Part of the “SPIE Field Guides” series, the Field Guide to Lasers provides an overview of various types of lasers and their properties as well as an introduction to the physical and technological aspects of the devices. Dye, gas, Raman, semiconductor, solid-state bulk, and fiber and waveguide lasers are among the types covered. Along with basic principles such as stimulated emission and the properties of optical resonators, the 151-page spiral-bound book discusses laser noise, the properties of laser crystals, the impact of thermal effects on laser performance, and methods of wavelength tuning and pulse generation. Chapters also are devoted to tunable lasers, narrow-linewidth operation, Q-switching, mode locking, laser safety, and design and development. Charts, diagrams and equations are provided. Rüdiger Paschotta; SPIE Press, Bellingham, Wash., 2008; $32, members; $37, nonmembers.