Quantum Electronics for Atomic Physics provides a course in quantum electronics for researchers in atomic physics. The book covers the usual topics, such as Gaussian beams, cavities, lasers, nonlinear optics and modulation techniques, but also includes a number of areas not usually found in a textbook on quantum electronics. It includes such practical matters as the enhancement of nonlinear processes in a build-up cavity, impedance matching into a cavity, laser frequency stabilization (including servomechanism theory), astigmatism in ring cavities, and atomic/molecular spectroscopic techniques for the generation of a discriminant for laser frequency locking. A number of very recent developments are discussed, such as fiber lasers and frequency metrology using femtosecond lasers. Problem sets are included at the end of each chapter.

Table of Contents

1. Gaussian beams ; 2. Optical resonators ; 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 a few specific CW laser systems ; 8. Laser gain in a semiconductor ; 9. Semiconductor diode lasers ; 10. Mode locked lasers and requency metrology ; 11. Laser frequency stabilization ; 12. Atomic and molecular discriminants ; 13. Frequency and amplitude modulation ; 14. Nonlinear optics

Author Biography

Following his PhD, Warren Nagourney undertook postdoctoral research at Columbia Radiation Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, after which he joined the physics department of the University of Washington as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in 1977. He remained with the department until his retirement, as a Research Professor, in 2007.