Ultrafast Lasers and Optics for Experimentalists (Second Edition): (IOP ebooks)

This book is designed to equip someone with minimal experience using lasers and optics with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively using an ultrafast laser system in their lab. This new edition features more information on different laser architectures, including explicit discussion of the differences between Ti:Sa and Yb:fibre lasers, and these are highlighted throughout where differences are relevant. Other sections have been expanded so that they now include better explanations and more context, content, and examples. ‘Ultrafast Lasers and Optics for Experimentalists (Second Edition)’ is intended for diverse audience: it codifies the basic principles of ultrafast laser operation and practical use, and explains key physical phenomena in an accessible and intuitive way, without recourse to dense mathematics. Key Features: An accessible introduction to ultrafast lasers and optics, designed specifically to allow a non-specialist to quickly get up to speed and be productive in their lab. Complex physical phenomena explained clearly and accessibly without dense mathematics. Sufficient information tailored to provide an experimental scientist (not necessarily laser specialists) with the tools to work effectively in the lab – guided by the author’s extensive hands-on practical experience. The book is specifically designed to assume a minimum of knowledge of lasers and optics initially.

Table of Contents:
Preface Common terminology Foreword Acknowledgements Author biography Part I Fundamentals 1 Lasers and laser light 2 Bandwidth and dispersion 3 Nonlinear optics Part I Practical ultrafast optics 4 Generating ultrashort pulses 5 Characterising ultrashort pulses 6 Manipulating ultrashort pulses 7 Building a beamline 8 Case studies Appendix A: Electromagnetic waves Appendix B: Useful resources Appendix C: Suppliers Appendix D: Frequency mixing detail Appendix E: Convolution

About the Author :
James David Pickering is a Lecturer in Physical Chemistry at the University of Leicester. Originally from Essex, he attended Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form and obtained his MChem in Chemistry at Jesus College, University of Oxford, and his PhD in Chemistry at Aarhus University. Following this, he returned to the UK and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford, where he also taught extensively in physical chemistry and mathematics. His research interests lie in the application of ultrafast and nonlinear spectroscopy. James is a committed and passionate scientific educator and teaches extensively across the physical natural sciences. He is an associate fellow of the Higher Education Academy.