Solid-State Lasers for Materials Processing: Fundamental Relations and Technical Realizations

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.