This book describes the basic mechanisms, theory, simulations and technological aspects of Laser processing techniques. It covers the principles of laser quenching, welding, cutting, alloying, selective sintering, ablation, etc. The main attention is paid to the quantitative description. The diversity and complexity of technological and physical processes is discussed using a unitary approach. The book aims on understanding the cause-and-effect relations in physical processes in Laser technologies. It will help researchers and engineers to improve the existing and develop new Laser machining techniques. The book addresses readers with a certain background in general physics and mathematical analysis: graduate students, researchers and engineers practicing laser applications.

Smurov Igor, born on 12.01.1954 in Moscow, Russia. Graduated in 1977 from the Moscow Physical-Engineering Institute (MEPHI). Obtained in 1982 a Ph.D. degree from the Baikov Institute of Metallurgy (IMET), USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow. Since 1991: Full Professor at the National Engineering School in St-Etienne (ENISE), France. Since 2001: Director of R&D Laboratory 'Diagnostics and Imaging in Industrial Processes' (DIPI). Main research directions: interaction of energy fluxes (laser, plasma, flame) with materials, surface technologies, thermal spraying, optical diagnostics, and numerical simulation. In laser applications, contribution to the fields of: laser surface treatment (cladding, alloying), pyrometry in laser machining, laser assisted direct manufacturing, laser induced plasma. More than 350 scientific publications. Coordinator of several European R&D projects as Growth, Brite, Copernicus, Intas.