Astrophysical lasers / Vladilen Letokhov, Sveneric Johansson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Letokhov, V. S.

Contributor:

Johansson, S. (Sveneric), 1942-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Plasma lasers.

Plasma astrophysics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (271 p.)

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2009.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Progress in modern radio astronomy led to the discovery of space masers in the microwave range, and it became a powerful tool for studies of interstellar star-forming molecular clouds. Progress in observational astronomy, particularly with ground-based huge telescopes and the space-based Hubble Space Telescope, has led to recent discoveries of space lasers in the optical range. These operate in gas condensations in the vicinity of the mysterious star Eta Carinae (one of the mostluminous and massive stars of our Galaxy). Both maser and laser effects, first demonstrated under laboratory conditio

Contents:

Contents; 1 Introduction; 1.1 Historical remark; 1.2 From astrophysical masers to astrophysical lasers; 1.3 Amplification conditions for an atomic ensemble; 1.4 Structure of the book; 2 Elements of radiative quantum transitions; 2.1 Spontaneous and stimulated emission; 2.1.1 Thermodynamical equilibrium - Einstein coefficients A and B; 2.1.2 Semiclassical approach; 2.1.3 Quantum theory; 2.2 Broadening of spectral lines; 2.2.1 Radiative (natural) broadening; 2.2.2 Collisional broadening; 2.2.3 Doppler (nonhomogeneous) broadening; 2.3 Resonance scattering of radiation

2.3.1 Coherence of scattering in the atomic frame2.3.2 Doppler redistribution of frequency; 2.3.3 Number of resonance scattering events - escaping of photons; 3 Elements of atomic spectroscopy; 3.1 Basic concepts; 3.1.1 Structure and interactions; 3.1.2 LS coupling; 3.1.3 Terms, levels, and transitions in LS coupling - equivalent electrons; 3.1.4 Complex spectra; 3.1.5 Metastable states, pseudo-metastable states - forbidden lines; 3.2 One-electron systems; 3.2.1 One-electron atoms and ions; 3.2.2 Alkali and alkali-like spectra; 3.3 Two-electron systems

3.3.1 Alkaline earth elements and iso-electronic spectra3.3.2 Elements with two electrons or two holes in the p-shell; 3.4 Complex spectra - with emphasis on Fe II; 3.4.1 Definition and properties of complex spectra; 3.4.2 Astrophysical importance of Fe II; 3.4.3 The atomic structure of Fe II; 4 Elementary excitation processes in rarefied plasmas; 4.1 Photoionization of atoms; 4.2 Recombination; 4.3 Electron excitation and ionization; 4.4 Total and local thermodynamic equilibrium (TE and LTE) in plasma; 4.5 Non-LTE astrophysical media; 4.6 Non-LTE: photoselective excitation

5 Astrophysical rarefied gas/plasma5.1 Low-density gas nearby a hot star - Strömgren sphere; 5.2 Planetary nebulae; 5.2.1 Forbidden transitions; 5.2.2 Accidental coincidences of spectral emission and absorption lines; 5.3 Gas condensations (blobs) in the vicinity of a hot star; 5.4 Surroundings of symbiotic stars; 6 Basic elements of laser physics; 6.1 Amplification coeffcient; 6.2 Saturation of amplification; 6.2.1 Homogeneous broadening; 6.2.2 Doppler broadening; 6.3 Laser with resonant optical feedback (cavity); 6.3.1 Simple consideration; 6.3.2 Quantum considerations

6.4 Coherent properties of laser light6.4.1 Spatial coherence; 6.4.2 Temporal coherence and spectral bandwidth; 6.4.3 Coherent state of light field; 6.5 Laser as an amplifier; 6.5.1 Amplification of coherent light; 6.5.2 Amplification of spontaneous emission; 7 Introduction to astrophysical lasers; 7.1 Amplification under non-LTE conditions; 7.2 Astrophysical predecessors of the laser; 7.3 How is laser action manifested under astrophysical conditions?; 7.3.1 Integral intensity of a spectral line; 7.3.2 Width of a spectral line; 7.3.3 Divergence of radiation

8 Basics of collisionally pumped astrophysical lasers

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [233]-248) and index.

Description based on print version record.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

0-19-156335-8

OCLC:

317153062