Introduction to Optics and Lasers in Engineering

by Gabriel Laufer

Overview

In a very short period of time, lasers have advanced from a mere research interest to an increasingly useful, commercially available tool for material processing, precision measurements, surgery, communication, and entertainment. This book provides the background in theoretical physics necessary to understand the engineering applications of lasers. It summarizes relevant theories of geometrical optics, physical optics, quantum optics, and laser physics while tying them to applications in such areas as fluid mechanics, combustion, surface analysis, material processing, and laser machining. The author clearly and thoroughly explains advanced topics such as laser Doppler velocimetry, laser-induced fluorescence, and holography. The book includes numerous examples and advanced problems that simulate real-world research and encourage independent reading and analysis. The book will benefit researchers and students across all branches of engineering.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521017626
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/29/2005
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	500
Product dimensions:	6.97(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.02(d)

Table of Contents

1. Radiometry; 2. Geometrical optics; 3. Maxwell's equations; 4. Properties of electromagnetic waves; 5. Propagation and applications of polarized light; 6. Interference effects and their applications; 7. Diffraction effects and their applications; 8. Introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics; 9. Atomic and molecular energy levels; 10. Radiative transfer between quantum states; 11. Spectroscopical techniques for thermodynamical measurements; 12. Optical gain and lasers; 13. Propagation of laser beams.

Editorial Reviews

An introduction to the theoretical physics background necessary to understanding engineering applications of lasers and optics. Laufer (U. of Virginia) summarizes the concepts of geometrical optics, physical optics, quantum optics, and laser physics, relating the theories to applications in fluid mechanics, combustion, surface analysis, material processing, and laser machining. In addition, more difficult topics such as laser Doppler velocimetry and holography have been simplified to enable students and readers to evaluate current systems and begin designing new ones. Includes examples, problems, graphs and charts. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"This book provides the background in theoretical physics necessary to understand engineering applications of lasers and optics....Discussions of advanced optics such as laser Doppler velocimetry, laser-induced fluorescence, and holography are simplified yet are sufficiently detailed to enable the reader to evaluate existing systems and design new ones." International Aerospace Abstracts

"A unique feature of this text is that almost every chapter ends with research problems, each based on a published journal article that deals specifically with the topic of that chapter but goes beyond the coverage of the book....the book can be a valuable reference..." S. Maleki, Choice

From the Publisher