SPIE Field Guides

Posted on 2009-04-28. Permanent link: http://www.rp-photonics.com/spotlight_2009_04_28.html

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.