The three volumes VIII/1A, B, C document the state of the art of "Laser Physics and Appli- tions." Scienti?c trends and related technological aspects are considered by compiling results and conclusions from phenomenology, observation and experiments. Reliable data, physical fundam- tals and detailed references are presented. Intherecentdecadesthelasersourcematuredtoanuniversaltoolcommontoscienti?cresearch as well as to industrial use. Today the technical goal is the generation of optical power towards shorter wavelengths, shorter pulses, higher e?ciency and higher power for applications in...