Basic Laser Technology: Fundamentals and Performance Specifications

Level: Introductory Length: 4 hours Format: In-Person Lecture Intended Audience: Managers, engineers, technicians, assemblers, sales/marketing, customer service, and other support staff. This short course will help cultivate a common/standardized understanding of lasers across the company. Description: If you are uncomfortable working with lasers as "black boxes" and would like to have a basic understanding of their inner workings, this introductory course will be of benefit to you. The workshop will cover the basic principles common to the operation of any laser/laser system. Next, we will discuss laser components and their functionality. Components covered will include laser pumps/energy sources, mirrors, active media, nonlinear crystals, and Q-switches. The properties of laser beams will be described in terms of some of their common performance specifications such as longitudinal modes and monochromaticity, transverse electromagnetic (TEM) modes and focusability, continuous wave (CW) power, peak power and power stability. Laser slope and wall-plug efficiencies will also be discussed. Learning Outcomes: This course will enable you to: - build stronger relationships with clients and customers by demonstrating product knowledge - describe the overall inner workings of any laser - intelligently engage your clients or customers using proper laser terminology - obtain the technical knowledge and confidence to enhance your job performance and rise above the competition, inside and outside your company - describe the functionality of the key laser components - explain the difference between how acousto- and electro-optic Q-switches work - explain how each key component in a laser may contribute to laser performance Instructor(s): Sydney Sukuta is currently a Laser Technology professor at San Jose City College. He also has industry experience working for some of the world's leading laser manufacturers in Silicon Valley where he saw first-hand the issues they encounter on a daily basis. In response, Dr. Sukuta developed prescriptive short courses to help absolve most of these issues. Event: SPIE Photonics West 2025 Course Held: 29 January 2025