The laser, initially called the "optical maser," was proposed in 1958 by Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow; in 1960, Theodore Maiman was the first among several researchers to achieve laser oscillation by using a ruby crystal. In the following quarter of a century, a considerable amount of re search and development has taken place, and the laser is now utilized for many diverse applications, ranging from the commonplace compact disk to intricate surgical applications in medicine. Since I first entered the laboratory of Professor Yasuharu Suematsu in 1962 to complete my thesis, I have been studying the new field of laser optics. In spite of many expectations and a vast investment in research, the first practical use of lasers was difficult to of Univ. Erlangen once jokingly achieve. The late Professor K. H. Zchauer remarked that laser was defined by an English physicist as "Less Application of Stimulated Expensive Research. " In a similiar vein, Dr. Herwig Kogelnik reminded me that in the early 1960s, maser was often called "Money Acqui sition Scheme for Expensive Research. " Initially I worked with a ruby laser, then with a helium-neon-gas laser, and am presently engaged in semiconductor laser research. There are proba bly not a large number of researchers who have had the opportunity to build these three representative types of lasers. My primary objective of study lies in optical communications however, and therefore, I have been approaching the laser mainly as a lightwave propagator.

Process Technology for Semiconductor Lasers describes the design principles of semiconductor lasers, mainly from the fabrication point of view. A review is given of the history of semiconductor-laser development and applications and of the materials used in lasing at short to long wavelengths. The basic design principles for semiconductor-laser devices and the epitaxy for laser production are discussed. An entire chapter is devoted to the technology of liquid-phase epitaxy, and another one to vapor-phase and beam epitaxies. The characterizations of laser materials and the fabrication and characteristics of semiconductor lasers are treated. Mode-control techniques are presented, and surface-emitting lasers are introduced in the final chapter.

Explains in detail the basics, theory, design, fabrication, and operation of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers. All the chapters are written by pioneers and key experts who have exclusive access to the most up-to-date innovations in the respective fields.

Vertival-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are one of the most promising new developments in laser physics. Covering such a wide range of topics such as operation principles, design considerations and performance measurements, this book is the first of its kind in that it provides readers with a comprehensive account of the latest technological developments in VCSEL devices. In fact, all the chapters are written by pioneers and key experts who have exclusive access to the most up-to-date innovations in the respective fields. Readers will come to appreciate to all the crucial aspects of VCSEL devices. Theories and simulations as well as experiments are discussed in the book.

Discover the history behind the semiconductor laser diode that has enabled so many of the modern optomechanical devices we enjoy - the vertical cavity surface emitting laser - and its creator, Kenichi Iga. Translated from the original Japanese edition, this book charts a course through the author's life and the evolution of the laser industry, exploring the scientific, economic, and personal developments that have occurred over the last sixty years.

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology relies on the fact that optical fibres can carry many wavelengths of light without interaction between each wavelength. Thus, a single fibre can carry many separate wavelength signals or channels simultaneously. This title covers all key active optical components required for current and next generation communication systems.;Its aim is to help the reader to choose the right device for a given system application, as well as aiding engineers working in optical communication area, (from system to component) to understand the principle and mechanics of each key component they deal with for optical system design. It covers different laser diodes as transmitter and pumping sources, different modulators and different photodetectors, and highlights the operating principles of each component, fabrication technologies and packaging/module technologies.

As optical technologies move closer to the core of modern computer architecture, there arise many challenges in building optical capabilities from the network to the motherboard. Rapid advances in integrated optics technologies are making this a reality. However, no comprehensive, up-to-date reference is available to the technologies and principles underlying the field. The Encyclopedic Handbook of Integrated Optics fills this void, collecting the work of 53 leading experts into a compilation of the most important concepts, phenomena, technologies, and terms covering all related fields. This unique book consists of two types of entries: the first is a detailed, full-length description; the other, a concise overview of the topic. Additionally, the coverage can be divided into four broad areas: -A survey of the basics of integrated optics, exploring theory, practical concerns, and the fundamentals behind optical devices -Focused discussion on devices and components such as arrayed waveguide grating, various types of lasers, optical amplifiers, and optoelectronic devices -In-depth examination of subsystems including MEMS, optical pickup, and planar lightwave circuits -Finally, systems considerations such as multiplexing, demultiplexing, 3R circuits, transmission, and reception Offering a broad and complete treatment of the field, the Encyclopedic Handbook of Integrated Optics is the complete guide to the fundamentals, principles, and applications of integrated optics technology.

Developed from a lecture series for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in information processing and applied electronics, sets out the fundamental principles and optical behavior of lasers that need to be understood for industrial laser use. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, O