Industrial lasers and their applications

An introduction to optical radiation processes is provided, taking into account emission processes, fluorescence, stimulated emission, and questions of laser operation. Laser characteristics are discussed along with materials and components used in laser systems and aspects related to safety considerations. Industrial lasers considered include solid-state lasers, gas lasers, dye lasers, and semiconductor lasers. Questions of industrial laser applications are explored, giving attention to the use of lasers in metrology, the manufacture of electronic components, medical applications, inspection techniques, pollution detection, analytical techniques, holography, communications, and information processing.