David N. Nikogosyan – författare

Nonlinear optical techniques are now recognized as the most efficient means available to generate laser radiation at wavelengths that are presently inaccessible via conventional sources. This technology uses nonlinear optical crystals for the frequency conversion of laser light. The book contains the most complete and up to date reference material on properties of nonlinear optical crystals, describes their applications, both traditional and specific, and provides the main mathematical formulas necessary for the calculation of the frequency conversion process. It is a vital source of information for scientists and engineers dealing with modern applications of nonlinear optical crystals in quantum electronics, optoelectronics and laser physics.

Properties of Optical and Laser-Related Materials-A Handbook offers the reader a self-contained, concise and up-to-date collection of the key properties of 125 of the most common and important optical materials used in modern optics, laser physics and technology, spectroscopy and laser spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, quantum electronics and laser applications. This comprehensive volume presents not only the classical properties but also those that have appeared in the three decades since the invention of the laser. The presentation of the material is given in a clear tabular form with more than 1000 references. A wide variety of readers, ranging from workers in both industry and academia, to lecturers and students at postgraduate and undergraduate levels, will find Properties of Optical and Laser-Related Materials-A Handbook an invaluable resource.

Nonlinear optical techniques are now recognized as the most efficient means available to generate laser radiation at wavelengths that are presently inaccessible via conventional sources. This technology uses nonlinear optical crystals for the frequency conversion of laser light. The book contains the most complete and up to date reference material on properties of nonlinear optical crystals, describes their applications, both traditional and specific, and provides the main mathematical formulas necessary for the calculation of the frequency conversion process. It is a vital source of information for scientists and engineers dealing with modern applications of nonlinear optical crystals in quantum electronics, optoelectronics and laser physics.

Since the invention of the first laser 30 years ago, the frequency conversion of laser radiation in nonlinear optical crystals has become an important technique widely used in quantum electronics and laser physics for solving various scientific and engineering problems. The fundamental physics of three-wave light interactions in nonlinear optical crystals is now well understood. This has enabled the production of various harmonic generators, sum-and difference­ frequency generators, and optical parametric oscillators based on nonlinear optical crystals that are now commercially available. At the same time, scientists continue an active search for novel, highly efficient nonlinear optical materials. Therefore, in our opinion, there is a great need for a handbook of nonlinear optical crystals, intended for specialists and practitioners with an engineering background. This book contains a complete description of the properties and applications of all nonliner optical crystals of practicalimportance reported in the literature up to the beginning of 1990. In addition, it contains the most important equations for calculating the main parameters (such as phase-matching direction, effective nonlinearity, and conversion efficiency) of nonlinear frequency converters.

Since the invention of the first laser 30 years ago, the frequency conversion of laser radiation in nonlinear optical crystals has become an important technique widely used in quantum electronics and laser physics for solving various scientific and engineering problems. The fundamental physics of three-wave light interactions in nonlinear optical crystals is now well understood. This has enabled the production of various harmonic generators, sum-and difference­ frequency generators, and optical parametric oscillators based on nonlinear optical crystals that are now commercially available. At the same time, scientists continue an active search for novel, highly efficient nonlinear optical materials. Therefore, in our opinion, there is a great need for a handbook of nonlinear optical crystals, intended for specialists and practitioners with an engineering background. This book contains a complete description of the properties and applications of all nonliner optical crystals of practicalimportance reported in the literature up to the beginning of 1990. In addition, it contains the most important equations for calculating the main parameters (such as phase-matching direction, effective nonlinearity, and conversion efficiency) of nonlinear frequency converters.

Four years ago when we had finished our work on the first edition of our Handbook we didn''t even suppose that three years later it would become necessary to greatly revise and update the material. It happened because of the following developments. 1. The invention and tremendous development of modern nonlinear optical crystals such as BBO, LBO, KTP, ZnGeP , etc. 2 2. Rapid progress in laser techniques (femtosecond CPM laser, Ti: sapphire laser, diode-pumped solid-state lasers, etc.). 3. The appearence of numerous organic crystals which can be synthesized with predictable properties. 4. Progress in the theory of nonlinear frequency conversion utilizing biaxial crystals, femtosecond pulses, etc. 5. Accumulation of new data on the properties of nonlinear optical crystals. In accordance with the above, we have made many changes in the text. The first chapter was revised by D.N. Nikogosyan, the second one by V.G. Dmitriev and D.N. Nikogosyan, and the fourth one by G.G. Gurzadyan. The third chapter, containing the main reference material on 77 nonlinear optical crystals was completely rewritten and updated by D.N. Nikogosyan. The Appendix containing the list of most commonly used laser wavelengths was compiled by D.N. Nikogosyan. We would appreciate any valuable comments and recommendations that will allow us to further improve the Handbook. We would like to thank H.K.V. Lotsch for fruitful and long-lasting cooperation.

Since the invention of the first laser 30 years ago, the frequency conversion of laser radiation in nonlinear optical crystals has become an important technique widely used in quantum electronics and laser physics for solving various scientific and engineering problems. The fundamental physics of three-wave light interactions in nonlinear optical crystals is now well understood. This has enabled the production of various harmonic generators, sum-and difference­ frequency generators, and optical parametric oscillators based on nonlinear optical crystals that are now commercially available. At the same time, scientists continue an active search for novel, highly efficient nonlinear optical materials. Therefore, in our opinion, there is a great need for a handbook of nonlinear optical crystals, intended for specialists and practitioners with an engineering background. This book contains a complete description of the properties and applications of all nonliner optical crystals of practicalimportance reported in the literature up to the beginning of 1990. In addition, it contains the most important equations for calculating the main parameters (such as phase-matching direction, effective nonlinearity, and conversion efficiency) of nonlinear frequency converters.