The History of the Laser [Hardcover]

Mario Bertolotti (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0750309113 | ISBN-13: 978-0750309110 | Publication Date: October 1, 2004 | Edition: 1

Since the invention of the first working laser in 1960, development of these devices has progressed at an unprecedented rate, to the extent that the laser is now a common part of everyday life, from the semiconductor laser used in CD players and telecommunication systems to the high power eximer lasers used in manufacturing processes. This book traces the history of the laser, from the first theoretical predictions of stimulated emission made in the 1920s, through the experimental development of masers and lasers in the 50s and 60s, to the advanced applications of lasers in the present day. Along the way it tells the fascinating and at times controversial story of the people behind the discoveries. Written in a style suitable for the general public, it will be of interest to those working within the laser community, and to anyone with an interest in the history of science.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 316 pages
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis; 1 edition (October 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750309113
• ISBN-13: 978-0750309110
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,678,181 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars many types and uses, April 3, 2005

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W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The History of the Laser (Hardcover)

In the 1960s, when the first lasers were invented, they were huge, fragile devices. Taking up a large lab bench or optical table, and enclosed in clumsy glass tubes. Yet nowadays, if you walk into a supermarket, the checkout clerks invariably have a red laser. And people carry around CD and DVD players with tiny solid state lasers. The book explains the short 50 year history of how these changes came about.

Bertolotti writes for a general audience. The gist of any laser's operation - the population inversion in excited states, is simply and well described. He explains how a plethora of laser types emerged. As new lasing media were actively and successfully searched for. The book also goes into the many commercial applications of lasers. Including in manufacturing, which the average reader might well be unaware of.

The future indeed seems bright for lasers.