This book provides a comprehensive overview of laser sources and their applications in various
fields of science industry and technology. After an introduction to the basics of laser
physics different laser types and materials for lasers are summarized in the context of a
historical survey outlining the evolution of the laser over the past five decades. This
includes amongst other aspects gas lasers excimer lasers the wide range of solid-state and
semiconductor lasers and femtosecond and other pulsed lasers where particular attention is
paid to high-power sources. Subsequent chapters address related topics such as laser modulation
and nonlinear frequency conversion. In closing the enormous importance of the laser is
demonstrated by highlighting its current applications in everyday life and its potential for
future developments. Typical applications in advanced material processing medicine and
biophotonics as well as plasma and X-ray generation for nanoscale lithography are discussed.
The book provides broad and topical coverage of laser photonics and opto-electronics focusing
on significant findings and recent advances rather than in-depth theoretical studies. Thus it
is intended not only for university students and engineers but also for scientists and
professionals applying lasers in biomedicine material processing and everyday consumer
products. Further it represents essential reading for engineers using or developing high-power
lasers for scientific or industrial applications.
