This book delivers a uniquely comprehensive and detailed discussion of the properties of optical resonators and the propagation of laser beams, covering basic theory and practical implementations including recent research. It presents the fundamental theories of resonators, such as geometrical optics, diffraction, and polarization, as well as the characteristics of important resonator schemes and their modelling. The book uses classical optics as a framework for discussing the characteristic parameters of light, such as coherence, polarization, beam size and divergence, and understanding the most fundamental laws of light propagation, including the generation and tailoring of laser beams using optical resonators in continuous-wave, Q-switched and modelocked laser operation. Intra-cavity and extra-cavity harmonic generation are discussed as well.

The long-anticipated third edition features considerable expansions and updates, with a new section on ultrafast pulse generation and propagation and mode-locked laser resonators. These, combined with the carefully structured text and autonomous nature of the chapters, make the book ideal for newcomers and invaluable to specialists in both academic and industry research.

Norman Hodgson is Chief Technology Officer for the Laser Segment of Coherent, Corp. in Santa Clara, CA. He has more than 35 years experience in optics and laser technology with a focus on solid state laser and fiber laser design, optimization and product development. Previously held positions include Vice President of Technology and Advanced Research at Coherent, Inc. (2010-2022), Vice President of Engineering at Coherent (2003-2009), Director of Engineering at Spectra-Physics, Inc. in Mountain View, CA (1998-2003), Senior Laser Engineer and Program Manager at Carl Zeiss, Inc. in Princeton, NJ and San Leandro, CA (1992-1996) and various university positions. Dr. Hodgson received his Diploma in Physics from the Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Germany, in 1986, and a PhD in Physics from Technical University Berlin in 1990. Dr. Hodgson has authored over 90 publications and conference presentations is co-inventor on more than 50 issued and pending patents, and was the recipient of the German WLT Award in 1994.