Abstract

Laser technology has reached maturity in less than fifteen years. We shall examine the various reasons for its phenomenal growth in material processing areas. Fortunately, a framework for this review was provided about ten years ago. Various project stages covering the periods of Scientific Curiosity, Seed, Fundamentals, Applications, and Maturity were described. These stages will be illustrated by examples chosen to clarify the changing nature of the developments and justifications for the use of lasers.

© 1984 Optical Society of America