different laser types and models. The overall success of lasers in industry no longer depends on the performance of lasers but on the availability of process data.
The Industrial Laser Handbook provides valuable information for the industrial user, scientists and the laser industry. The principles of the classic applications of the laser, such as welding, cutting and drilling, are briefly described. This chapter gives a short but informative overview of these laser applications. Tabular summaries provide details of useful laser types and process parameters for most of the commonly used materials.
The annual review of laser processing comprises 14 articles, which give up-to-date information on particular applications and also new laser systems. This chapter provides general scientific information on Nd:YAG and CO, lasers and beam delivery systems. Information concerning recent applications of excimer lasers is not given. The presentations, supported by tabular charts and diagrams, are well structured, which will allow a broad audience to extract the information of interest.
The second half of the Handbook provides reference lists for almost all questions related to the industrial use of lasers. Laser/system suppliers are listed as well as suppliers of laser rods. In addition a complete list of jobshops is presented.
The general appearance of the book is very pleasing and well structured. It can be used as a "handbook" in many areas of industrial laser application.
Rainer Patzel Industrial and Medical Lasers, Lambda Physik GmbH Hans-Bockler-Strasse 12, W-3400 Gottingen (FRG)
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