Introduction to Lasers

Learn about the basic physical and engineering principles of lasers and review different types of lasers. Topics include spontaneous and induced transitions between atomic levels, absorption and amplification, optical resonators, Gaussian beams, three and four-level lasers, mode-locked and Q-switched lasers, and specific laser systems: Nd:YAG and other solid-state lasers; He-Ne, argon-ion, carbon dioxide lasers and other gas lasers; semiconductor diode lasers; and laser applications.