Ultrashort laser pulses with durations in the femtosecond range up to a few picoseconds provide a unique method for precise materials processing or medical applications. Paired with the recent developments in ultrashort pulse lasers, this technology is finding its way into various application fields. The book gives a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of ultrashort pulse lasers, especially applied to medicine and production technology. Recent advances in laser technology are discussed in detail. This covers the development of reliable and cheap low power laser sources as well as high average power ultrashort pulse lasers for large scale manufacturing. The fundamentals of laser-matter-interaction as well as processing strategies and the required system technology are discussed for these laser sources with respect to precise materials processing. Finally, different applications within medicine, measurement technology or materials processing are highlighted.

Ultrashort laser pulses with durations in the femtosecond range up to a few picoseconds provide a unique method for precise materials processing or medical applications. Paired with the recent developments in ultrashort pulse lasers, this technology is finding its way into various application fields. The book gives a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of ultrashort pulse lasers, especially applied to medicine and production technology. Recent advances in laser technology are discussed in detail. This covers the development of reliable and cheap low power laser sources as well as high average power ultrashort pulse lasers for large scale manufacturing. The fundamentals of laser-matter-interaction as well as processing strategies and the required system technology are discussed for these laser sources with respect to precise materials processing. Finally, different applications within medicine, measurement technology or materials processing are highlighted.

Femtosecond technology, with its ultrashort light pulses, forms an innovative laser technology which can be used for multiple technical applications. The book gives a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of femtosecond lasers, especially applied to medicine and to production technology. The principles and features of such femtosecond technology are described. The lasers, systems and technologies that are required in these potential fields of application are investigated. The advantages and problems of ultrashort laser pulses are discussed in more detail in the context of applications in the micro-machining of technical materials such as drilling, surface structuring and cutting, in medical use like dental, ophthalmologic, neurological and otolaryngological applications, in metrology, and in the generation of x-rays. Safety aspects are also considered.