Physics of Solid-State Laser Materials, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1998 Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Series, Vol. 1

This graduate-level text presents the fundamental physics of solid-state lasers, including the basis of laser action and the optical and electronic properties of laser materials. After an overview of the topic, the first part begins with a review of quantum mechanics and solid-state physics, spectroscopy, and crystal field theory; it then treats the quantum theory of radiation, the emission and absorption of radiation, and nonlinear optics; concluding with discussions of lattice vibrations and ion-ion interactions, and their effects on optical properties and laser action. The second part treats specific solid-state laser materials, the prototypical ruby and Nd-YAG systems being treated in greatest detail; and the book concludes with a discussion of novel and non-standard materials. Some knowledge of quantum mechanics and solid-state physics is assumed, but the discussion is as self-contained as possible, making this an excellent reference, as well as useful for independent study.

1. Introduction.- 1.1 Solid-State Laser Operation and Design Parameters.- 1.2 Material Requirements for Laser Hosts and Active Ions.- 1.3 Material Preparation and Optical Quality.- References.- 2. Electronic Energy Levels.- 2.1 Free-Ion Energy Levels.- 2.2 Elements of Group Theory.- 2.3 Crystal-Field Splitting of Energy Levels.- References.- 3. Radiative Transitions.- 3.1 The Photon Field.- 3.2 Selection Rules.- 3.3 Properties of Spectral Lines.- 3.4 Nonlinear Optical Properties.- References.- 4. Electron-Phonon Interactions.- 4.1 The Phonon Field.- 4.2 Weak Coupling: Radiationless Transitions.- 4.3 Weak Coupling: Vibronic Transitions.- 4.4 Weak Coupling: Spectral Linewidth and Line Position.- 4.5 Example: Spectral Properties of SrTiO3: Cr3+.- 4.6 Strong Coupling.- 4.7 Jahn—Teller Effect.- References.- 5. Ion-Ion Interaction.- 5.1 Exchange-Coupled Ion Pairs.- 5.2 Nonradiative Energy Transfer: Single-Step Process.- 5.3 Phonon-Assisted Energy Transfer.- 5.4 Nonradiative Energy Transfer: Multistep Process.- 5.5 Connection with Experiment: Rate Equation Analysis.- References.- 6. Al2O3: Cr3+ Laser Crystals.- 6.1 Energy Levels of Cr3+.- 6.2 Crystal-Field Splitting.- 6.3 Spin-Orbit Splitting and Selection Rules.- 6.4 Strong-Field Laser Materials.- References.- 7. Transition-Metal-Ion Laser Materials.- 7.1 Broad-Band Cr3+ Laser Materials: Alexandrite.- 7.2 Spectral Properties of Cr3+ in Different Hosts and Their Laser Characteristics.- 7.3 Transition-Metal Ions and Host Crystals.- 7.4 Laser Materials Based on Ti3+ Ions.- 7.5 Laser Materials Based on Ions with 3d2 Configurations.- 7.6 Laser Materials Based on Ions with 3d3 Through 3d8Configurations.- References.- 8. Y3A15012: Nd3+ Laser Crystals.- 8.1 Energy Levels of Nd3+.- 8.2 Crystal-Field Splitting.- 8.3 Radiative Transitions: Judd-Ofelt Theory.- 8.4 Example: Y3A15O12:Nd3+.- References.- 9. Rare-Earth-Ion Laser Materials.- 9.1 Nd3+ Lasers.- 9.2 Other Trivalent Lanthanide Lasers.- References.- 10. Miscellaneous Laser Materials.- 10.1 Other Rare-Earth-Ion Lasers.- 10.2 Nonlinear Optical Lasers.- 10.3 Color-Center Lasers.- 10.4 Other Solid-State Lasers.- References.