Introduction

The goal of technical publishing in its most basic form is to transfer knowledge. In terms of applications, it is to provide examples of how new technology can be applied within a particular industry to inspire and motivate its further use by others. As the reader goes through this book, there comes a moment where the abstract focuses to a point where ideas merge and one might ask, “Could that work for my application?” The editor’s goals for this book, Laser Beam Shaping Applications (second edition), is threefold: (1) update the information originating in the first edition, (2) explore new applications that have come about during the time period between the two publications, and (3) inspire creativity to drive further innovation within the field.