American Institute of Physics Conference Proceedings. Number 160. Advances in Laser Science-II. Proceedings of the International Laser Science Conference (2nd) Held in Seattle, Washington on 20-24 October 1986

This Proceedings volume is not intended to replace the publication of new and complete research results in the technical journals that cover our fields. Instead, the brief accounts of research from the contributed and some of the invited papers are intended to be focused on providing entry-level information about the research topic chosen, with just enough description aided by a listing of the key references to enable the reader to (1) understand the basis of what has been accomplished, and (2) know where to look in order to find more detailed information. Others of the invited papers, the plenary lectures, and an accounting of the initial panel discussion are directed more at providing reviews of technical areas as well as original results, and in some instances include historical perspectives and thoughts on future directions. Keywords include: Laser science, Lasers, Coherent sources, Optics, and Spectroscopy.