Principles of Lasers and Optics

Principles of Lasers and optics describes both the fundamental principles of the lasers and the propagation and radiation in bulk and guided-wave components. All solid-state, gas and semiconductor lasers are analyzed uniformly devices with susceptibility originated from quantum mechanical interactions to develop an overall understanding of the coherent nature of laser radiation. The objective of the book is to present lasers and applications of laser radiation from a macroscopic, uniform point of view. Analyses of the unique properties of coherent laser light in optical components are presented together and derived from fundamental principles, to allow students to appreciate the differences and similarities. Topics covered include a discussion of whether laser radiation should be analyzed as natural light or as a guided wave, the macroscopic differences and similarities between various types of lasers, special techniques such as supermodes and 2-D Greens function for planar waveguides, and some unusual analyses. This clearly presented and concise text will be useful for first-year graduates in electrical engineering and physics. It also acts as a reference book on the mathematical and analytical techniques used to understand many opto-electronic applications.