ISBN 978-0-470-08890-6
The third edition of Understanding Lasers is now available. It's an entry-level book, which introduces you to basic laser concepts, optics, types of lasers and laser applications. You can order it direct from Wiley at a discount by downloading the special offer form.
I was trained in electronic engineering at Caltech, and have been writing about lasers for more then 30 years. I've written about optics and lasers for kids, for engineers, and for all sorts of people in between. Understanding Lasers is an introduction for readers who are interested in science and technology, and have been exposed to high-school level science. The math begins is limited to algebra, and concepts are explained intuitively, in words and around 100 diagrams.
The laser is almost 50 years old, and it's come a long way in that time. The gas lasers used in the early days are still around, but the state of the art today are solid-state and semiconductor lasers, like the ones you see on the cover at the right.
The book covers basic concepts needed to understand light and lasers, how lasers work, the key characteristics of lasers, optics, laser types, gas lasers, solid-state and fiber lasers, semiconductor diode lasers, other lasers, low-power laser applications, high-power laser applications, and lasers in research. It also includes chapter quizzes if you want to test your learning, a glossary, a list of handy numbers and formulas, a brief introduction to laser safety, and a list of further readings and resources.
If you go to Amazon, you can read a few pages through the Search Inside feature.
You can find more about my other books at http://www.jeffhecht.com/books.html