SPIE Field Guides
Posted on 2009-04-28. Permanent link: http://www.rp-photonics.com/spotlight_2009_04_28.html
Author: Dr. Rüdiger Paschotta, RP Photonics Consulting GmbH
A while ago, I have published two compact books in the "Field Guide" Series of SPIE:
- The Field Guide to Lasers. This gives an overview on different laser types and explains the most important physical aspects of their operation. There also chapters on narrow-linewidth operation, wavelength tuning, pulse generation, frequency conversion, laser noise, laser safety and aspects of laser design and development. The book quickly became a top seller.
- The Field Guide to Laser Pulse Generation. This goes into more detail with a variety of pulse generation techniques, such as Q switching, gain switching, mode locking, and cavity dumping. Additional chapters treat the amplification and characterization of pulses.
These Field Guides are compact and moderately priced books with somewhat over 100 pages. They do not go as far into detail as the Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology, but are very handy for a quick introduction into such topical areas. They are thus also very useful for teaching, giving the students a summary of all essential aspects, yet being more precise than some class notes typically can be, given the limited time for such activities.
Currently, SPIE sells these books at an even lower price – a good opportunity to get a few for your R&D group or for your next graduate course.
This article is a posting of the Photonics Spotlight, authored by Dr. Rüdiger Paschotta. You may link to this page, because its location is permanent. See also the Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology.
The Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology is also available in the form of a two-volume book. Maybe you would enjoy reading it also in that form! The print version has a carefully designed layout and can be considered a must-have for any institute library, laser research group, or laser company.
You may order the print version via Wiley-VCH.
