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Preface to the Second Edition | |
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Preface to the First Edition | |
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Acknowledgments | |
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Introduction | |
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Overview | |
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Introduction | |
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Definition of the Laser | |
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Simplicity of a Laser | |
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Unique Properties of a Laser | |
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The Laser Spectrum and Wavelengths | |
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A Brief History of the Laser | |
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Overview of the Book | |
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Fundamental Wave Properties of Light | |
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Wave Nature of Light--The Interaction of Light with Materials | |
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Overview | |
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Maxwell's Equations | |
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Maxwell's Wave Equations | |
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Interaction of Electromagnetic Radiation (Light) with Matter | |
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Coherence | |
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References | |
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Problems | |
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Fundamental Quantum Properties of Light | |
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Particle Nature of Light--Discrete Energy Levels | |
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Overview | |
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Bohr Theory of the Hydrogen Atom | |
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Quantum Theory of Atomic Energy Levels | |
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Angular Momentum of Atoms | |
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Energy Levels Associated with One-Electron Atoms | |
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Periodic Table of the Elements | |
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Energy Levels of Multi-Electron Atoms | |
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References | |
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Problems | |
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Radiative Transitions and Emission Linewidth | |
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Overview | |
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Decay of Excited States | |
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Emission Broadening and Linewidth Due to Radiative Decay | |
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Additional Emission-Broadening Processes | |
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Quantum Mechanical Description of Radiating Atoms | |
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References | |
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Problems | |
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Energy Levels and Radiative Properties of Molecules, Liquids, and Solids | |
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Overview | |
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Molecular Energy Levels and Spectra | |
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Liquid Energy Levels and Their Radiation Properties | |
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Energy Levels in Solids--Dielectric Laser Materials | |
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Energy Levels in Solids--Semiconductor Laser Materials | |
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References | |
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Problems | |
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Radiation and Thermal Equilibrium--Absorption and Stimulated Emission | |
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Overview | |
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Equilibrium | |
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Radiating Bodies | |
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Cavity Radiation | |
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Absorption and Stimulated Emission | |
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References | |
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Problems | |
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Laser Amplifiers | |
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Conditions for Producing a Laser - Population Inversions, Gain, and Gain Saturation | |
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Overview | |
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Absorption and Gain | |
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Population Inversion (Necessary Condition for a Laser) | |
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Saturation Intensity (Sufficient Condition for a Laser) | |
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Development and Growth of a Laser Beam | |
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Exponential Growth Factor (Gain) | |
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Threshold Requirements for a Laser | |
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References | |
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Problems | |
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Laser Oscillation Above Threshold | |
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Overview | |
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Laser Gain Saturation | |
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Laser Beam Growth beyond the Saturation Intensity | |
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Optimization of Laser Output Power | |
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Energy Exchange between Upper Laser Level Population and Laser Photons | |
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Laser Output Fluctuations | |
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Laser Amplifiers | |
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References | |
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Problems | |
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Requirements for Obtaining Population Inversions | |
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Overview | |
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Inversions and Two-Level Systems | |
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Relative Decay Rates - Radiative versus Collisional | |
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Steady-State Inversions in Three- and Four-Level Systems | |
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Transient Population Inversions | |
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Processes That Inhibit or Destroy Inversions | |
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References | |
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Problems | |
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Laser Pumping Requirements and Techniques | |
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Overview | |
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Excitation or Pumping Threshold Requirements | |
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Pumping Pathways | |
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Specific Excitation Parameters Associated with Optical Pumping | |
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Specific Excitation Parameters Associated with Particle Pumping | |
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References | |
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Problems | |
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Laser Resonators | |
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Laser Cavity Modes | |
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Overview | |
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Introduction | |
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Longitudinal Laser Cavity Modes | |
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Transverse Laser Cavity Modes | |
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Properties of Laser Modes | |
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References | |
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Problems | |
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Stable Laser Resonators and Gaussian Beams | |
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Overview | |
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Stable Curved Mirror Cavities | |
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Properties of Gaussian Beams | |
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Properties of Real Laser Beams | |
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Propagation of Gaussian Beams Using ABCD Matrices - Complex Beam Parameter | |
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References | |
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Problems | |
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Special Laser Cavities and Cavity Effects | |
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Overview | |
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Unstable Resonators | |
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Q-Switching | |
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Gain-Switching | |
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Mode-Locking | |
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Pulse Shortening Techniques | |
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Ring Lasers | |
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Complex Beam Parameter Analysis Applied to Multi-Mirror Laser Cavities | |
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Cavities for Producing Spectral Narrowing of Laser Output | |
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Laser Cavities Requiring Small-Diameter Gain Regions - Astigmatically Compensated Cavities | |
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Waveguide Cavities for Gas Lasers | |
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References | |
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Problems | |
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Specific Laser Systems | |
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Laser Systems Involving Low-Density Gain Media | |
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Overview | |
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Atomic Gas Lasers | |
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Molecular Gas Lasers | |
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X-Ray Plasma Lasers | |
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Free-Electron Lasers | |
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References | |
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Laser Systems Involving High-Density Gain Media | |
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Overview | |
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Organic Dye Lasers | |
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Solid-State Lasers | |
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Semiconductor Diode Lasers | |
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References | |
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Frequency Multiplication of Laser Beams | |
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Frequency Multiplication of Lasers and Other Nonlinear Optical Effects | |
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Overview | |
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Wave Propagation in an Anisotropic Crystal | |
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Polarization Response of Materials to Light | |
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Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Processes | |
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Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Processes | |
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Nonlinear Optical Materials | |
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Phase Matching | |
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Saturable Absorption | |
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Two-Photon Absorption | |
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Stimulated Raman Scattering | |
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Harmonic Generation in Gases | |
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References | |
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Appendix | |
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Index | |