Laser Spectroscopy and Nonlinear Optics of Solids

Book excerpt: Laser spectroscopy in solids has become one of the most exciting fields in solid state physics. Its importance has become particularly apparent since the advent of a number of new materials - both organic and inorganic - whose nonlinear optical properties can be used to generate laser beams over a wide spectroscopic range. In laboratories all over the world efforts are being made to produce new nonlinear optical materials which have attractive features for spectroscopic work. In this book the present status of the field is reviewed by researchers who have made significant contributions to the development of this frontier area. Is is an excellent introduction for anyone beginning research on the nonlinear optics of solids.