If you are uncomfortable working with lasers as "black boxes" and would like to have a basic understanding of their inner workings, this introductory course will be of benefit to you. The workshop will cover the basic principles common to the operation of any laser/laser system. Next, we will discuss laser components and their functionality. Components covered will include laser pumps/energy sources, mirrors, active media, nonlinear crystals, and Q-switches. The properties of laser beams will be described in terms of some of their common performance specifications such as longitudinal modes and monochromaticity, transverse electromagnetic (TEM) modes and focusability, continuous wave (CW) power, peak power and power stability. Laser slope and wall-plug efficiencies will also be discussed.

This workshop will provide attendees with a basic understanding of laser beam performance specifications. Topics to be covered include Beam Pointing Stability, Polarization Ratio, RMS Noise, Peak-to-Peak Noise, Pulse Duration and Duty Cycle, Peak Power, Average Power, Pulse Repetition Rate, and M2. These specifications constitute the critical parameters that determine whether or not a laser, or laser system, will do the intended job.