The Power- and Energy-Handling Capability of Optical Materials, Components, and Systems

Because the lasers coming off the production lines are much more stable, efficient, and controlled than in the past, today's engineers often do not have the insight into the technology as was required of first-generation laser engineers. However, important insights into the use and performance of the laser and optical systems can be lost unless we remind ourselves of the problems our predecessors had to face. There is a maximum power and energy that you can put into or transmit through your opti…