Laser Chemistry Spectroscopy, Dynamics and Applications [Paperback]

Laser Chemistry: Spectroscopy, Dynamics and Applications provides a basic introduction to the subject, written for students and other novices. It assumes little in the way of prior knowledge, and carefully guides the reader through the important theory and concepts whilst introducing key techniques and applications.Preface.

About the authors.

Chapter 1 Introduction.

1.1 Basic concepts in laser chemistry.

1.2 Organization of the book.

Part 1 Principles of lasers and laser systems.

Chapter 2 Atoms and molecules, and their interaction with light waves.

2.1 Quantum states, energy levels and wave functions.

2.2 Dipole transitions and transition probabilities.

2.3 Einstein coefficients and excited-state lifetimes.

2.4 Spectroscopic line shapes.

2.5 The polarization of light waves.

2.6 Basic concepts of coherence.

2.7 Coherent superposition of quantum states and the concept of wave packets.

Chapter 3 The basics of lasers.

3.1 Fundamentals of laser action.

3.2 Laser resonators.

3.3 Frequency and spatial properties of laser radiation.

3.4 Gain in continuous-wave and pulsed lasers.

3.5 Q-switching and the generation of nanosecond pulses.

3.6 Mode locking and the generation of picosecond and femtosecond pulses.

Chapter 4 Laser systems.

4.1 Fixed-wavelength gas lasers: helium–neon, rare-gas ion and excimer lasers.

4.2 Fixed-wavelength solid-state lasers: the Nd:YAG laser.

4.3 Tuneable dye laser systems.

4.4 TulC0