Solid-State Laser Engineering, written from an industrial perspective, discusses in detail the characteristics, design, construction, and performance of solid-state lasers. Emphasis is placed on engineering and practical considerations; phenomenological aspects using models are preferred to abstract mathematical derivations. This new edition has extensively been updated to account for recent developments in the areas of diode-laser pumping, laser materials, and nonlinear crystals. Walter Koechner received a doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the University of Technology in Vienna, Austria, in 1965. He has published numerous papers in the fields of solid-state physics, optics, and lasers. Dr. Koechner is founder and president of Fibertek, Inc., a research firm specializing in the design, development, and production of advanced solid-state lasers, optical radars, and remote-sensing systems.

1. Introduction.- 2. Properties of Solid-State Laser Materials.- 3. Laser Oscillator.- 4. Laser Amplifier.- 5. Optical Resonator.- 6. Optical Pump Systems.- 7. Thermo-Optic Effects and Heat Removal.- 8. Q-Switching.- 9. Mode Locking.- 10. Nonlinear Devices.- 11. Damage of Optical Elements.- Appendix A Laser Safety.- Appendix B Conversion Factors and Constants.- References.