Tunable Laser Applications

F. J. Duarte is a research physicist with Interferometric Optics, Rochester, New York, USA, and an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico, USA. His career as a laser physicist encompasses academia, industry, and the defense establishment. He holds a Ph.D in physics from Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia, where he was a student of the famed quantum physicist J. C. Ward. Dr. Duarte is the author of the generalized multiple-prism dispersion theory, has made unique contributions to the physics and architecture of tunable laser oscillators, and pioneered the use of Dirac’s quantum notation in interferometry, oscillator physics, and classical optics.

"... a comprehensive and detailed foray into tunable lasers and their applications. ... a worthy addition to the bookshelf of the academic or student. I would buy it for chapter two alone."—Tim Schmidt, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia"... stimulating and could lead to self-improvement to Ph.D research scholars, technicians, and students working in the area of robust design of solid-state dye lasers and applications. ... very useful."—Dr. Alok K. Ray, Outstanding Scientist and Head, Tunable Laser Section, Laser and Plasma Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, and Senior Professor, Homi Bhabha National Institute, India"... an encyclopedic compilation ... invaluable for researchers as a work of reference to get a survey of this dynamic field of research or, as the authors state, as a primer for those interested in getting acquainted with this topic."—Andreas Fix, German Aerospace Center (DLR)"The text is written in a clear manner, with each chapter containing references and beautiful illustrations. This book is recommended to anybody working in lasers and their applications in various areas of science." —Optics and Photonics News, September 2016"Duarte, a research physicist with Interferometric Optics and an adjunct professor at the Univ. of New Mexico, is the principal editor and has published extensively in the area of lasers and applications. This updated edition consists of 14 chapters covering a variety of tunable laser systems, spanning organic dye, dye-doped polymer-nanoparticle lasers, semiconductor lasers, and fiber lasers. The first chapter gives a wide overview of tunable laser systems in terms of spectral range, short pulse emission durations, energetic characteristics, and broad application areas. Interspersed with the laser systems are chapters covering applications, such as medical applications, microscopy, imaging, isotope separation, and organic semiconductors. There are two new chapters on microscopy and isotope separation, and many other chapters have been updated. An attractive feature is the extensive bibliography that appears at the end of each chapter. The chapters are geared toward practicing optical scientists and engineers, doctoral students, and faculty in optics and applied physics. A solid background in laser physics is required. The book may have been more useful if an early chapter on the physics of tunable lasers had been included."—CHOICE, December 2016

• Introduction. Spectroscopic Applications of Tunable Optical Parametric Oscillators. Solid-State Organic Dye Lasers. Organic Dye-Doped Polymer-Nanoparticle Tunable Lasers. Broadly Tunable External-Cavity Semiconductor Lasers. Tunable Fiber Lasers. Fiber Laser Overview and Medical Applications. Medical Applications of Organic Dye Lasers. Tunable Laser Microscopy. Interferometric Imaging. Tunable Laser Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation. Coherent Electrically Excited Organic Semiconductors. Multiple-Prism Arrays and Multiple-Prism Beam Expanders: Laser Optics and Scientific Applications. Optical Quantities and Conversions of Units.