A comprehensive, up-to-date review of the physics and applications of a major class of laser, the most important example of which is the copper vapour laser. A collection of 50 papers written by the world's leaders in the field. Papers cover: the early history of pulsed metal vapour lasters; the plasma kinetics and excitation mechanisms of self terminating and recombination metal vapour lasers; beam quality issues for applications; frequency harmonic generation for mid-UV applications; high-precision processing of metals, ceramics, glasses and plastics using metal vapour lasers; applications in medicine, including oncology and dermatology; applications in science such as spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. A practical source of information on the physics, engineering and applications of metal vapour lasers. Audience: scientists, teachers and graduate researchers working in the fields of gas lasers, laser optics, gas discharges, optoelectronics and laser applications in industry, science and medicine.

Inhalt

Preface. Introduction. 1. Historical Viewpoints. 2. Physics of Pulsed Metal Vapour Lasers. 3. Laser Characteristics and Operation. 4. Modelling Metal Vapour Lasers. 5. Optical Resonators and Beam Quality. 6. Frequency Extension. 7. Applications in Industry. 8. Applications in Medicine. 9. Applications in Science & Technology. 10. Collated Characteristics of Some Commercial Pulsed Metal Vapour Lasers. 11. Contact List of Participants. Index.