Unrivalled in its coverage and unique in its hands-on approach, this guide to the design and construction of scientific apparatus is essential reading for every scientist and student of engineering, and physical, chemical, and biological sciences. Covering the physical principles governing the operation of the mechanical, optical and electronic parts of an instrument, new sections on detectors, low-temperature measurements, high-pressure apparatus, and updated engineering specifications, as well as 400 figures and tables, have been added to this edition. Data on the properties of materials and components used by manufacturers are included. Mechanical, optical, and electronic construction techniques carried out in the lab, as well as those let out to specialized shops, are also described. Step-by-step instruction supported by many detailed figures, is given for laboratory skills such as soldering electrical components, glassblowing, brazing, and polishing.

Covering a broad range of topics in modern optical physics and engineering, this textbook is invaluable for undergraduate students studying laser physics, optoelectronics, photonics, applied optics and optical engineering. This new edition has been re-organized, and now covers many new topics such as the optics of stratified media, quantum well lasers and modulators, free electron lasers, diode-pumped solid state and gas lasers, imaging and non-imaging optical systems, squeezed light, periodic poling in nonlinear media, very short pulse lasers and new applications of lasers. The textbook gives a detailed introduction to the basic physics and engineering of lasers, as well as covering the design and operational principles of a wide range of optical systems and electro-optic devices. It features full details of important derivations and results, and provides many practical examples of the design, construction and performance characteristics of different types of lasers and electro-optic devices.

Lasers continue to be an amazingly robust field of activity. Anyone seeking a photon source is now confronted with an enormous number of possible lasers and laser wavelengths to choose from, but no single, comprehensive source to help them make that choice. The Handbook of Lasers provides an authoritative compilation of lasers, their properties, and original references in a readily accessible form. Organized by lasing media-solids, liquids, and gases-each section is subdivided into distinct laser types. Each type carries a brief description, followed by tables listing the lasing element or medium, host, lasing transition and wavelength, operating properties, primary literature citations, and, for broadband lasers, reported tuning ranges. The importance and value of the Handbook of Lasers cannot be overstated. Serving as both an archive and as an indicator of emerging trends, it reflects the state of knowledge and development in the field, provides a rapid means of obtaining reference data, and offers a pathway to the literature. It contains data useful for comparison with predictions and for developing models of processes, and may reveal fundamental inconsistencies or conflicts in the data.