• name several different types of lasers and explain basic laser operation
• describe the characteristics of a laser beam and explain the two basic concepts needed to understand a laser
• describe the basic modifications that can be made to a laser to change its output characteristics
• explain the advantages and limitations of laser material processing
• explain various applications of lasers, such as color printing, defect detection, and fiber optic communication

Intended for engineers who want to increase their knowledge of laser technology and technicians working with lasers, viewers should have a basic understanding of scientific principles and elementary algebra.

Breck Hitz served for 20 years as the executive director of LEOMA-the Laser and Electro-Optics Manufacturers' Association-and organized much of the U.S. laser industry's political activities during that period. He has served as chairman of the ISO Laser Standards Committee, and has represented the U.S. laser industry at export-control negotiation at both COCOM (Paris) and Wassenaar (Vienna). He has presented the course to literally thousands of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business people. He holds Bachelor and Master degrees in physics from the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Massachusetts, respectively.