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Laser Beam Shaping Applications (Optical Science and Engineering #1)
by Fred M. Dickey and Todd E. LizotteThis new edition details the important features of beam shaping and exposes the subtleties of the theory and techniques that are best demonstrated through proven applications. New chapters cover illumination light shaping in optical lithography; optical micro-manipulation of live mammalian cells through trapping, sorting, and transfection; and laser beam shaping through fiber optic beam delivery. The book discusses applications in lithography, laser printing, optical data storage, stable isotope separation, and spatially dispersive lasers. It also provides a history of the field and includes extensive references.
Laser Capture Microdissection
by Graeme I. MurrayLaser microdissection techniques have revolutionized the ability of researchers in general, and pathologists in particular, to carry out molecular analysis on specific types of normal and diseased cells and to fully utilize the power of current molecular technologies including PCR, microarrays, and proteomics. In second edition of Laser Capture Microdissection: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field provide the reader with practical advice on how to carry out tissue-based laser microdissection successfully in their own laboratory using the different laser microdissection systems that are available and to apply a wide range of molecular technologies. The individual chapters encompass detailed descriptions of the individual laser based micro-dissection systems. The downstream applications of the laser microdissected tissue described in the book include PCR in its many different forms as well as gene expression analysis including application to microarrays and proteomics. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology(tm) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Laser Capture Microdissection: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is an ideal resource for researchers striving to move forward our understanding of normal physiology and pathology.
Laser Cladding
by Amir Khajepour Ehsan Toyserkani Stephen F. CorbinLaser Cladding reviews the techniques and equipment, process modeling and control, and the physical metallurgy of alloying and solidification during laser cladding. The authors clarify the interconnections laser cladding has with CAD/CAM design; automation and robotics; sensors, feedback, and control; physics material science, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and powder metallurgy. As the first book entirely dedicated to the topic, it also offers a history of its development and a guide to applications and market opportunities. The book also compiles valuable information illustrated with real case studies based on the authors' experience.
Laser Cladding of Metals
by Pasquale CavaliereLaser cladding is an additive manufacturing technology capable of producing coatings due to the surface fusion of metals. The selected powder is fed into a focused laser beam to be melted and deposited as coating. This allows to apply material in a selected way onto those required sections of complex components. The process main properties are the production of a perfect metallurgically bonded and fully dense coatings; the minimal heat affected zone and low dilution between the substrate and filler material resulting in functional coatings that perform at reduced thickness, so fewer layers are applied; fine, homogeneous microstructure resulting from the rapid solidification rate that promotes wear resistance of carbide coatings; near net-shape weld build-up requires little finishing effort; extended weldability of sensitive materials like carbon-rich steels or nickel-based superalloys that are difficult or even impossible to weld using conventional welding processes; post-weld heat treatment is often eliminated as the small heat affected zone minimizes component stress; excellent process stability and reproducibility because it is numerical controlled welding process. The typical applications are the dimensional restoration; the wear and corrosion protection; additive manufacturing. The wide range of materials that can be deposited and its suitability for treating small areas make laser cladding particularly appropriate to tailor surface properties to local service requirements and it opens up a new perspective for surface engineered materials. The main key aspect to be scientifically and technologically explored are the type of laser; the powders properties; the processing parameters; the consequent microstructural and mechanical properties of the processed material; the capability of fabrication of prototypes to rapid tooling and rapid manufacturing.Distills critical concepts, methods, and applications from leading full-length chapters, along with the authors’s own deep understanding of the material taught, into a concise yet rigorous graduate and advanced undergraduate text;Reinforces concepts covered with detailed solutions to illuminating and challenging industrial applications;Discusses current and future applications of laser cladding in additive manufacturing.
Laser Communication with Constellation Satellites, UAVs, HAPs and Balloons: Fundamentals and Systems Analysis for Global Connectivity
by Arun K. MajumdarThis book presents posits a solution to the current limitations in global connectivity by introducing a global laser/optical communication system using constellation satellites, UAVs, HAPs and Balloons. The author outlines how this will help to satisfy the tremendous increasing demand for data exchange and information between end-users worldwide including in remote locations. The book provides both fundamentals and the advanced technology development in establishing worldwide communication and global connectivity using, (I) All-Optical technology, and (ii) Laser/Optical Communication Constellation Satellites (of different types, sizes and at different orbits), UAVs, HAPs (High Altitude Platforms) and Balloons. The book discusses step-by-step methods to develop a satellite backbone in order to interconnect a number of ground nodes clustered within a few SD-WAN (software-defined networking) in a wide area network (WAN) around the world in order to provide a fully-meshed communication network. This book pertains to anyone in optical communications, telecommunications, and system engineers, as well as technical managers in the aerospace industry and the graduate students, and researchers in academia and research laboratory.Proposed a solution to the limitations in global connectivity through a global laser/optical communication system using constellation satellites, UAVs, HAPs and Balloons;Provides both fundamentals and the advanced technology development in establishing global communication connectivity using optical technology and communication constellation satellites;Includes in-depth coverage of the basics of laser/optical communication constellation satellites.
Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry Based on Nanophotonic Structure: From Material Design to Mechanistic Understanding (Springer Theses)
by Moon-Ju KimThis book presents innovative laser desorption ionization (LDI)-active nanophotonic structures for addressing the challenges that matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is currently facing and for enhancing LDI efficiency. It presents a variety of cutting-edge nanophotonic structures to satisfy the mass-analytical needs of sensitivity, reproducibility, and quantification. As opposed to the commercialized, conventional organic matrix used in MALDI-MS, these nanostructures are validated to be highly effective in detecting small metabolites and drugs, highlighting their considerable potential in the mass spectrometry field. It also systematically elucidates fundamental LDI processes in terms of the photo-thermal, electronic, and structural characteristics of nanophotonic structures, offering mechanistic knowledge of LDI-MS. Even though LDI-MS performance is heavily influenced by a number of nanostructure parameters, relatively little is known about the LDI processes associated with those characteristics. An in-depth understanding of nanostructure characteristics and LDI mechanisms thus paves the way for more effective, rational design and development of nanostructures with improved LDI capabilities. Further, with a focus on multiple cascades in nanostructure functions in response to laser pulse stimuli, this book provides detailed, step-by-step procedures to design and construct a nanophotonic, LDI-active platform, which may serve as a roadmap for graduate students in the field of mass spectrometry. Readers, including graduate students, researchers, and experts working in the related areas of mass spectrometry, nanophotonics, and material science and material engineering, will find a wealth of useful information in this book.
Laser Diagnostics for Combustion Temperature and Species
by Alan C. EckbrethThis book examines the variety of potential laser diagnostic techniques and presents a considerable theoretical foundation elucidating physics relevant to the laser diagnostics. It explains the Raman-based approaches for major species and temperature measurements.
Laser Diode Beam Basics, Manipulations and Characterizations
by Haiyin SunMany optical design technical books are available for many years which mainly deal with image optics design based on geometric optics and using sequential raytracing technique. Some books slightly touched laser beam manipulation optics design. On the other hand many books on laser diodes have been published that extensively deal with laser diode physics with little touching on laser diode beam manipulations and characterizations. There are some internet resources dealing with laser diode beams. However, these internet resources have not covered enough materials with enough details on laser diode beam manipulations and characterizations. A technical book concentrated on laser diode beam manipulations and characterizations can fit in to the open and provide useful information to laser diode users. Laser Diode Beam Basics, Manipulations and Characterizations is concentrated on the very practical side of the subject, it only discusses the basic physics and mathematics that are necessary for the readers in order to understand the subject. This book is intended to provide a practical guidance and reference to those scientists and engineers who are still new to laser diode applications, and to those undergraduate and graduate students who are studying lasers and optics. Readers are expected to be able to fast and easily find the most practical and useful information about laser diodes in this book without the need of searching through a sea of information.
Laser Diodes and Their Applications to Communications and Information Processing
by Takahiro NumaiIn order to develop excellent photonic devices, we have to fully understand the physics behind operations of photonic devices. This book thoroughly teaches the fundamental physics currently applied to the development of photonics devices such as energy bands of semiconductors, optical transitions, optical waveguides, and semiconductor junctions. The book also reviews the characteristics of laser diodes, optical filters, and optical functional devices, which have been developed based on the above physics. These photonic devices have been demonstrated in system applications, and several experimental results are described.
Laser Doppler Vibrometry: A Multimedia Guide to its Features and Usage
by Paolo Castellini Enrico Primo TomasiniThis book is a continuous learning tool for experienced technical staff facing laser vibrometry technology for the first time. The book covers both theoretical aspects and practical applications of laser Doppler vibrometry, and is accompanied by a multimedia presentation that allows the audience to browse the content and come as close as possible to performing real experiments. After a brief introduction, Chapter 2 presents supporting theory, providing general information on light sources, light scattering and interference for a better understanding of the rest of the book. Chapter 3 examines the theory of laser vibrometers, explaining interferometers from an optical perspective and in terms of the related electronics. It also addresses options like tracking filters and different signal demodulation strategies, since these have a significant impact on the practical use of vibrometers. Chapter 4 explores the configurations that are encountered in today’s instrumentation, with a focus on providing practical suggestions on the use of laser vibrometers. Lastly, Chapter 5 investigates metrology for vibration and shock measurements using laser interferometry, and analyses the uncertainty of laser vibrometers in depth.
Laser Doppler Vibrometry for Non-Contact Diagnostics (Bioanalysis #9)
by Kristian KroschelThis book presents recent outcomes of the collaborative “Tricorder” project, which brings together partners from industry, research institutes and hospitals to deliver an easy contactless alternative for electrocardiograms (ECG).Featuring contributions investigating the possible applications of laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) signals for the remote measurement of vital parameters of the heart, the book provides insights into the vision and the history of the "Tricorder" project and the basic differences between the vibrocardiograms and electrocardiograms. It also discusses topics such as signal processing, heartbeat measurement techniques, respiration frequency and oxygen saturation determination, with a particular focus on the diagnostic value of the method presented, e.g., diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and estimation of the oxygen saturation in premature infants. Further, the authors review the advantages and drawbacks of the new method and the specific fields of application.This book will appeal to researchers and industry leaders interested in laser remote sensing for medical applications as well as medical professionals curious about new healthcare technologies.
Laser Drilling
by Bekir Sami YilbasThis book introduces laser drilling processes including modelling, quality assessment of drilled holes, and laser drilling applications. It provides insights into the laser drilling process and relation among the drilling parameters pertinent to improved end product quality. This book is written for engineers and scientists working on laser machining, particularly laser drilling.
Laser Filamentation
by Andre D. Bandrauk Emmanuel Lorin Jerome V. MoloneyThis book is focused on the nonlinear theoretical and mathematical problems associated with ultrafast intense laser pulse propagation in gases and in particular, in air. With the aim of understanding the physics of filamentation in gases, solids, the atmosphere, and even biological tissue, specialists in nonlinear optics and filamentation from both physics and mathematics attempt to rigorously derive and analyze relevant non-perturbative models. Modern laser technology allows the generation of ultrafast (few cycle) laser pulses, with intensities exceeding the internal electric field in atoms and molecules (E=5x109 V/cm or intensity I = 3. 5 x 1016 Watts/cm2 ). The interaction of such pulses with atoms and molecules leads to new, highly nonlinear nonperturbative regimes, where new physical phenomena, such as High Harmonic Generation (HHG), occur, and from which the shortest (attosecond - the natural time scale of the electron) pulses have been created. One of the major experimental discoveries in this nonlinear nonperturbative regime, Laser Pulse Filamentation, was observed by Mourou and Braun in 1995, as the propagation of pulses over large distances with narrow and intense cones. This observation has led to intensive investigation in physics and applied mathematics of new effects such as self-transformation of these pulses into white light, intensity clamping, and multiple filamentation, as well as to potential applications to wave guide writing, atmospheric remote sensing, lightning guiding, and military long-range weapons. The increasing power of high performance computers and the mathematical modelling and simulation of photonic systems has enabled many new areas of research. With contributions by theorists and mathematicians, supplemented by active experimentalists who are experts in the field of nonlinear laser molecule interaction and propagation, Laser Filamentation sheds new light on scientific and industrial applications of modern lasers.
Laser Forming and Welding Processes
by Shahzada Zaman Shuja Bekir Sami Yilbas Sohail AkhtarThis book introduces model studies and experimental results associated with laser forming and welding such as laser induced bending, welding of sheet metals, and related practical applications. The book provides insight into the physical processes involved with laser forming and welding. The analytical study covers the formulation of laser induced bending while the model study demonstrates the simulation of bending and welding processes using the finite element method. Analytical and numerical solutions for laser forming and welding problems are provided.
Laser Fundamentals
by William T. SilfvastLaser Fundamentals provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the physical and engineering principles of laser operation and design. Simple explanations, based throughout on key underlying concepts, lead the reader logically from the basics of laser action to advanced topics in laser physics and engineering. Much new material has been added to this second edition, especially in the areas of solid-state lasers, semiconductor lasers, and laser cavities. This 2004 edition contains a new chapter on laser operation above threshold, including extensive discussion of laser amplifiers. The clear explanations, worked examples, and many homework problems will make this book invaluable to undergraduate and first-year graduate students in science and engineering taking courses on lasers. The summaries of key types of lasers, the use of many unique theoretical descriptions, and the extensive bibliography will also make this a valuable reference work for researchers.
Laser Heat-Mode Lithography: Principle and Methods (Springer Series in Materials Science #291)
by Jingsong WeiThis book provides a systematic description and analysis of laser heat-mode lithography, addressing the basic principles, lithography system, manipulation of feature size, grayscale lithography, resist thin films, and pattern transfer, while also presenting typical experimental results and applications. It introduces laser heat-mode lithography, where the resist thin films are essentially an opto-thermal response to the laser beam with changeable wavelength and are not sensitive to laser wavelength. Laser heat-mode lithography techniques greatly simplify production procedures because they require neither a particular light source nor a particular environment; further, there are no pre-baking and post-baking steps required for organic photoresists. The pattern feature size can be either larger or smaller than the laser spot by adjusting the writing strategy. The lithographic feature size can also be arbitrarily tuned from nanoscale to micrometer without changing the laser spot size. Lastly, the line edge roughness can be controlled at a very low value because the etching process is a process of breaking bonds among atoms. The book offers an invaluable reference guide for all advanced undergraduates, graduate students, researchers and engineers working in the fields of nanofabrication, lithography techniques and systems, phase change materials, etc.
Laser Heating of Metals
by A. M. ProkhorovIn order to ensure efficient use of lasers, and for any large-scale implementation, a thorough knowledge of the fundamental laws governing the interaction of radiation with matter is required. Laser Heating of Metals provides a systematic and comprehensive presentation of the fundamental principles underlying the physical and chemical mechanisms governing the interaction of laser radiation with solid targets, and in particular metals in gaseous environments, for a wide range of beam parameters. The authors have been active in the field of interactions between lasers and materials for many years, and this book summarises the results of their work, in particular concerning the action of CO2 lasers on metals. These results are then discussed at some length. Laser Heating of Materials will be of interest to scientists at all levels with an interest in the interaction of radiation with condensed matter, and in particular to those involved in laser cutting and welding etc, and metal-working.
Laser in Manufacturing: Select Papers From Aimtdr 2016 (Wiley-iste Ser.)
by J. Paulo DavimGenerally a laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) is defined as “a device which uses a quantum mechanical effect, stimulated emission, to generate a coherent beam of light from a lasing medium of controlled purity, size, and shape”. Laser material processing represents a great number of methods, which are rapidly growing in current and different industrial applications as new alternatives to traditional manufacturing processes. Nowadays, the use of lasers in manufacturing is an emerging area with a wide variety of applications, for example, in electronics, molds and dies, and biomedical applications. The purpose of this book is to present a collection of examples illustrating the state of the art and research developments to lasers in manufacturing, covering laser rapid manufacturing, lasers in metal forming applications, laser forming of metal foams, mathematical modeling of laser drilling, thermal stress analysis, modeling and simulation of laser welding, and the use of lasers in surface engineering. This book can be used as a research book for a final undergraduate engineering course or as a subject on lasers in manufacturing at the postgraduate level. Also, this book can serve as a useful reference for academics, laser researchers, mechanical, manufacturing, materials or physics engineers, or professionals in any related modern manufacturing technology. Contents 1. Laser Rapid Manufacturing: Technology, Applications, Modeling and Future Prospects, Christ P. Paul, Pankaj Bhargava, Atul Kumar, Ayukt K. Pathak and Lalit M. Kukreja. 2. Lasers in Metal Forming Applications, Stephen A. Akinlabi, Mukul Shukla, Esther T. Akinlabi and Tshilidzi Marwala. 3. Laser Forming of Metal Foams, Fabrizio Quadrini, Denise Bellisario, Erica A. Squeo and Loredana Santo. 4. Mathematical Modeling of Laser Drilling, Maturose Suchatawat and Mohammad Sheikh. 5. Laser Cutting a Small Diameter Hole: Thermal Stress Analysis, Bekir S. Yilbas, Syed S. Akhtar and Omer Keles. 6. Modeling and Simulation of Laser Welding, Karuppudaiyar R. Balasabramanian, Krishnasamy Sankaranarayanasamy and Gangusami N. Buvanashekaran. 7. Lasers in Surface Engineering, Alberto H. Garrido, Rubén González, Modesto Cadenas, Chin-Pei Wang and Farshid Sadeghi.
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy in Biological, Forensic and Materials Sciences
by Gábor GalbácsThis book offers a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the area of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), focusing on its application to biological, forensic and materials sciences. LIBS, which was previously mainly used by physicists, chemists and in the industry, has now become a very useful tool with great potential in these other fields as well. LIBS has a unique set of characteristics including minimal destructiveness, remote sensing capabilities, potential portability, extremely high information content, trace analytical sensitivity and high throughput. With its content divided into two main parts, this book provides not only an introduction to the analytical capabilities and methodology, but also an overview of the results of recent applications in the above fields. The application-oriented, multidisciplinary approach of this work is also reflected in the diversity of the expert contributors. Given its breadth, this book will appeal to students, researchers and professionals interested in solving analytical/diagnostic/material characterization tasks with the application of LIBS.
Laser-Induced Damage of Optical Materials (Series In Optics And Optoelectronics Ser.)
by Roger M. WoodThe laser power handling capacities of optical systems are determined by the physical properties of their component materials. At low intensity levels these factors are not important, but an understanding of damage mechanisms is fundamental to good design of laser products operating at high power. Laser Induced Damage of Optical Materials presents
Laser Inter-Satellite Links Technology
by Jianjun Zhang Jing LiLASER INTER-SATELLITE LINKS TECHNOLOGY State of the art resource covering key technologies and related theories of inter-satellite links Laser Inter-Satellite Links Technology explores satellite networking as a growing topic in the field of communication technology, introducing the definition, types, and working frequency bands of inter-satellite links, discussing the number of orbital elements of the spacecraft motion state under two-body motion and their conversion relationship, and establishing the basic demand model for inter-satellite link network, chain topology model, and transmission protocol model. The book focuses on the analysis and introduction of the principles and error sources of microwave and laser inter-satellite ranging, including the basic composition, workflow, and constraints of the laser inter-satellite link, and related design principles of the inter-satellite laser transmitter and receivers. Later chapters also discuss theories and methods of acquisition, alignment, and tracking, the impact of alignment errors on performance, and inter-satellite link modulation and its implementation. Specific sample topics covered in Laser Inter-Satellite Links Technology include: Pulse position modulation (PPM), differential pulse position modulation (DPPM), digital pulse interval modulation (DPIM), and double-head pulse interval modulation (DH-PIM) Basic demand model of inter-satellite link network application, including basic configuration of constellations and inter-satellite transmission networks Inter-satellite ranging accuracy, principles of microwave inter-satellite ranging, and analysis of microwave ranging error sources Effect of tracking error on the beam distribution at the receiving end and influence of tracking and pointing error on communication error rate Laser Inter-Satellite Links Technology serves a completely comprehensive resource on the subject and is a must-have reference for experts and scholars in aerospace, along with graduates and senior undergraduates in related programs of study.
Laser Interaction with Biological Material
by Kirill KulikovThis book covers the principles of laser interaction with biological cells and tissues of varying degrees of organization. The problems of biomedical diagnostics are considered. Scattering of laser irradiation of blood cells is modeled for biological structures (dermis, epidermis, vascular plexus). An analytic theory is provided which is based on solving the wave equation for the electromagnetic field. It allows the accurate analysis of interference effects arising from the partial superposition of scattered waves. Treated topics of mathematical modeling are: optical characterization of biological tissue with large-scale and small-scale inhomogeneities in the layers, heating blood vessel under laser irradiation incident on the outer surface of the skin and thermo-chemical denaturation of biological structures at the example of human skin.
Laser Interaction with Heterogeneous Biological Tissue: Mathematical Modeling (Biological and Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering)
by Kirill Kulikov Tatiana KoshlanThis book introduces readers to the principles of laser interaction with biological cells and tissues with varying degrees of organization. In addition to considering the problems of biomedical cell diagnostics, and modeling the scattering of laser irradiation of blood cells for biological structures (dermis, epidermis, vascular plexus), it presents an analytic theory based on solving the wave equation for the electromagnetic field. It discusses a range of mathematical modeling topics, including optical characterization of biological tissue with large-scale and small-scale inhomogeneities in the layers; heating blood vessels using laser irradiation on the outer surface of the skin; and thermo-chemical denaturation of biological structures based on the example of human skin. In this second edition, a new electrodynamic model of the interaction of laser radiation with blood cells is presented for the structure of cells and the in vitro prediction of optical properties. The approach developed makes it possible to determine changes in cell size as well as modifications in their internal structures, such as transformation and polymorphism nucleus scattering, which is of interest for cytological studies. The new model is subsequently used to calculate the size distribution function of irregular-shape particles with a variety of forms and structures, which allows a cytological analysis of the observed deviations from normal cells.
The Laser Inventor
by Theodore H. MaimanIn these engaging memoirs of a maverick, Theodore H. Maiman describes the life events leading to his invention of the laser in 1960. Maiman succeeded using his expertise in physics and engineering along with an ingenious and elegant design not anticipated by others. His pink ruby laser produced mankind's first-ever coherent light and has provided transformational technology for commerce, industry, telecom, the Internet, medicine, and all the sciences. Maiman also chronicles the resistance from his employer and the ongoing intrigue by competing researchers in industry and academia seeking to diminish his contribution in inventing the first laser. This work will appeal to a wide readership, from physicists and engineers through science enthusiasts to general readers. The volume includes extensive photos and documentary materials related to Maiman's life and accomplishments never before published. "No one beat Maiman to the laser. How important is the laser? How important are all lasers? That is how important we have to regard Maiman's contribution. He and the laser changed all of our lives, everyone's!" Dr. Nick Holonyak, Jr. , Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics, University of Illinois at Champaigne-Urbana, and inventor of the light-emitting diode (LED) and co-inventor of the transistor laser "More than five decades later, we can safely conclude that Theodore Maiman's groundbreaking discovery changed the world. Our modern life just as scientific research would be quite different without the laser. " Dr. Ferenc Krausz, Director, Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics, Garching, Germany, and Professor of Physics, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, and pioneer in attosecond lasers and attophysics "Maiman had the stroke of genius needed to take a different approach [from his competitors]. The sheer elegance and simplicity of his design belies the intellectual achievement it represents. If his invention seems obvious to some today, it was far from obvious in 1960. " Jeff Hecht, authoritative science writer on the historical development of the laser, author of books on lasers and fiber optics
Laser Material Processing
by Jyotirmoy Mazumder William M. Steen Kenneth G. WatkinsThe informal style of Laser Material Processing (4th Edition) will guide you smoothly from the basics of laser physics to the detailed treatment of all the major materials processing techniques for which lasers are now essential. * Helps you to understand how the laser works and to decide which laser is best for your purposes. * New chapters on laser physics, drilling, micro- and nanomanufacturing and biomedical laser processing reflect the changes in the field since the last edition, updating and completing the range of practical knowledge about the processes possible with lasers already familiar to established users of this well-known text. * Provides a firm grounding in the safety aspects of laser use. * Now with end-of-chapter exercises to help students assimilate information as they learn. * The authors' lively presentation is supported by a number of original cartoons by Patrick Wright and Noel Ford which will bring a smile to your face and ease the learning process.