PHYSICS, OPTICS, AND SPECTROSCOPY OF MATERIALS Bridges a gap that exists between optical spectroscopists and laser systems developers Physics, Optics, and Spectroscopy of Materials provides professionals and students in materials science and engineering, optics, and spectroscopy a basic understanding and tools for stimulating current research, as well as developing and implementing new laser devices in optical spectroscopy. The author--a noted expert on that subject matter--covers a wide range of topics including: effects of light and mater interaction such as light absorption, emission and scattering by atoms and molecules; energy levels in hydrogen, hydrogen-like atoms, and many electron atoms; electronic structure of molecules, classification of vibrational and rotational motions of molecules, wave propagation and oscillations in dielectric solids, light propagation in isotropic and anisotropic solids, including frequency doubling dividing and shifting, solid materials optics, and lasers. The book provides a basic overview of the laser and its comprising components. For example, the text describes methods for achieving fast Q-switching in laser cavities, and illustrates examples of several specific laser systems used in industry and scientific research. This important book: * Provides a comprehensive background in material physics, optics, and spectroscopy * Details examples of specific laser systems used in industry and scientific research including helium/neon laser, copper vapor laser, hydrogen-fluoride chemical laser, dye lasers, and diode lasers * Presents a basic overview of the laser and its comprising components * Elaborates on several important subjects in laser beams optics: divergence modes, lens transitions, and crossing of anisotropic crystals Written for research scientists and students in the fields of laser science and technology and materials optical spectroscopy, Physics, Optics, and Spectroscopy of Materials covers knowledge gaps for concepts including oscillator strength, allowed and forbidden transitions between electronic and vibrational states, Raman scattering, and group-theoretical states nomenclature.