Laser Systems Engineering PDF

While almost all of the books that have the word "laser" in their title focus on the development of the lasers themselves, Laser Systems Engineering emphasizes the design and engineering of optical systems that incorporate these unique sources of light. Taking the perspective of the laser systems engineer, this book reviews the concepts and components required for the development of laser-based systems for manufacturing, biomedical applications, laser radar, sensors, metrology, laser-based displays, directed energy, etc. Emphasizing practical design problems and the first-order equations and commercial off-the-shelf components used to solve them, this book is for engineers, scientists, and managers who want to quickly master the principles of laser system development.

Covered topics include:

• a review of the various types of lasers, with an emphasis on laser specifications unique to specific applications;

• propagation of ideal, aberrated, and higher-order Gaussian beams;

• selection of laser system optics and critical specifications for their use;

• requirements on the scan technologies, optical components, and system trades for beam scanning;

• radiometry of laser-based systems; and

• selection of detectors appropriate for laser systems, as well as the performance limitations of noise sources and their effects on overall architecture.

Authors: Kasunic, Keith J.