Understanding Lasers: An Entry-Level Guide (IEEE Press Understanding Science & Technology Series) [Paperback]

Jeff Hecht (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1993 | ISBN-10: 0780310055 | ISBN-13: 978-0780310056 | Edition: 2

This updated edition is both accurate and easy to understand. Written for students, hobbyists, non-specialist engineers and anyone who wants an entry-level introduction to laser technology, this book provides practical, intuitive descriptions of the workings of major types of lasers and their applications. Key topics include: semiconductor lasers...solid-state lasers...gas lasers...laser applications in information processing, medicine, communications, industry and military systems. Clear, succinct, and amply illustrated, this book makes an ideal learning tool and a valuable reference for technical and nontechnical readers alike.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is an easy-to-follow guide that requires a minimal background in algebra. The use of simple language, drawings, tables and multiple-choice quizzes make this book an ideal text for advanced high school students, undergraduates studying physics and engineering, and professionals who work with lasers but lack a formal knowledge of the subject." (Optics & Photonic News, April 2009)

"College-level libraries strong in science and technology titles will appreciate this easy introduction guide to laser technology, which moves from the foundations of how lasers work and how they are used to discussions of specific advanced laser types, applications, and the science involved." (The Midwest Book Review, September 2008) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Electrical Engineering/Optoelectronics/General Interest Understanding Lasers An Entry-Level Guide, Second Edition IEEE Press Understanding Science & Technology Series This updated, concise second edition of Jeff Hecht’s Understanding Lasers, is both current and easy to understand. Written for students, managers, non-specialist engineers, and anyone who wants an accessible introduction to laser technology, this book provides practical, intuitive descriptions of the workings of major types of lasers and their applications. Key topics include:

• Semiconductor lasers
• Solid-state lasers
• Gas lasers
• Laser applications in information processing, medicine, communications, industry, and military systems

Understanding Lasers will be of interest to those in computers, communications, medicine, and industry, and those who want to better understand the growth and impact of laser technology on our future. Also in the IEEE Press Understanding Science & Technology Series Understanding Telecommunications and Lightwave Systems An Entry-Level Guide by John G. Nellist, Consultant, Sarita Enterprises, Ltd. 1992 Softcover 200 pp IEEE Order No. PP0314-5 ISBN 0-7803-0418-7 Understanding the Nervous System An Engineering Perspective by Sid Deutsch, University of South Florida and Alice Deutsch, Bioscreen, Inc. 1993 Softcover 408 pp IEEE Order No. PP0291-5 ISBN 0-87942-296-3 About the Series … The IEEE Press Understanding Series treats important topics in science and technology in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Designed expressly for the nonspecialist engineer, scientist, or technician — as well as the technologically curious — each volume stresses practical information over mathematical theorems and complicated derivations.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-IEEE Press; 2 edition (December 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0780310055
• ISBN-13: 978-0780310056
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,142,714 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jeff Hecht has been writing about lasers, optics and fiber optics for more than 35 years. After writing for industry magazine Laser Focus World for several years, he began writing books that explain laser science and technology to newcomers to the field. His books are aimed at readers from middle-school students to professionals. The New York Academy of Sciences gave his book Optics: Light for a New Age, honorable mention as one of the best children's science books in older age group in 1988. His technician-training and self-study book Understanding Fiber Optics is now in its fifth edition, with more than 100,000 copies in print.

After years of writing about new science and technology, he turned to the history of fiber optics, writing City of Light: The Story of Fiber Optics, as part of the Sloan Technology Series. More recently, he wrote BEAM: The Race to Make The Laser, describing the work that led to the world's first laser in 1960.

He continues to write extensively for magazines, covering topics from lasers to dinosaurs for New Scientist magazine, and continuing developments in lasers and photonics for Laser Focus World

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best Laser book, August 12, 2005

By 

V. Kuroodi (Cupertino, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding Lasers: An Entry-Level Guide (IEEE Press Understanding Science & Technology Series) (Paperback)

If you are a hobbyist, this is all you need to get started. A great book that leans towards the practical aspects, laser applications and avoids use of excessive math. The end of each chapter contains a summary and a small quiz that drives home the points to give you confidence.

For example, you will be able to answer questions such as 'What is the length of a Q switched pulse from a 10cm long Neodymium-glass laser with 90% reflective output mirror assuming refractive index is 1.5'

You may also want to consider Jeff Hecht's 'The Laser Guidebook', which does not seem to have a chapter on Laser Applications or the end of chapter quiz.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A study guide suitable for college-level classroom assignments., September 5, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Lasers: An Entry-Level Guide (IEEE Press Understanding Science & Technology Series) (Paperback)

College-level libraries strong in science and technology titles will appreciate this easy introductory guide to laser technology, which moves from the foundations of how lasers work and how they are used to discussions of specific advanced laser types, applications, and the science involved. Add drawings, tables, and multiple-choice quizzes and you also have a study guide suitable for college-level classroom assignments.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, October 5, 2011

By 

Lloyd Garrick - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Understanding Lasers: An Entry-Level Guide (IEEE Press Understanding Science & Technology Series) (Paperback)

I haven't read such a good book in a long time! Most science books take a lot of space and words to say too little, but this one is perfect. Concise and to the point, much is explained, and explained well, in few words. Not quite summary or outline, but deep enough to explain the concepts sufficiently.

Appropriate math and equations are given, and can be understood by anyone with first year college math, or advanced high school. But a lot of effort is not spent detailing the math, rather the relationships are simply stated for knowledge. The emphasis is on explanation of all concepts regarding lasers, and the physics and optics behind it. Good use of graphics and illustrations as well.

The book appears to be aimed towards those with some preliminary background and grasp of basic physics and higher math, and who simply want to learn about lasers in particular. If you have absolutely no background in these things to begin with, the material may be hard to follow. I would say advanced high school or undergraduate college level.

My profession and background is science, and I wanted to learn about lasers in detail after seeing videos of recent military weapons tests, and after acquiring a couple of the high power laser "pointers" now available online. They are impressive to say the least, and I wanted to understand what was happening. An entire chapter in the book is devoted to semiconductor lasers, and the concept(s) are explained quite well and in detail.

All aspects of laser technology are discussed, from the basic principles of the three main laser types (gas, solid state, semiconductor), the fundamental principle(s) of all laser action, and current/future technology and uses, from optical data storage to military weapons.

I highly recommend this book, well worth the price.