Part I Fundamentals of Lasers
1 Introduction
2 Basic Optics
2.1 Introduction
2.2 The Wave Equation
2.3 Linearly Polarized Waves
2.4 Circularly and Elliptically Polarized Waves
2.5 The Diffraction Integral
2.6 Diffraction of a Gaussian Beam
2.7 Intensity Distribution at the Back Focal Plane of a Lens
2.8 Two-Beam Interference
2.9 Multiple Reflections from a Plane Parallel Film
2.10 Modes of the Fabry-Perot Cavity
Problems
3 Elements of Quantum Mechanics
3.1 Introduction
3.2 The One-Dimensional Schrodinger Equation
3.3 The Three-Dimensional Schrolinger Equation
3.4 Physical Interpretation of ψ and Its Normalization .
3.4.1 Density of States
3.5 Expectation Values of Dynamical Quantities
3.6 The Commutator
3.7 Orthogonality of Wave Functions
3.8 Spherically Symmetric Potentials
3.9 The Two-Body Problem
3.9.1 The Hydrogen-Like Atom Problem
Problems
4 Einstein Coefficients and Light Amplification
4.1 Introduction
4.2 The Einstein Coefficients
4.2.1 Absorption and Emission Cross Sections
4.3 Light Amplification
4.4 The Threshold Condition
4.5 Line Broadening Mechanisms
4.5.1 Natural Broadening
4.5.2 Collision Broadening
4.5.3 Doppler Broadening
4.6 Saturation Behavior of Homogeneously and Inhomogeneously Broadened Transitions
4.7 Quantum Theory for the Evaluation of the Transition Rates and Einstein Coefficients
4.7.1 Interaction with Radiation Having a Broad Spectrum
4.7.2 Interaction of a Near-Monochromatic Wave with an Atom Having a Broad Frequency Response .
4.8 More Accurate Solution for the Two-Level System
Problems
5 Laser Rate Equations
5.1 Introduction
5.2 The Two-Level System
5.3 The Three-Level Laser System
5.4 The Four-Level Laser System
5.5 Variation of Laser Power Around Threshold
5.6 Optimum Output Coupling
Problems
6 Semielassical Theory of the Laser
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Cavity Modes
6.3 Polarization of the Cavity Medium
6.3.1 First-Order Theory
6.3.2 Higher Order Theory
7 Optical Resonators
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Modes of a Rectangular Cavity and the Open Planar Resonator
7.3 Spherical Mirror Resonators
7.4 The Quality Factor
7.5 The Ultimate Linewidth of a Laser
7.6 Mode Selection
7.6.1 Transverse Mode Selection
7.6.2 Longitudinal Mode Selection