The Power and Energy-Handling Capability of Optical Materials, Components, and Systems (SPIE Tutorial Texts in Optical Engineering Vol. TT60)

Description: Because the lasers coming off the production lines are much more stable, efficient, and controlled than in the past, today's engineers often do not have the insight into the technology as was required of first-generation laser engineers. However, important insights into the use and performance of the laser and optical systems can be lost unless we remind ourselves of the problems our predecessors had to face. There is a maximum power and energy that you can put into or transmit through your optical system; in many cases, this maximum is well below the laser-induced damage threshold. This tutorial explains the factors and constraints that limit the capability of optical materials, components, and systems. Measurement techniques, specifications, and an overview of the international standards are covered as well, in a concise, easy-to-read format. Partial Contents: Material Characteristics and Performance of Optical ComponentsLaser-Material InteractionsSurfaces, Subsurface, and CoatingsSpecifications, Measurements and International StandardsLaser-induced Damage ThresholdPhysics of Reflectance, Transmittance, Absorption, and ScatterTest Patterns and How to Read ThemVideo Cards and Image QualityWindow and LevelOverview of CRT Raster DisplayRoger M. Wood is the author of 'The Power and Energy-Handling Capability of Optical Materials, Components, and Systems (SPIE Tutorial Texts in Optical Engineering Vol. TT60)', published 2003 under ISBN 9780819447432 and ISBN 0819447439.