Laser-based optical spectroscopies are powerful and versatile techniques that are continuing to evolve and find new applications. This book presents reviews of recent progress in our understanding of the spectra and dynamical processes of optically excited states of condensed matter, focusing on the advances made possible by the application of laser-based optical spectroscopies. Reviews are given of the optical properties of crystalline and amorphous semiconducting materials and structures, the properties of defect centers in insulators, two-photon nonlinear processes in insulators, optical energy diffusion in inorganic materials, and relaxation in organic materials. The individual chapters emphasize the methodology common to the various investigations. The volume is designed to be suitable as an introduction to applied laser spectroscopy of solids, as well as providing an update on the status of the field.

Inhalt
Introduction: Advances in the laser spectroscopy of solids.- The puzzle of two-photon rare earth spectra in solids.- Optical energy transfer in insulators.- Laser spectroscopy of color centers.- Dynamics of molecular crystal vibrations.- Laser spectroscopy of crystalline semiconductors.- Laser spectroscopy of amorphous semiconductors.