This book provides an overview of the laser-damage phenomena occurring in the bulk and on the surface of optical components. Ristau’s selection of diverse topics offers a comprehensive overview on recent developments in this area of research, which has a lot of applications in laser technology and production of photonics and optical components, materials and coatings. Topics include the fundamentals of laser damage, how to measure and detect laser damage, and the involvement of materials and surfaces in this phenomenon, as well as the application of optical components for space-born laser systems. I recommend this book for readers from diverse backgrounds (optics, materials science, physics and engineering). It fills a hole in the existing literature.
Review by Christian Brosseau, professor of physics at the Université de Bretagne Occidentale in Brest, France, and OSA Fellow.
The opinions expressed in the book review section are those of the reviewer and do not necessarily reflect those of OPN or OSA.