The three volumes VIII/1A, B, C document the state of the art of Laser Physics and Applications . Scientific trends and related technological aspects are considered by compiling results and conclusions from phenomenology, observation and experiments. Reliable data, physical fundamentals and detailed references are presented.

In the recent decades the laser source matured to an universal tool common to scientific research as well as to industrial use. Today the main technical goal is the generation of optical power towards shorter wavelengths, shorter pulses, higher efficiency and higher power for applications in science and industry. Tailoring the optical energy in wavelength, space and time is a requirement for the investigation of laser-induced processes, i.e. excitation, non-linear amplification, storage of optical energy, etc. According to the actual trends in laser research and development, Vol. VIII/1 is split into three parts: Vol. VIII/1A with its two subvolumes 1A1 and 1A2 covers laser fundamentals, Vol. VIII/1B with its three subvolumes 1B1, 1B2 and 1B3 deals with laser systems and Vol. VIII/1C gives an overview on laser applications.

Optical Resonators provides a detailed discussion of the properties of optical resonators for lasers from basic theory to recent research. In addition to describing the fundamental theories of resonators such as geometrical optics, diffraction, and polarisation the characteristics of all important resonator schemes and their calculation are presented. Experimental examples, practical problems and a collection of measurement techniques support the comprehensive treatment of the subject. Optical Resonators is the only book currently available that provides a comprehensive overview of the the subject. Combined with the structure of the text and the autonomous nature of the chapters this work will be as suitable for those new to the field as it will be invaluable to specialists conducting research. This second edition has been enlarged by new sections on Q-switching and resonators with internal phase/amplitude control.

Das Buch liefert eine anschauliche Beschreibung der Vorgange beim Schweissen mit Hochleistungs-Lasern und damit die Basis fur die Dimensionierung und Optimierung eines Laserstrahl-Schweissprozesses. Einzelne Effekte werden soweit als moglich separiert und von den Grundlagen bis hin zur Beschreibung durch Naherungsformeln betrachtet. Wo dies nicht moglich ist, werden Untersuchungsmethoden erlautert, welche die Vorgange veranschaulichen und so ein tieferes Verstandnis vermitteln."

Optische Resonatoren werden in allen B}chern }ber Laserphysik behandelt, dort jedoch nur sehr allgemein und unvollst{ndig. Dieses Buch vermittelt demLeser einen konkurrenzlos detaillierten ]berblick }ber Laser-Resonatoren einschlie lich der Wirkung des aktiven Mediums auf die Resonatoreigenschaften. Neben den fundamentalen Grundlagen (Geometriscche Optik, Beugung, Polarisation) werden alle wichtigen Resonatortypen und ihre Berechnung vorgestellt. Experimentelle Beispiele und Me methoden machen den Titel besonders wertvoll f}r jeden, der mit Lasersystemen arbeitet. Eineausf}hrliche Literaturliste erm-glicht ein vertiefendes Studium.