Laser Physics and Applications

Contents: 1. Basic laser principles. 2. Types of lasers. 3. Control of the laser output. 4. Applications of lasers.

First lasers made in 1960 paved the way for the vehement development of laser technology. Today, lasers and laser systems find wide use in many fields of science and engineering. They are employed in communications systems, computers, navigation equipment, measuring instruments, and in complicated technological processes. Biology, medicine, and various chemical and physical investigations utilize lasers to advantage. Wide use of lasers in science and technology is due to the specific properties of laser radiation. The laser is a generator of coherent light. Unlike other sources of light, such as incandescent lamps or arc lamps, the laser produces radiation with a highly regular light field, outstanding in its high coherence, monochromaticity and directivity.