Description
The book describes consistently the elements of laser science, astrophysical plasmas, modern astronomical observation techniques, and the fundamentals and properties of astrophysical lasers. The book will also be useful for a wider audience interested in modern developments of natural sciences and technology. Vladilen Letokhov Head of Laser Spectroscopy Department Institute of Spectroscopy , Russian Academy of Sciences Troitsk, Russia V.S. Letokhov. Graduation with Nobel Prize winner N. Basov in P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute. Founder (1970) and Head of Laser Spectroscopy Department, Institute of Spectroscopy, Troitsk. Visiting Professor of many Universities in USA, France, etc. Tage Erlander Professor (2000) in Lund University. Doctor Honoris Causa of University Paris-Nord and Lund University. Editor and member of editorial board of dozen international scientific journals (in various periods). Member of European Academy of Arts and Science, European Academy, Max Planck Society etc. Author of 850 scientific publications and 13 monographs. Awards: Lenin State Prize for Science and Technology (1978); Quantum Electronics Prize of European Physical Society (1998) etc. Sveneric Johansson Head of Atomic Astrophysics Division, Institute of Astronomy Lund University, Sweden S. Johansson. Graduation with Professor Edlen, Lund University. Guest Scientist at NASA/GSFC and University of Maryland, USA. Head of Atomic Astrophysics Division, Institute of Astronomy, Lund University, President of Commission of International Astronomical Union (2003-2006). Author 150 scientific publications and 2 monographs. Awards: Wallmarska Prize of Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
