Basic Concepts

doi:10.1117/3.2279412.ch2

Basic Concepts

Book: Introduction to Laser Diode-Pumped Solid State Lasers

Author(s): Richard Scheps

Published: 2002

https://doi.org/10.1117/3.2279412.ch2

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Abstract

The concepts related to lasers and optical physics presented in this chapter are discussed in descriptive rather than analytical terms. Although much of the discussion is quite basic, it masks the complex and often elegant underlying mathematics. Such treatment has its limitations but is designed to provide the necessary insight to the reader with only a general background in optics. For an in depth discussion of the subject matter there are several comprehensive texts on laser physics [See, for example, Lasers by A.E. Siegman, University Science Books, Mill Valley, (1986).]