Basic Concepts

I. Requirements for a Laser

A. Laser gain medium

B. Laser pumping sources

C. Laser beam properties

II. Laser Properties Related to Applications

A. Collimation

B. Monochromaticity

C. Coherence

D. Intensity and Radiance

E. Focusability

III. Examples of Common Lasers

A. HeNe

B. Argon ion and Krypton ion

C. HeCd

D. Copper vapor

E. CO2

F. Excimer

G. Organic dye

H. Ruby

I. Nd:YAG and Nd:glass

J. Ti:Al2O3

K. Erbium fiber

L. Semiconductor lasers (solid state)

IV. Operation of a HeNe Laser

A. Laser structure

B. Laser operation

C. Laser beam development

D. Longitudinal frequency modes

E. Transverse spatial beam modes

F. Laser cavity properties

G. HeNe laser wavelengths