Book excerpt: This volume introduces the subject of laser ablation and desorption to scientists and engineers. It covers fundamental experimental and theoretical tools, models, and techniques, and introduces the most important applications. Clearly written and organized in a straightforward manner, Laser Ablation and Desorption lead the reader straight through the fundamentals of laser-surface interactions. Each chapter is self-contained and includes references to other chapters as necessary, so that readers may begin with the topic of greatest interest and follow the references to other aspects of the subject contained within the book.Key Features* Provides up-to-date information about one of the most active fields in physics today* Written and edited by major figures in the field of laser ablation and desorption* Represents the most comprehensive treatment of the state-of-the-art available