Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

I have been waiting for my book for over one month and yet I have not seen anything....T_T