Understanding Lasers: An Entry-Level Guide

by Jeff Hecht

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.

Genres: Physics

Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Jeff Hecht has written extensively about lasers, light and optics for a wide range of publications, including New Scientist magazine, Laser Focus World, Optics & Photonics News, High Technology, Technology Review, and Bulletin of the American Scientists.

Reviews

[Woolstar · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you skip the textbook introductions and head straight to the information (usually after the first chapter of a section, and first block of a chapter); there's some good information about the theory of operation, and the evolution of lasers from the early solid crystals, to gas lasers, to diode lasers, to fiber lasers. And just when you start wondering why one technology can't take over for another, the book usually jumps right to that and explains it.

Gives you enough information that you can talk for hours with others and go on and on about fascinating developments in fiber amplifiers, laser diodes, or space based futuristic weapons.

Not a difficult read, and just the right level of detail for someone who knows what a laser is, probably has pointed a green laser pointer around and things, and is curious about more.