Mid-Infrared Coherent Sources and Applications

Internationally recognized experts present a collection of reviews covering mid-infrared (mid-IR) coherent sources and their applications. The reviews offer a multidisciplinary examination of both the fundamental principles and the state of the art in the field.

Among the sources covered are optical parametric oscillators, difference frequency generators, and the most recent broadband crystalline, quantum cascade, and fiber lasers. In addition, coverage includes more traditional heterojunction semiconductor lasers.

The authors show how rapid advances in mid-IR science and technology make these sources indispensable for a variety of applications in environmental monitoring, pollution control, agricultural and life sciences, and non-invasive disease diagnosis. They also discuss important applications in atmospheric chemistry, free-space communication, imaging, detection of explosives, chemical and biological agents, narcotics, and air- and sea-borne security.

In contrast to the previous volume on this subject, which focused on the design and development of mid-IR sources, this volume highlights practical applications.