Crystal-Field Engineering of Solid-State Laser Materials (Cambridge Studies in Modern Optics, Series Number 25)

This book is concerned with the underlying science and design of laser materials. It emphasizes the principles of crystal–field engineering and discusses the basic physical concepts that determine laser gain and nonlinear frequency conversion in optical crystals. A concise review of the essential underlying science is presented, and the predictive capabilities of crystal-field engineering are developed to show how modification of the symmetry and composition of optical centres can improve laser performance. Applications of the principles of crystal-field engineering to a variety of optical crystals are also discussed in relation to the performances of laser devices. This book will be of considerable interest to physical, chemical and material scientists and to engineers involved in the science and technology of solid state lasers. It will be used by senior undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as by established scientists. This book examines the underlying science and design of laser materials. It emphasizes the principles of crystal-field engineering and discusses the basic physical concepts that determine laser gain and nonlinear frequency conversion in optical crystals. Henderson and Bartram develop the predictive capabilities of crystal-field engineering to show how modification of the symmetry and composition of optical centers can improve laser performance. They also discuss applications of the principles of crystal-field engineering to a variety of optical crystals in relation to the performances of laser devices. This book will be of considerable interest to physical, chemical and material scientists and to engineers involved in the science and technology of solid state lasers. Concerned with the underlying science of laser materials. Methods of preparing laser materials are presented and their basic underlying science is applied to laser crystals and non-crystals.

This book covers the preparation and underlying science of laser materials.

Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emissions of Radiation.