This book deals with laser techniques for materials processing. It contains the basics, practical realization and applications of this technique. The book is valuable for process engineers, applied physicists and advanced students. This book explains in detail the technical and physical basic principles of solid-state lasers for material processing. The characteristic parameters of laser beams, such as beam quality, power and efficiency, are related to parameters of practical use. Conventional applications of high power lasers, such as laser welding, cutting and scribing, as well as the basics of laser-matter interactions, are also discussed in the book. The types of lasers considered include: high power Nd, Yb:YAG, Nd-glass lamp- or laserdiode-pumped. Data on potential materials for solid-state lasers such as alexandrite, GGG, YVO, YLF and others are presented. Aspectys of laser device design, for example, beam optics and beam guiding by fiber, are discussed. Many tables and graphics make this a useful handbook for scientists, process engineers, laser physicists and advanced students.

 "Takes the reader on a journey that covers all the basic science and engineering related to the topic of developing a solid-state laser for common materials processing problems. The emphasis is on addressing the important issues that an optical engineer will encounter in trying to develop, and then apply, a solid-state laser in the context of this field...The author has managed to successfully cover all the salient points without losing sight of the complete picture. I found the book easy to read and technically sound. Entrants to the field will certainly find it a book to keep for future reference."

-- OPTICS & PHOTONICS NEWS