This graduate-level text presents the fundamental physics of solid-state lasers, including the basis of laser action and the optical and electronic properties of laser materials. Some knowledge of quantum mechanics and solid-state physics is assumed, but the discussion is as self-contained as possible, making the book an excellent reference as well as useful for independent study. After an overview of the topic, the book is divided into two parts. The first begins with a review of the quantum mechanics and solid-state physics, spectroscopy, and crystal field theory; it then treats the quantum...