Lasers by Siegman, Anthony E. (1986) Hardcover Hardcover – October 17, 1986

This book is a masterpiece. As the simple title implies, this massive volume contains just about everything known about lasers up to the 1980s. One would think though, that such an ambitious text would inevitably leave certain subjects under-developed, but every page of the book emanates the care Siegman took in carefully thinking through each explanation and derivation to teach the reader. As one reads through the text chapter by chapter, the book also incorporates the modern (as of the 1980s, but much is still relevant) context of parameters and physics being discussed. For example, every section in the chapter on amplification cites the real measurements and performance of Nd:Glass, Ti:Sapph etc. gain mediums to really cement what the alphas and lambdas mean in reality. The meat of the exposition is superb, as Siegman's approach is to not only explain each concept thoroughly as they are introduced, but then double back towards the end of the chapter to insert his own personal insights and interpretations that are always illuminating. The book is so well done, he even writes a few sentences about the references included at the end of each section. It's a shame that Siegman passed away, since in the 30 years after its publication the field of lasers has advanced by leaps and bounds. I wouldn't trust anyone else to add to Siegman's book though, since his writing was truly one of a kind.

It is a great test book for one to have if they want to learn about lasers. It goes thru every detail, it is a lot of information to digest but Seigman puts it better then anyone else that I know of. Many other physics and laser text books quote Seigman's Lasers, so why not get the source that everyone trusts?

Most undergraduate and graduate classes use this book and it is an absolutely amazingly well-written book. I remember as an undergrad. this book was a little confusing but now with more experience in the field of laser and optics I see why this book is so highly regarded. The book hasn't been updated so its missing some more recent topics in lasers but it is still an amazing book. Check out Silfvast and Demtroder for other books that are also well written and offer some expounding on some topics that this book is weak on.

Helpful book, arrived on time in hood condition

This isn't a coffee table book. This is a coffee table. Seriously, this book is humongous. But, if you want to know anything about light, lasers or the meaning of life (for a physicist), then this is the book for you. Also, the writing style is refreshingly human for a physics text, along the lines of Griffiths or Hecht.

This remarkable text is a wonderful introduction to the world of lasers, especially good for undergraduate courses, particularly for engineers.The basic principles and practice are explained with extraordinary clarity, and without any significant mention of quantum mechanics. The main weakness of the book is the lack of information on semiconductor laser diodes - so central these days to many branches of laser engineering.For those wanting a more advanced undergraduate - or physics-based text - an excellent complementary text to Siegman's is Orazio Svelto's 'Principles of Lasers'.Siegman's book is an excellent engineering text - a terrific introduction for anybody who is new to lasers.

The author has a real talent for explaining. The book is surprisingly well written for a scientific reference book. Years after I followed the class where this book was used, it still sits on my shelf and I refer to it regularly for my work.

Steak sauce.