Laser Fundamentals provides a clear, up-to-date, and comprehensive introduction to the physical and engineering principles of laser operation and design. Simple explanations, based throughout on key underlying concepts, lead from the basics of laser action to advanced topics in laser physics and engineering. The concepts of amplification, gain-bandwidth, and broadening are discussed in detail, as are topics such as Q-switching, mode-locking, and waveguide lasers. Descriptions of the twenty most common types of laser are given towards the end of the book, and it concludes with a chapter devoted to frequency multiplication. Containing worked examples, and many homework problems, the book will be invaluable to undergraduate and first year graduate physics and electrical engineering students taking courses on lasers. The summaries of key types of lasers and extensive references will also make it a useful reference volume.