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.

There has been tremendous progress lately in the field of III-nitride (GaN, AlN, InN) semiconductors and their device applications. For example, the invention of III-nitride-based blue laser diodes was the key to a new high-density data storage technology, the Blue-ray disc. Concurrently, improvements in III-nitride-based solid state light sources have led to their use in an increasing number of illumination applications, moving steadily toward the goal of general lighting. This book focuses on three emerging areas for III-nitride applications - chemical and biological sensing, energy conversion and controlled light-matter interactions and was based on the potential for these applications to improve our quality of life, as well as the superior material properties III-nitrides offer in terms of high chemical stability, excellent biocompatibility, efficient light absorption from the complete solar spectrum and strong light-matter coupling. Topics include: chemical and biological sensing; surface and interface properties; electronic devices; energy conversion; controlled light-matter interactions; light-emitting diodes and growth and processing.

There has been tremendous progress lately in the field of III-nitride (GaN, AlN, InN) semiconductors and their device applications. For example, the invention of III-nitride-based blue laser diodes was the key to a new high-density data storage technology, the Blue-ray disc. Concurrently, improvements in III-nitride-based solid state light sources have led to their use in an increasing number of illumination applications, moving steadily toward the goal of general lighting. This book focuses on three emerging areas for III-nitride applications - chemical and biological sensing, energy conversion and controlled light-matter interactions and was based on the potential for these applications to improve our quality of life, as well as the superior material properties III-nitrides offer in terms of high chemical stability, excellent biocompatibility, efficient light absorption from the complete solar spectrum and strong light-matter coupling. Topics include: chemical and biological sensing; surface and interface properties; electronic devices; energy conversion; controlled light-matter interactions; light-emitting diodes and growth and processing.