Title: Laser Fundamentals Author(s): William T. Silfvast Pages: 666 Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition Publication date: 2004 Language: English Format: DJVU ISBN-10: 0521833450 ISBN-13: Description: Simple explanations lead the reader logically from the basics of laser action to advanced topics in laser physics and engineering in this comprehensive introduction to the physical and engineering principles of laser operation and design. Direct explanations, examples, and many homework problems make this book invaluable to undergraduate and first-year graduate students taking courses on lasers. Summaries of key types of lasers, use of unique theoretical descriptions, and an extensive bibliography also recommend this volume to researchers. First Edition Hb (1996): 0-521-55424-1 First Edition Pb (1996): 0-521-55617-1
Summary: Undergrad EE
Rating: 1
This book is lacking on examples. Sections will drag on for pages with no examples whatsoever. Some of the questions at the end of the chapters, seemingly, have nothing to do with the chapter whatsoever. I would not recommend this course to someone who intends to learn what they need from the book. The index is also a terrible reference. The text also needs to repeat what some variables are. Often times the author will introduce a new variable or a variable with an augmented subscript and not explain what it is. How frustrating.....!
Summary: Buy the Second Edition!!!
Rating: 5
This book is incredible! It will take the reader with an understanding of Calculus and Differential Equations and provide them with inside to a sufficient level of science and notation (from quantum mechanics, Russell-Sauders, etc) and give you all the skills required to design a laser. I have the good fortune of taking the class from the Author, who created the first blue-helium metal vapor laser. His book is providing the insight to the lectures, so I think I could have learned it all just from the text. By the end of this text, I will have designed my first laser, and considering I had never seen one until a few weeks ago... I am fully thankful to this great book, and all the experiences that the contributor gave us. The text has sufficient derivation to see that he's not just dropping down equations, and it is combined with the many figures which explain the physics and actual test data which give you a 'feel' for what is happening. I particularly like the chapter intros that tell you where you are going, but the chapters are packed with information. This was my first formal introducion to quantum mechanics, laser design, material gain, etc. and it is definately coherent. I predict that this book will be in my collection long after my other texts have been donated to other students or colleagues, because I will not part with it.
Summary: Perfect for beginners
Rating: 4
I was looking for a good laser book tried svelto, siegman but they were written at a comparatively higher level, so I found this book, boy! what a relief. I guess the best part of the book is that the author doesn't stress too much on mathematics, electromagnetics or advanced optics. Moreover the early chapters deals with all the fundamentals required to understand lasers (that is covered in later chapters)
Bottomline: If you need a quick yet thorough introduction to lasers, this is the book.
Summary: Check this out too!
Rating: 4
I also recommend Orazio Sveltos book "Principles of Lasers"
Summary: Experience
Rating: 4
This book is one of the best that I have read, and I have read most of them. It is clear and to the point. It is both fundamental and practical. I use it as a reference and dont care much about the small errors it may have. Its advantages far outway its small number of errors. Its not a text book, its not supposed to teach the reader quantum physics or optics. I highly recommend this book for anyone that works with lasers.
-KC, NRL
Title: Laser Fundamentals