An Introduction to Lasers and Laser Systems

Dhruba Biswas joined the laser program of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai in August 1979 after obtaining his M.Sc. (Physics) from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He later obtained his Ph.D. from the Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK, in 1986, where he was on a two years sabbatical. His research work over the years has encompassed physics and technology of lasers, optical chaos, laser isotope separation, non-linear optics, laser assisted surface cleaning & modification etc. He has to his credit till date well over 125 peer reviewed research publications, a majority of them in American Physical Journals, including review papers and book chapters. While his work is commendable with respect to the new results that are of considerable academic value, it assumes greater significance as it involves technological innovations particularly appropriate from the point of view of a developing nation. The quality of his research work is of special value with regard to novelty, cost effectiveness, simplicity and new physical insights.He has been recipient of a number of national and international awards. Notable awards include - Indian National Science Academy Young Scientist Award in Physics, Indian National Science Academy A K Bose Memorial Award in Physical Sciences, N. S. Satyamurty Memorial Award of Indian Physics Association, Homi Bhabha Science & Technology Award of Department of Atomic Energy, Senior Associateship of International Centre of Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy etc. He has presented numerous invited talks in national and international symposiums, and seminars, both technical and popular, in India, USA, and many countries across Europe. He has taught ‘Laser Physics & Technology’ course to both Physics trainees as well as all branches of Engineering trainees of the BARC Training School for almost two decades.

Padma Nilaya joined the laser program of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in 1992 after obtaining both her graduation and post-graduation degrees in physics with highest University honours. A gifted experimentalist and exceptionally proficient in research documentation, her work is replete with new results with significant academic value and technological novelties. She has left indelible marks in the area of gas laser physics & technology by way of achieving switchless operation of transversely excited lasers, operating atmospheric pressure CO2 lasers by dispensing with scarce and expensive helium gas and conceiving a novel scheme of achieving multiple frequency lasing from a non-dispersive cavity laser. She is the first to observe field enhanced surface absorption and to subsequently exploit it to achieve laser cleaning of contaminated nuclear fuel elements. Enhancing the efficiency of nonlinear conversion by eliminating the effect of interference is another of her landmark contribution in the area of nonlinear optics. She now leads a group engaged in the development of new coherent sources of strategic value, laser isotope separation, and laser surface interactions. Till date she has coauthored about80 peer reviewed research publications including review papers and book chapters.