Introduction

Abstract

At the beginning of this book a few brief comments on “where we stand” appear to be appropriate. The intensive effort of numerous researchers and laboratories has led to a certain maturing of the field with respect to the generation of picosecond laser pulses. The available wavelengths cover a wide range from the ultraviolet (~ 300 nm) to the mid-infrared (~ 12 μm). Pulse durations between one and one hundred picoseconds can be generated in various systems, and peak powers exceed the breakdown limit without difficulties. Equipment for the generation and analysis of picosecond laser pulses has left the laboratory stage and is now commercially available.