Quantum Electronics for Atomic Physics

Quantum Electronics for Atomic Physics provides a course in quantum electronics for researchers in atomic physics and other related areas such as telecommunications. The book covers the usual topics, such as Gaussian beams, lasers, nonlinear optics and modulation techniques, but also includes a number of areas not usually found in a textbook on quantum electronics. Among the latter are such practical matters as the enhancement of nonlinear processes in a build-up cavity or periodically polled waveguide, impedance matching into a cavity, laser frequency stabilization (including servomechanism theory), astigmatism in ring cavities, and frequency locking a laser to an atomic or molecular line. The second edition includes a new complete chapter on optical waveguide theory, fiber optic components and fiber lasers. Other updates include new coverage of mode locked fiber lasers, comb generation in a micro-resonator, and periodically poled optical waveguides. "This is a well-written and readable introduction to quantum electronics which treats topics not usually found in traditional texts. Nagourney has put together what could become a standard book in the field." --Ifan Hughes, Durham University"Graduate students and researchers in atomic physics, as well as university lecturers, will find this a useful resource." --Cern Courier1. Gaussian beams ; 2. Optical resonators - geometrical properties ; 3. Energy relations in optical cavities ; 4. Optical cavity as frequency discriminator ; 5. Laser gain and some of its consequences ; 6. Laser oscillation and pumping mechanisms ; 7. Descriptions of specific CW laser systems ; 8. Laser gain in a semiconductor ; 9. Semiconductor diode lasers ; 10. Guided wave devices and fiber lasers ; 11. Mode-locked lasers and frequency metrology ; 12. Laser frequency stabilization and control systems ; 13. Atomic and molecular discriminants ; 14. Nonlinear optics ; 15. Frequency and amplitude modulation