ABSTRACT
It is not surprising that the introductory chapter of a book entitled Laser Spectroscopy and Laser Imaging commences its journey with a few historical remarks on the human fascination with color and imaging, topics that profoundly inspired artists, and later triggered the curiosity of scientists. Obviously, at the beginning of the chapter, emphasis is placed on how the advent of the laser, with its “magical” light properties, revolutionized both spectroscopy and imaging. After this appetizer, the chapter describes how the main body of the book comprises three major dishes: basic photon–matter interaction processes; an in-depth coverage of spectroscopic techniques with selected practical applications; and finally chapters dedicated to spectrally resolved imaging methodologies and applications. As for the level of the treated topics, the authors highlight that they made an effort throughout the book to maintain a balanced equilibrium between the description of fundamental principles; extensive discussions of key applications; and their passion to present the state of the art in the ever-expanding fields of laser spectroscopy and laser imaging.
