a concise overview and a physically-motivated treatment of the major plasma processes which determine the interaction of intense light waves with plasmas. It also includes a discussion of basic plasma concepts, plasma simulation using particle codes, and laser plasma experiments. This is the most elementary book currently available that successfully blends theory, simulation, and experiment, and presents a clear exposition of the major physical processes involved in laser-plasma interactions. This was also the first book on the topic by anyone involved in the United States Laser Fusion Program. Dr. Kruer has more than 30 years of active participation in this field. ... Read more

Book Description

The continual development and dissemination of laser technology throughout the world has been nothing short of miraculous. Over the last fifteen years, this field has been marked by constant technological innovation. This book represents the most up-to-date description of the state of the art in laser and light source technology. Its authors represent leading experts from both North America and Europe. After an initial chapter describing the latest understanding of laser physics and safety, subsequent chapters take up laser treatment of vascular lesions, pigmented lesions and tattoos, unwanted hair, ablative and non-ablative resurfacing, and its use for medical purposes. Each chapter begins with the core concepts historically followed by laser treatment for a given cutaneous problem, currently available technologies, indications, and contraindications. Each author then provides an example of his/her consent form and personal treatment approach.

Book Description
The Interaction of High-Power Lasers with Plasmas provides a thorough self-contained discussion of the physical processes occurring in laser-plasma interactions, including a detailed review of the relevant plasma and laser physics. The book analyzes laser absorption and propagation, electron transport, and the relevant plasma waves in detail. It also discusses the physics of the electric and magnetic fields in a laser-induced plasma medium, laser-induced shock waves, rarefaction waves, heat waves, and the related hydrodynamic instabilities (Rayleigh-Taylor, Richtmyer-Meshkov, and Kelvin-Helmholtz).A pedagogical presentation, the book addresses the basic physics issues from first principles, using simple models wherever appropriate. The coverage provides a foundation on which the graduate student can build an understanding of the past and present research in this field. For the experienced researcher, the book is a comprehensive and useful presentation of laser-plasma interactions. ... Read more

Book Description
The book describes the most advanced techniques for generating coherent light in the mid-infrared region of the spectrum. These techniques represent diverse areas of photonics and include heterojunction semiconductor lasers, quantum cascade lasers, tunable crystalline lasers, fiber lasers, Raman lasers, and optical parametric laser sources. Offering authoritative reviews by internationally recognized experts, the book provides a wealth of information on the essential principles and methods of the generation of coherent mid-infrared light and on some of its applications. The instructive nature of the book makes it an excellent text for physicists and practicing engineers who want to use mid-infrared laser sources in spectroscopy, medicine, remote sensing and other fields, and for researchers in various disciplines requiring a broad introduction to the subject. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

mid IR book
This book contains diode lasers, Quantum cascaded lasers, OPO, ultrafast and fiber lasers and even some contents on THz .In addition to brief recap of theoretical knowledge to understand the nonlinear process it is primarily good for editorized summary of mid -IR lasers experiments done around the world. For anyone interested into detail, there are lots of references at the back of every chapter. If you are looking for theoretical understanding of those various processes mentioned above it is not what you want.
However as an Electro-optics engineer working in the field of nonlinear optics, the contents are quite useful for me personally.
... Read more

Book Description
This book treats the interaction of radiation with matter, particular attention being paid to the laser. Knowledge is assumed of the usual half-year introduction of quantum mechanics found in undergraduate physics curricula. The material can be covered in two semesters, or, alternatively, the first part (Chaps 1-13) can be used as a one-semester course in which quantum mechanical aspects of the electromagnetic field are ignored. Each chapter is accompanied by problems that illustrate the text and give useful (occasionally new) results. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book
I wouldn't say this book is hard to read, as the other reader claims. On the contrary I found this book to be very readable. It starts from the very basic quantum mechanics of wave function, introduces density matrix, then semi-classical laser theory (EM field interaction), even discusses relaxation phenomenon (see the nice appendix on the quantum langevin equation!), then presents the real quantum theory of light interaction with matter. Without doubt this is a classic work, and should easily be accessible to upper-year undergraduates. There are no major difficulties.

the bowls is not the best newcomer
why write a book that is so hard to read? I think that my cleverness is not enough to subtend the hard math. ... Read more

Book Description
This book provides a throrough introduction to the interaction of atoms and atomic ions with optical and magnetic fields.The author places particular emphasis on the wealth of important multilevel effects, where atomic vapors exhibit anisotropic behavior.As well as covering the classic two-level atom approach to light-atom interactions, Suter describes in detail a general multilevel formalism, which he uses to discuss optical pumping, two-dimensional spectroscopy and nonlinear optical dynamics.The final chapter deals with the mechanical effects of light, including the cooling and trapping of atoms.With full theoretical and experimental coverage, and over 250 illustrations, the book will be of great interest to graduate students of laser spectroscopy, quantum electronics and quantum optics, and to researchers in these fields. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive survey on Excimer Lasers investigates the current range of the technology, applications and devices of this commonly used laser source, as well as the future of new technologies, such as F2 laser technology. Additional chapters on optics, devices and laser systems complete this compact handbook. A must read for laser technology students, process application researchers, engineers or anyone interested in excimer laser technology. An effective and understandable introduction to the current and future status of excimer laser technology.

Customer Reviews (1)

It was written by Lambda Physik (Coherent) researchers. Do I have to say anything else?
If you're interested in excimer lasers enough to be curious about how they work and would like to gain further insight into areas of application, get this book. This is a nice reference, specially if you're into lithography/optical engineering. It was written by Lambda Physik (Coherent) researchers. Do I have to say anything else? ... Read more

Book Description
The free electron laser (FEL) will be an outstanding tool for research and industrial application. This book describes the physical fundamentals on the basis of classical mechanics, electrodynamics, and the kinetic theory of charged particle beams, and will be suitable for graduate students and scientists alike.
After a short introduction, the book discusses the theory of the FEL amplifier and oscillator and diffraction effects in the amplifier. Waveguide FEL and shot noise are also treated. ... Read more

Book Description
This book presents an in-depth discussion of the semiconductor-laser gain medium. The optical and electronic properties of semiconductors, particularly semiconductor quantum-well systems, are analyzed in detail, covering a wide variety of near-infrared systems with or without strain, as well as wide-gap materials such as the group-III nitride compounds or the II-VI materials. The important bandstructure modifications and Coulomb interaction effects are discussed, including the solution of the longstanding semiconductor laser lineshape problem. Quantitative comparisons between measured and predicted gain/absorption and refractive index spectra for a wide variety of semiconductor-laser materials enable the theoretical results to be used directly in the engineering of advanced laser and amplifier structures. A wealth of examples for many different material combinations bestow the book with quantitative and predictive value for a wide variety of applications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Clarity problem in explanation of equations
This book looks and IS good when it comes down to going through complicated optical gain calculations. However, I feel the book expects reader to know important and advanced fundamentals of lasers which it does not go through in the book and may prove disadvantage to both advanced and beginner researchers interested in semiconductor lasers. The book includes many complex equations but they are, in my opinion, not explicitly explained in the text. In addition, what I found most disappointing about the book is that there were no examples to demonstrate gain calculations on any material (like GaAs-AlGaAs etc), which would really help in modeling a quantum well structure.

not an introductory book
Engineering students may have a hard time to understand this book. ... Read more

Book Description
Laser Processing and Chemistry gives an overview of the fundamentals and applications of laser-matter interactions, in particular with regard to laser material processing. Special attention is given to laser-induced physical and chemical processes at gas-solid, liquid-solid, and solid-solid interfaces. Starting with the background physics, the book proceeds to examine applications of laser techniques in micro-machining, and the patterning, coating, and modification of material surfaces. This third edition has been revised and enlarged to cover new topics such as the synthesis of nanoclusters and nanocrystalline films, ultrashort-pulse laser processing, laser polishing, cleaning, and lithography.
Graduate students, physicists, chemists, engineers, and manufacturers alike will find this book an invaluable reference work on laser processing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Over-complex, little use
Unfortunately, the science of laser matter interaction is decently described in only few books that can be recommended.This book is not one of them.Author seemingly has very little or no experience in solving physics problems of laser interaction.As a result, the book represents collection of the overcomplicated re-telling of multiple theoretical models.Reader with little to medium background will be better off referring to the original journal publications and books by M. von Almen, S. I. Anisimov, and Yu. P.Raizer.An attempt to formulate the criteria for applicability of the models is nice; however, presented in such a pretentious academic fashion that makes the effort useless.Part of the book describing the chemistry part of laser interaction is interesting, but only as a collection of facts and references.The book can be useful to the scientists with extensive knowledge of the subject as a convenient and relatively up-to-date reference database.

A must have
This is a must have for anybody involved in laser interactions or laserprocessing. ... Read more

Book Description
Lasers is both a textbook and a general reference book with an emphasis on basic laser principles and theory. A unique feature is that it gives a complete, detailed, and accurate treatment of laser physics, building only on classical models, without requiring the reader to have a quantum mechanical background. It is for all scientists and engineers who work with lasers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

THE BOOK
This book explains complicated science in simple flowing english and I would definitely recommmend this to anyone who needs to know the basics and the not so basics of laser systems.

A wonderful introduction
This remarkable text is a wonderful introduction to the world of lasers, especially good for undergraduate courses, particularly for engineers.

The basic principles and practice are explained with extraordinary clarity, and without any significant mention of quantum mechanics. The main weakness of the book is the lack of information on semiconductor laser diodes - so central these days to many branches of laser engineering.

For those wanting a more advanced undergraduate - or physics-based text - an excellent complementary text to Siegman's is Orazio Svelto's 'Principles of Lasers'.

Siegman's book is an excellent engineering text - a terrific introduction for anybody who is new to lasers.

Excellent
Clear, insightful, and fun to read. If you want to understand lasers, this is your best bet. Siegman also reviews his references, which is great. I actually bought a couple of books as a result of his suggestions. He is an outstanding professor from Stanford. Do I need to say anything else?

Lasers
Although now dated this text still is an excellent reference book for laser scientists and optics graduate students.An updated version covering recent advances is needed.

The Best Lasers Book
This is universally regarded as the ultimate reference for lasers. After discovering it in grad school, I understand why! Siegman's explanations are truly phenomenal and "Lasers" treats virtually every topic on lasers. Plus, he has comprehensive errata on his website! ... Read more

Book Description
The book starts with tutorial reviews of the underpinning science of diode pumped lasers, optical parametric oscillators, and ultrafast pulse generation. It moves on through the more specialised areas of waveguide lasers, ultrafast parametric amplification, visible solid-state lasers, materials, and diode pumps. The final sections are on the applications of these sources to medicine, remote sensing and ranging, materials processing, and the widening set of applications for ultrashort pulses. ... Read more

Book Description
Optics and Lasers is an introduction to applied optics, covering elementary ray and wave optics as well as lasers, holography, fibers, optical waveguides, integrated optics, and quantum noise. Further chapters deal with the physical principles of optical instruments, light sources, and detectors. Numerous examples and exercises with complete solutions help the readers to deepen their knowledge.
This completely revised and enlarged edition is intended for advanced undergraduates in laser physics and engineering but will also be helpful for active scientists. ... Read more