Laser Physics

  1. Laser Physics Principles
    1. Population Inversion
      1. Concept and Requirements
        1. Threshold Conditions
          1. Inversion Density
            1. Energy Level Systems
              1. Two-Level System Limitations
                1. Three-Level Systems
                  1. Ruby Laser Example
                    1. Pumping Requirements
                      1. Efficiency Limitations
                      2. Four-Level Systems
                        1. Nd:YAG Example
                          1. Advantages
                            1. Lower Threshold
                            2. Quasi-Three-Level Systems
                          2. Optical Gain
                            1. Gain Coefficient
                              1. Gain Saturation
                                1. Saturation Intensity
                                  1. Homogeneous Saturation
                                    1. Inhomogeneous Saturation
                                    2. Gain Bandwidth
                                      1. Gain Cross-Section
                                      2. Pumping Mechanisms
                                        1. Optical Pumping
                                          1. Lamp Pumping
                                            1. Flashlamps
                                              1. Arc Lamps
                                                1. Efficiency Considerations
                                                2. Laser Diode Pumping
                                                  1. Wavelength Matching
                                                    1. Brightness Advantages
                                                      1. Thermal Management
                                                    2. Electrical Pumping
                                                      1. Gas Discharge
                                                        1. DC Discharge
                                                          1. RF Discharge
                                                            1. Electron Impact Excitation
                                                            2. Semiconductor Injection
                                                              1. P-N Junction Physics
                                                                1. Carrier Recombination
                                                                  1. Current Density Requirements
                                                                2. Chemical Pumping
                                                                  1. Thermal Pumping
                                                                    1. Nuclear Pumping

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                                                                  3. Light-Matter Interaction Mechanisms

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                                                                  5. Optical Resonators and Cavity Physics